Is there anything special for handling command thoughts? It is exceedingly distressing and I've been considering hospitalization... I'm experiencing these for the first time, almost certainly because I read about them and I set up a wall against thinking them...
It’s just like any other intrusive thought. Nothing special about it.
Intrusive thoughts can come in statements, including commands. You don't choose your unwanted thoughts, but you do get to choose how you respond. You don't act on every thought. This is no different. When OCD says something, you can use non-engagement responses. Something like "you can bring up whatever you want, OCD. You don't get to decide what I do or don't do. I'm doing [something else] instead." Might work.
Also wanted to say that I'm sorry you're feeling so much distress. I understand how scary that is. I have the same theme and it can be terrifying. I'm doing ERP but am struggling to do it for this theme. I'm starting with writing a few trigger words on sticky notes around the house and when I see them, saying "yep, that might be true" or "that could happen"... it worked really well for some of my other core fears, so I'm going to try it with some low-level ones related to harm and work my way up. You're not alone in this.
I hear you ❤️ and I'm so sorry you are struggling with this right now. If I could share and hope that you find it helpful. I recently caved in and went to the hospital twice and wasn't much successful. Medications are the only thing they offer. And in my case, my OCD is too strong for the medications to work. I can only speak for myself. Everyone has a different experience. I think you are in the right place here with people who actually specialize in OCD. You won't find many in a hospital setting that are aware of how delicate OCD is. If anything, seek out a place that specializes in OCD if you need to go somewhere or it may do more harm than good
Thank you. I am hoping they can get me on meds and maybe refer me somewhere else for treatment. Outpatient isn't cutting it plus I think my therapist, as kind as he may be, has no idea how to help
Hope you are feeling better, even if it's just a bit, in this moment ❤️ Have you tried a therapist on here? The BH clinics will prescribe meds. Have you researched inpatient clinics that specialize in OCD near you?
What do you do when you have a thought and you’re not sure if it’s intrusive or not? I just had one that was so strange and bad, and I can’t believe I just had it, but I’m almost afraid it’s not intrusive and there really is something wrong with me. I hate this.
Does anyone have any advice on how to deal with intrusive thoughts&images. At first i had intrusive thoughts around my partner, now it’s centred around me & I can’t be around window ledges or medication due to a story I read online(it’s too triggering for me) . Sometimes I feel like I can’t leave my bed due to the thoughts being so overwhelming I just break down and want to sleep. I aren’t taking any medication or therapy yet. I worry that if I don’t give my thoughts a reaction that my thoughts are true and not OCD. I’ve had these thoughts 24/7 for 2 months.
I struggle so bad with intrusive thoughts. They can be so bad that I'll cry because I KNOW that's not how I feel or want to do. (Too embarrassed to say what they're about) I'll constantly try to figure out why I have them, and constantly figure out what they mean, causing me to constantly circle around and around. I had to get on anxeity meds, which helped a little but the thoughts still happen. How do you help yourself with this? How do you know that you're just not some physcopath? 😅
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