Pure OCD Techniques

Hi all! I’ve gotten all my physical compulsions under control, but I’m still fighting the intrusive thoughts (and by fighting, I mean welcoming and acknowledgment them but not interacting). I thought once the compulsions went away, the OCD goes away or at least decreases. Ruminating is my mental compulsion that my brain is stuck on - yes, I’ve always been an over thinker. Any techniques that you’ve found helpful?

777Q

Date posted: 2y

I have Pure -O also . My favorite mental health book is Brain Lock by Dr Schwartz , very informative and helpful. One main thing I have noticed over the years is being aware that the thoughts are coming and not letting them gain control and momentum. In other words at times I can tell that the thoughts are coming and just let it be there with a indifferent attitude and let them pass on their own . If too much focus is placed on the thoughts then they become much more difficult for them to leave because they have gained momentum and the brain 🧠 likes that because it keeps it entertained, LOL !

Ranger_867

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@777Q Actually, I’m in the middle of Brain Lock right now. I have found Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts but Sally Winston to be very helpful too - but the thoughts keep coming. I’m assuming, like everything, it takes TIME and practice. Thank you!

777Q

Date posted: 2y

@Joey_867 Everything waxes and wanes . Nothing is 100% .OCD is a manageable illness , that a good overall quality of life is possible when applying the right treatments for the specific individual.

[Deleted]

Date posted: 2y

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Ranger_867

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@Whackamole Thank you! Is that something that you’ve worked on with your therapist (ACT)? I’ve got to do more research on ACT, defusion, unhooking, etc. These are things that I think could be beneficial to me. May I ask, are you coupling these techniques with medication too? Has it brought you success? Thank you.

Ranger_867

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@Whackamole Thank you so much for the recommendations. I’m finally at 200mg of Luvox and I’ll give it the 8-12 weeks to determine if it’s for me. I find the ERP to be “ok” but I feel like ACT should be used alongside it like you said. And I need to learn more about that.

Mr. Motivation

Date posted: 2y

Could you describe your rumination with your PURE OCD? God bless on your journey! 🙏🏼

Nica

Date posted: 2y

Here’s some things for Pure O that you can try out: -Read this article about ERP scripting: https://www.shalanicely.com/aha-moments/erp-scripting-for-ocd/ -Read The Hidden Power of Swearing at Your OCD: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/beyond-the-doubt/201711/the-hidden-power-of-swearing-at-your-ocd

Ranger_867

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@Nica Thank you! I’ve started following her website!

thatusername...

Date posted: 25w

How do I practice exposure for mental compulsions?

My NOCD therapist (who has been awesome) and I are both struggling to identify ways in which I can practice exposure therapy while in-session, because the vast majority of my OCD symptoms are mental compulsions. For example: indecision and inability to commit to a choice; seeking reassurance on decisions from friends and family; mental review of things that have just happened / social situations; over-thinking and catastrophizing. I also have some other hallmark symptoms (contamination fears, moral scrupulosity, etc) but those tend to be inconsistent too. It’s hard to really practice these during my sessions because so many are in the moment and fleeting. By the time I join my session they are no longer active. How can we establish exposure responses during my sessions, if most of my OCD involves mental rumination and overthinking patterns/thought loops that only occur “in the moments - rather than specific or consistent compulsions (such as hand washing)?

joshd

Date posted: 21w

Trying not to think of intrusive thoughts

I been dealing with OCD my entire life but recently I been finding it really difficult to find the slightest relief. I know it’s not good to do but I been trying not to think of the thoughts but of course they come back even stronger. Does anyone know what I could do in the meanwhile ? Thank you

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! ❤️

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