I just listened to something that said our brains aren't wired for success, it's wired for survival. That's why we get stuck in these patterns of behaviour. Makes sense but never thought of it that way.
But survival could be success in itself. The fact that you made it (survived), despite all the challenges so far, says that you succeeded. Basically, it depends on how you define success.
OK I got ocd because of trauma. Making it through that was a success but now it's holding me back. Its wired for survival to make sure the same thing doesn't happen but its overwhelming me. So for me, and how a lot others would frame would be a failure of instinct. Recovery is counterintuitive. You make good points but there are certain things with the way ocd is trying to protect me that will make my life considerably worse. To me that's not success. Just because a hammer worked once, doesn't mean everything in life requires it
@Wolfram - Hello there. Understanding OCD is key. I have a theory that frames it as a survival mechanism. I may have mentioned this before, but here it is again. The human brain has limited capacity for storing memories. Periodically, it employs a process akin to a computer's "Garbage Collection," identifying old or irrelevant memories and presenting them for review to determine if they can be safely discarded. While non-OCD individuals can easily dismiss these memories, those with OCD become indecisive. As the brain urgently seeks to recycle these areas, it repeatedly presents these memories, causing discomfort akin to the pain experienced when something is wrong with our body. This cycle perpetuates itself. From this perspective, OCD is a survival mechanism disrupted by a malfunction.
@hanysm@gmail.com You've said the same thing before. With your ocd, how is theory helping you? Has it helped you in your recovery journey?
@Wolfram - I'm not someone with OCD, but my son is. Watching him suffer and struggle to articulate his experiences is the main reason I'm here. I'm eager to learn from all of you about your experiences and journeys to better understand this challenging disorder. I also hope to help if I can. I see my son reflected in each of your stories, and it breaks my heart. I'm not sure how my theory will help, but it certainly explains why Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is so effective.
@hanysm@gmail.com Ah that makes sense. Sorry your son is going through it. I'd suggest looking up videos on ironic process theory and the white bear experiment. It is similar to your theory but explains intrusive thoughts and how the brain works. The longer we don't deal with it properly, the more than brain sees it as a threat and the deeper the neural pathways for the habitual/instinctual behaviours burrow into our brains. I'm happy to hear you're looking out for your son and not waiting for it to progress. Getting better with ocd is completely counter intuitive and stressful. I see it as a degenerative brain disorder if we don't deal with it the correct way. From someone who had it undiagnosed for 27 years I can say I wouldn't wish it on the worst person in the world. It's awful to go through. The way I see ocd is you get a trigger then your brain presents a proxy problem and a proxy solution. Reading between the lines and finding out what the real issue and solution is the key but when your body is pumping you full of the fear hormone at the same level as coming face to face with a lion or chucked out of a plane, its hard to rationalise and do that. It'll keep pumping that hormone because the brain doesn't know the difference between a real or perceived threat.it won't stop until you give into a compulsion or push through with erp. Best thing to do is erp and manage stressor as best as you can when calm.
@hanysm@gmail.com I'm praying you see this response 🙏 you were right with your theory and I'm almost certain I can prove it. We need to do a questionnaire /study. You're a genius. 😊
@Wolfram - Your prayers were accepted @Wolfram and I saw your response. Let me know how can I help.
@hanysm@gmail.com I believe a lot of ocd is down to a certain brain receptor that bridges cortisol to other receptors. It's also why ocd is much higher in women in men. I'll let you look into the rest.
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