Is anyone here dealing with Harm OCD? What helps you the most when the intrusive thoughts are there?

Harm ocd hit me like lightning when I was 11. I am now 27 and my ocd has shifted, however I still have those fears from time to time. I had the worst thoughts towards the people I loved the most and animals. My mom has the same ocd and told me that we have these thoughts because we are sensitive and the thought of something happening to them, let alone me doing it, left me paralyzed with fear. What helps is a reality check by looking at the facts. I have had this 16 years and never once acted on my thoughts. Instead I am now an animal activist. When I have the thoughts I remind myself that I am afraid I would do something because it’s the OPPOSITE of what I want to do! And then when ocd says “but what if you want to?” I say, people who harm others don’t freak out about it, they just act. They are not afraid, and are not sensitive or empathetic. If you find yourself seeing a murder story and thinking “what if that’s me next?!” I remind myself that the killer was clearly not in distress thinking oh no what if I do this?!” Empaths are bothered by the thoughts where as Sociopaths are not bothered by them. The fact that we are bothered by them is a reminder that I/we don’t want to, therefore won’t act on them. :)

skells that was great. do you have any tips on how to remove emotional numbness? I have wavering intrusive thoughts about harm sometimes and when it happens now all I feel is numb

Ocdsucksbutt try grounding techniques! Name 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Working the 5 senses will bring you back. Also, try essential oils! The smell will stimulate you and bring you into the moment. Lastly, try meditation and/or yoga. It helps bring you back to your center when everything feels too much or too numb. :)

You just gotta let it take its course, if you really want to eliminate anxiety for a really long time, keep yourself busy, if you’re old enought go get a job and make a friend. It’s not gonna work right away but it could. You gotta just be busy and with people

thank you so much

Had to come back to take my own advice😂😭