- Date posted
- 1y
Whento use non engagement response and labelling
How do i know for what thoughts I should use non engagement and for what thoughts I should just label it and how do I know to which thoughts I should just let go?
How do i know for what thoughts I should use non engagement and for what thoughts I should just label it and how do I know to which thoughts I should just let go?
I just let them all go u less I’m needing to do critical thinking skills or brainstorm for work or a social event. It’s easier to do that than worry or fixate on which is which. And that can become a compulsion.
Non-engagement involves actively ignoring or not giving power to intrusive or distressing thoughts. You can practice this technique when you notice unhelpful or negative thoughts that you don't want to dwell on. Instead of engaging with these thoughts, try to redirect your attention to something positive or meaningful. Labeling involves acknowledging and accepting thoughts without judgment. This technique can be useful when you want to observe your thoughts without getting caught up in them. By labeling your thoughts as just thoughts, you create some distance and reduce their emotional impact. You can say to yourself, "I'm having the thought that..." or "I notice that I'm feeling..." Letting go involves recognizing that some thoughts are beyond your control and choosing not to attach significance to them. You can practice letting go when you encounter thoughts that are unproductive or unrealistic. Instead of trying to fight or change these thoughts, allow them to pass through your mind without getting caught up in them.
Everyone is different but I really struggle with labeling because my mind then kicks into argument mode and it’s harder to stop that compulsion to win the argument. Non engagement is my go to for that reason. I don’t know if that’s right or wrong but just my experience.
I’ve been feeling a bit stressed lately because my intrusive thoughts aren’t causing as much anxiety as they used to. It almost feels like I’m becoming a little numb to them, and because of that, I’m able to engage with them a bit longer. I don’t feel the usual rush of anxiety to pull away, and in some strange way, I even find myself focusing on them for a few seconds, like I’m actively thinking about them. It’s really stressing me out because I feel like by not feeling that immediate discomfort or anxiety, I’m letting the thoughts stay longer or giving them more power. I feel like part of me almost wants them to be there, and I don’t know if that’s a bad sign? They don’t even feel intrusive. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m just worried that the lack of anxiety is the reason I’m interacting more with these thoughts that would normal scare me. I feel guilt about it later. I am currently withdrawing from medication so that may contribute to this but it’s not the first time I experience this :/
Or thought-stopping, or suppression. I'm new-ish to OCD treatment and recovery, and I understand and believe that I'm living with this condition, but I still don't *get* it sometimes. I don't immediately click with what other people are describing. For example, when my therapist suggests using mindfulness techniques like naming something in my environment for each sense (something I see in this room, something I hear in this moment, etc), I'm thinking, "is this thought-stopping?" because I'm using the technique to get out of an obsessive spiral and redirecting my attention outward. Isn't that a good thing? Is it thought-suppression *every* time I try to change the subject in my mind? How would you describe "thought neutralizing" mental compulsions to someone who doesn't get it? (ie me lol)
During ERP, we learn not to analyze thoughts, not to analyze feelings, obstacles, ideas, commands... because it's all an intrusion and not real. However, it's too difficult for me, because every time a picture comes out, it's all detailed and even with a sound in my head, or an urge, or an idea... to "leave" it like that and I don't come back... is that the case with anyone else? and does it ever pass? Thanks in advance
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond