Anonymous374728
- Date posted
- 2y
Hello
How does one stop ruminating it seems impossible!?
AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 2y
Check out aguywhohikes on instagram he is one of the ocdrecovery.org coaches and has some really good explanations about how rumination functions. The spoiler tho is that automatic rumination you don’t stop, while you can bring down some of the engagement with the rumination, most thoughts come automatically. I’m sorry if you are suffering, I’m there a lot too. I hope this helps, and that you find days where symptoms are less present. Cheers
Anonymous374728Anonymous374728
- Date posted
- 2y
@Anonymous Thanks for the help I hardly have any moments when the thoughts and anxiety isn’t flowing in but sometimes I briefly do
KTSylvaKTSylva
- Date posted
- 2y
MyLifeIsOCDMyLifeIsOCD
- Date posted
- 2y
Thank you so much! That one is extremely helpful! ❤️❤️
Tee10Tee10
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
@KTSylva Good article. Thank you for sharing. It takes a change in perspective when it comes to your thoughts. It definitely takes some practice though. Rewiring our brains to not react with the feeling in response to the thought can take time.
Anonymous374728Anonymous374728
- Date posted
- 2y
Do we ever get to be certain when this is all done or is it a life time of uncertainty
ada110ada110
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
No human can ever be certain of these things, the difference is people with OCD obsess over the cracks of doubt that will always exist if you look for them. It's not our fault - it's a mental health disorder! During recovery I have found that the moments when I've felt ok and like my old self haven't been because I've been certain, it's been because I just wasn't bothered by the doubt. Unfortunately when you're in the throws of OCD or have been triggered this all goes out the window and there is no point trying to apply any logic or reassurance to the thoughts because it just isn't going to stick. That's why learning to not respond, accept the anxiety and have faith is all you can do in those moments. ERP helps you get better at noticing these moments and knowing what to do to help.
KTSylvaKTSylva
- Date posted
- 2y
I am actually going to disagree with aguywhohikes.. I was a part of their group for awhile and they are just a few ppl who are in recovery from ocd. I found more help on rumination from NOCD- it is about our engagement with the thoughts and we do have a choice to not run down the rabbit holes of rumination. It takes work but I have more peace now then I did when working with ocdrecovery- they mainly told me I had to be ok with any of my fears happening.
KTSylvaKTSylva
- Date posted
- 2y
@KTSylva But I also think different people will have success with different techniques. But ERP is definitely more effective for more ppl
MyLifeIsOCDMyLifeIsOCD
- Date posted
- 2y
Do you have a link maybe? 😊
AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 2y
@KTSylva Yeah, I mentioned engagement as well and I think we probably agree on that. For me, intrusive thoughts and rumination go hand in hand, and like the old adage goes “don’t think about the pink elephant” I can’t stop the thoughts, I do have a choice to give non engaging responses and not answer the questions of the rumination though. Anywho, glad you are finding more peace now in your recovery that’s great
ada110ada110
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
Keep at the ERP, it will get easier to notice when you're doing it and return to the present.
Related posts
Patrick McGrath
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 24w
Advice on instrusive thoughts that won't stop?
What's a piece of advice you give when someone has constantly intrusive thoughts and ruminations that won't stop? Interested to see what you tell others.....more on this when I see some replies!!!
kitchensink234
- Date posted
- 16w
Advice please!
I have really started to take control of my compulsions and im starting to string together better days! Still not great days or even good, but they are better!!! I have controlled my outward compulsions (googling, research, reassurance, checking) the past couple of days and felt the positive impact of that. But unfortunately, I am realizing that the rumination is still constant. My sexuality and relationship are the only two things constantly on my brain, and if they aren’t I freak out and wonder why im not thinking about them! Anyone have any advice on how to deal with the rumination. Sometimes I don’t even notice im doing it, but it’s taking up 90% of my day. Once I start to tackle this I think I may make some real big progress! Hope everyone is fighting today! ❤️
RavenRose77
- Date posted
- 14w
Ruminating Help
I ruminated too much this morning and got distressing mental images (and confirmation) which sent me spiraling again. How do I stop thinking about this and how do I get back to myself? I feel destroyed.
Be a part of the largest OCD Community
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond