Hi friends does anyone have any tips for dealing with uncertainty? I’m dealing with “do I have schizophrenia theme”. And it sucks because it feels very real. I’m avoiding compulsions and doing ERPs and scripting but I just thought to ask for some extra support. And if anyone has insight or encouragement to share with me. Thanks, N
Sitting with the thought of “do I have or have not..” and focusing on in this moment just because you don’t know which one it is that’s ok. It always feels real but eventually these thoughts intensity will go down. Promise. Great job for all the work you’re putting in! Also, easier said than done of letting the thought process because you are seeking an answer NOW. To clarify, it’s being ok with not having an answer and letting the thought pass NOT accepting you’re a schizophrenic. Knowing it’s an OCD thought is very good as well because you can practice disengagement on top of not really caring about an immediate answer. The less emotion and attachment we give the thought eventually you’ll have these thoughts and it won’t feel like anything scary or negative. Kind of politely saying no to a ridiculous idea at a board meeting. No thanks. And you move on.
You can overcome this OCD episode. If you have overcome it before, you can do it again. You are a good human being. Obsessive compulsive disorder may plant doubts in you, but you do not have to water it. I’ve struggled with this theme before, not too intensely, but enough to understand that it is an OCD symptom and you are not alone in the OCD battle. I’m struggling to keep a clear mind as well. It would be nice to have a switch that would turn off the OCD uncertainty and just feel free to think without fear associatedwith the thoughts. I hope this helps and provides you with a sense of community Thank you for sharing
@Mauro 2.0 Thank you so much. In reading your message my heart feels full. It’s rough to speak to people who don’t struggle with OCD because no matter how hard they try they will not understand
How are you now
@Lilly2442! Thank you so much for asking! I’m doing so much better with this theme. The theme hasn’t completely gone away, but the anxiety levels have drastically decreased but of course it is now moving onto a new theme. What helped immensely was truly sticking to my treatment plans exposures, ERP’s , and utilizing a lot of awareness of when compulsion started to creep up. For anyone struggling with this theme I’m so sorry but I can say that it does get better. You just have to stay consistent with the plan.
@Nicole Bb Thank you so much for your reply 😭💓💓
Hi guys! Was wanting some tips on ERP. I am just getting started & trying to read articles about being codependent, happy engagement stories but my mind when I try to sit with “maybe I am, maybe I’m not. Life is uncertain.” Will come up with more rabbit hole thoughts of I’m crazy have every mental illness out there etc. does anyone have tips for experiencing all day anxiety/panic attacks & fear of doing an exposure wrong? I am scared I won’t get better bc I’m not doing it right.
For those practicing erp whether it be with a therapist or by yourself, how do you just sit with the anxiety/uncertainty? I've been trying, but it's extremely hard because I know what is true about myself even though my brain is trying to convince me otherwise. How do you guys get through eerp without it just sounding like you're confirming the thoughts?? I'm struggling here.
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