I just found out this was a compulsion šµāš« Iāve been doing that this whole time ā¦ā¦. Lol does anyone struggle with this/what helps?? I was listening to a podcast and it said trying to rationalize with logic was a compulsion and that I need to sit in the uncertainty and discomfort. (Logic doesnāt work for ocd anyway) Any advice? Anyone out there do something similar?
Applying logic to OCD is tricky when it comes to this disorder. Logically, we know our fears are irrational and donāt make sense, but thereās a disconnect in the brain that doesnāt allow us to process that correctly. Itās kinda hard to explain.
@blazed Well said actually! I was trying to explain this but I was struggling haha
@blazed Agreed, well said. I think if youāre trying to apply logic when triggered or heightened anxiety, itās self reassurance which will almost certainly be followed by more what ifs. However, post trigger it helps to apply logic to challenge your thoughts (whatās the evidence for or against the thought, what are the actual odds of this happening and is it higher or lower than I initially thought, how accountable can I actually be for this thing that I cannot control, what would you say to a friend who is having this concern) and then you develop a more balanced view of the issue. You build up your bank of balanced views and can experiment with it by checking in on the issue again at a later time or date. This slowly helps your brain start to connect the dots. It is cbt and should be done in conjunction with erp.
@divyD 100%. I was taught something similar when I was in therapy for CBT. After a spiral I reflect on my triggers and what happened, and I find that doing so gives me more clarity and helps with the emotions that come with my intrusive thoughts and anxiety.
@blazed It does help to reflect doesnāt it. Sometimes it can be a stressful day, lack of sleep etc, or can be cyclical. I hope youāre at a good point in your journey!
I think that it is it difficult to remove the logic from any type of therapy. Logic is going to be used to understand ocd and how to handle the instrusive thoughts. However, when it comes to trying to understand or rationalize intrusive thoughts, logic is not going to be used.
I think it depends where you are in the healing process. If your in recovery or maintenance, then I believe you could use logic is your using your logical/sound mind. Itās what people without OCD do. šā¤ļø
Iām confused because my therapist told me I should focus on logic (the facts) to understand that my fear of contamination is excessive.. Wouldnāt thinking logical be a good thing? I donāt get it either.
@Anonymous Itās so tricky, but I think follow what your therapist says because everyone is different! Logic may work really well for you :) it helps me a lot, but I try not to rely on it because it creates a spiral for me.
@Anonymous I see.. I often get stuck in it, too because like @kirstenrisk said āuncertainty is often inevitableā, which is true. Even with logic, itās like can you be 100% sure? I mean, thoughts are thoughtsā¦ itās just confusing, but definitely get why you feel that way
@Anonymous I find the āOCD Recoveryā podcast by Ali Greymond very helpful.
@kirstenrisk Yeah I was really confused when I heard it too. I think itās good to have logic as a base (thatās what I do!) but sometimes I get lost in the what ifs still /:
Iāve tried living in the uncertainty today & kept myself busy but I canāt shake this feeling that Iām about to lose control & act on my thoughts. I keep feeling like I need to check in to see how I feel & keep my self safe & when Iām near my trigger it feels like Iām being pulled into doing it & feels like I want to but Iām not using compulsions. My thoughts feel like my own & feeling like Iāll be like this forever. Can someone relate or give advice š©
Curious.... the news has been terribly distressing for me and has stirred up OCD. Compulsive rumination and checking (news stories) are my go-to when OCD is triggered. Today, I purposely did not listen to my news podcast as I do every morning. I feel better-ish. Is this avoidance, or is this self care? Would continuing to listen to a podcast be exposure with response prevention applied to the compulsions that go with it? Thanks in advance!
Hello everyone! Iām starting to recognize when my thoughts begin to spiral, when iām seeking reassurance or checking. But I still have the sense of uneasiness and anxiety. I was wondering what others do that allow them to move forward with their day when they realize this? I donāt know if Iām making sense, but what are ways you pull the focus back to the present and yourself? Like besides saying āmaybe or maybe notā, more like what do you do with yourself after you recognize the thoughts? I feel like Iām at a ānow what?ā and donāt know what to do with my anxious energy. Iām trying to find something physical to help me so if you also have any hobbies or interests that help I would love to hear it.
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