What are some examples of mental compulsions and how can you identify them in yourself? I am struggling with what counts as a mental compulsion since it’s not as black and white as a physical one.
For me it is ruminating on thoughts! Checking if this thought feels right of this thought feels wrong. And checking my body and thoughts and emotions when I think about different things or see people. I struggle with rocd so I check for feelings ALL the time!
@Girl101 this!! thank you ❤️
Mine are repeated words/phrases thought intentionally to get rid of another “bad” thought/mental image. The purpose of the repetitive thought is key, not necessarily what words are used. Examples: - “It’s ok, it’s ok, it’s ok” OR “you’re ok” over and over - “God is with me” used specifically for car accident images (rooted in PTSD) - “I will live and not die” used for self harm images (taught by my CBT therapist who didn’t recognize it was OCD) - Forcing the bad mental image away and replacing it with a good image (eg. picturing a stop sign every time)
@enlightinlove aren’t compulsions supposed to be avoided though? this is where i get confused because these seem to be good things to tell yourself to help with intrusive thoughts
@Anonymous I wasn’t sure either, esp the one for car accident PTSD.. But that’s where the scrupulous/morality OCD type can come in with scriptures, prayers, and things that seem to be good things to think, but the purpose of the thought is off. It’s the difference between thinking it as an affirmation to just remind/motivate yourself vs thinking it to neutralize a “bad” thought. From what I’m reading, OCD is about one’s relationship with their thoughts, not what they’re thinking. The fact that we’re labeling the thought as “bad” and feeling the need to do something about the thought is the “problem.” I meet with my ERP therapist Monday so I’ll get more clarity.
@enlightinlove thanks so much for ur comment! it’s hard to figure out but we got this ❤️
what are some of your mental compulsions? I have relationship OCD but I can’t think of many compulsions I have, so does that mean I have pure O?
Can anyone share some advice on mental compulsions? I feel like I’m doing them before I notice I’m doing them (comparing, mental reviewing, reassurance, ruminating). I’m just starting ERP but I don’t know how I’m ever gonna get better if I keep doing them before I realize it ughhh help
Before I started therapy here, I had no idea I was performing mental compulsions 24/7 - it's the unseen battle. My mind felt like a constant war-zone, and I didn't know I was fueling the fire with these different compulsions. I think there are a lot of us who are still unfamiliar to what these types of compulsions may look like. Please share your experience so others can understand what to look out for! What are some mental compulsions you have identified in yourself?
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