I’ve noticed an increase in intrusive thoughts when doing what I actually WANT to do and having healthy coping mechanisms, as opposed to staying busy or going out for drinks, etc.. what is this about?
You’re rewiring your brain into healthy choices and habits when for a long time, you were giving into your OCD whenever it popped up. Therefore, it’s an adjustment period where it will get worse before it gets better.
@Nica Thank you 🙏🏻 just need to stay consistent and positive I think
I’ve noticed with pure ocd that whenever you’re doing stuff you love or talking to someone you love it starts to act up a lot . I think it’s to do with you actually caring and the ocd is like noooooooo if you act normal I might fade away so it ramps up. Do the opposite ! Keep doing it and doing it and doing it
@Anonymous Thank you! What’s the opposite in this case? It starts to make you question your confidence and ability even if you believe in those things..
@Jakiss12 Like if you loved to hike , if it always ramps up when you’re doing that , no matter how much you’re thinking keep doing it and find the positives in it that you have always loved , your ocd will try to tell you “oh we used to love that” but that’s false. You still do because you know you’re there for a reason . So don’t let your thoughts back you don’t . Even if you feel like you’re “faking” feeling good while doing it still do it . Your ocd will die down and see you’re not folding to it
@Anonymous Thank you again.. I will do this. I don’t understand why it wants to keep you away from feeling good about the things you love.. like why the discomfort but comfort in negative coping mechanisms 🤦🏼♂️
@Jakiss12 Yup it’s very frustrating, hang in there through the ups and downs , I used alcohol to cope for a long time and nothing ever came good from it . Just destroyed all the tools I’d learn and ocd would always come back to fight stronger . Keep going through the ropes and keep your head up . You’re not alone
@Anonymous Yesss, I’ve used and continue to use alcohol (or just going out and being with people) as a way to cope.. but as I’ve reeled that back, I find the old doubting disorder creeping in with themes I felt I left behind a long time ago.
@Jakiss12 Yea and it’ll make you feel like you’re starting over and over and over again. I had a problem so I had to totally refrain and just not use any substances . If you feel you do or don’t it’s a good idea to keep reeling back and keep going into those uncomfortable situations . Easier said than done I know lol. But keep a note pad in your car or a little one you could fit in your pocket . Write down some of those uncomfortable feelings and thoughts . Over time you’ll feel more comfortable. Trust me I don’t have this figured out one bit . But all I do know is that patience and time works lol
This is hard to admit, but I’ve been struggling with intrusive thoughts where the central theme is racism. I don’t use racial slurs but my brain worries that I have said something that hurts or offends someone and now I find myself analyzing every social interaction.
So I was enjoying some “me time” and had intrusive thoughts, but it felt like just for a second I liked it. Like I’m holding myself back from “enjoying” the thought. And the thoughts are related to things I was into when I was younger, but sometimes I feel like I might still like it even though 9/10 I wouldn’t give it a second thought. Is this common? Or is this just denial? Thanks
I'm wondering if this is a common OCD experience: does anyone else find that when you have idle time, your mind just spirals into endless rumination on negative "what ifs" & intrusive thoughts? It's been happening to me for the past three years, which coincides with starting a really high-stress job. Weekends used to be my time to relax, but now I dread weekends...I only feel relief when I'm sleeping because it's the only time my mind seems to quiet down. It's honestly so depressing to lose that enjoyment. Does anyone else relate to this, and if so, what helps you cope?
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
