- Username
- seagoat
- Date posted
- 1y ago
How to Overcome
How do you practice overcoming these thoughts? I read that accepting, allowing it to exist without interaction can help, but I don’t know how to apply it or how long it can last
How do you practice overcoming these thoughts? I read that accepting, allowing it to exist without interaction can help, but I don’t know how to apply it or how long it can last
Someone once told me that thoughts are kind of like social media. You can scroll through and see each one, but you have the decision of whether or not you want to interact with it. Sometimes weird posts come up, so you just keep scrolling. Thoughts are out of our control. Everyone gets silly thoughts but people with OCD are prone to interact with them. Maybe try just "scrolling" through your thoughts and taking a second to think if you feel the need to "like" or "comment" or "share" each one. Not sure if that will help you but it was helpful for me some days
@ohseedee8 I really like that analogy and I feel like that is a really helpful way to think.
@seagoat i know it's cheesy but hopefully this works for you!
I think one of the most helpful things we can learn is that OCD isn't a 'thought disorder'. In other words, we don't need to do anything to get rid of the thoughts- it is our belief that the thoughts may mean something or that we need to 'do' something (compulsions) to get rid of them or neutralize them that is the real problem.
Often the harder someone with OCD fights the thoughts or tries to push them out of their mind, the stronger they get. Accepting them while not engaging is often more effective. Try to allow yourself to have the thought and respond with a neutral statement like “thanks OCD” or “maybe it’s true maybe it’s not” without engaging any more or less than that. I know easier said than done, but with time and practice it does get better. You may find the attached article helpful too.
@Lisa LeeLou I don’t see an article attached but I appreciate the words a lot. I’m gonna try this.
Sorry I forgot to attach it. https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/info/ocd-stats-and-science/do-intrusive-thoughts-mean-anything
Any tips on whenever you’re getting that intrusive thought, what can I tell myself without reassuring myself
I'm truly doing my best to let these thoughts exist and to not engage with them, but it's so hard because the lingering feelings of guilt, shame, and anxiety are still there. does anyone have any tips on how to combat this? any encouraging advice?
How does one take the step to except uncertainty especially when the thoughts are so disturbing and ones you know do not reflect your values and true feelings, how do you do this but remind yourself it’s not truly who you are, how do you not feel guilty?
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