i’ve been really scared of executing my intrusive thoughts during my sleep. i’m even more scared than usual because my cat always sleeps with me and i’d die if anything happens to her. it’s really hard not to do any compulsions (just asked my grandma if she ever saw me sleepwalking lol). does anyone else have this symptom? if so how do you deal with it?

Hi!! I admit I was super surprised to see someone comment on this post but that actually makes me realise how much I’ve progressed:) First of all, it DOES get better. My ocd is pretty much under control now, I take paroxetine and haven’t had this kind of theme. I did have pedophilic and harm ocd towards children too, sometimes intrusive thoughts still pop but I found that working with kids helped me a LOT. I was suicidal and incredibly distressed, but I no longer am. Do not try to isolate yourself from your child or perform compulsions like checking. Facing your thoughts head on is very important, no matter how hard it is. I was blessed to have a very insistent cat who didn’t let me do it, she kept on meowing to try to sleep with me and eventually I had to learn how to accept these thoughts. I can’t imagine how heartbreaking it must be to experience this as a parent, however you got this and it is super common. You’re not alone. I feel like group therapy / support groups could help in your case, there are some on NOCD and a therapist is always monitoring them. Therapy is your best bet but if you cannot afford it (as I am), there are other options! Feel free to ask for help here, I wish you the best

@lilye Thank you so much for replying it gives me hope You did fear that you would do something in your sleep right? And how did you overcome that? Did you just except that the sleepwalking and hurting someone was just another intrusive thought?

@Anonymous Yes! As I said, I accepted the uncertainty because my compulsions included checking (analyse my cat’s behaviour, ask my grandma if she saw anything) and closing myself off. I had a consistent fear of doing horrible things while sleeping, or just not remembering because my brain just erased any memory of bad actions. It’s very hard because you obviously care about your child’s wellbeing and would loathe for them to be hurt in any way, but it’s important because reassurance just makes it worse and the cycle never ends! I accept the fact that I have intrusive thoughts so I don’t overanalyse like I used to do. OCD is still present in my life and will always be, I do have small relapses from time to time but I believe the worst of it is behind me now:) If I can do it, so can you. Acknowledging your problems and talking about them is hardest step. You’re doing a great job!

@lilye Thank you so much for you kind words!❤️

@Anonymous I’m having this now 😭 about my youngest as well