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
Lately I’ve had a pretty weird coping mechanism, whenever I feel overwhelmed by the anxiety my intrusive thoughts bring me, I’m imagining myself in therapy with my psychologist. She’s not even speaking or anything, I’m the only one having a monologue on how I feel about those thoughts. Is this a compulsion? Or I am just compensating for something, or even just a very imaginative person tbh?
What are some strategies you use to keep intrusive thoughts at bay between therapy sessions?
Through mindfulness and meditation I have found a way to combat intrusive thoughts and have succession a good amount of time. Now, I feel my thoughts have transition into feelings which feels much worse than the actual thought. It’s by far the worst I’ve felt and only pushes my worries and concerns further. Why is this such a difficult battle? Ughh
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