- Date posted
- 48w
False memory OCD
Does anyone go over their false memory and decide yes it didn’t happen and then two seconds later think oh but what if it is real and then mime their false memory again?
Does anyone go over their false memory and decide yes it didn’t happen and then two seconds later think oh but what if it is real and then mime their false memory again?
Yes, this is very common with OCD, especially when dealing with false memories. OCD has a way of creating doubt even after you’ve convinced yourself that the memory is false. It’s like you go over it, feel certain for a moment, and then that "what if" creeps back in, making you question everything again. This back-and-forth cycle is a classic OCD trap, where the need for certainty fuels the anxiety and keeps you stuck in a loop of doubt and re-analysis. The more you try to "solve" the memory or be 100% sure it didn’t happen, the more power the OCD gains. It’s the nature of OCD to feed on uncertainty, and the more you give in to the compulsion of replaying the memory, the worse it can get. One way to approach this is to recognize that you don’t need to be certain. It’s okay to live with some doubt, even if it feels uncomfortable at first. Practicing sitting with the uncertainty and resisting the urge to "solve" the false memory is a key part of breaking that cycle.
@Justin Trout What if I went over the events and I was sure nothing happened and then after that the thoughts kind of stopped? What does that mean? Like not only for a minute or two but forever? Because like once a few months ago I went over events step by step and I proved that they didn’t happen and after that the thoughts stopped. Does that mean I don’t have ocd or I acted on the thoughts or something?
Yes it's a compulsion. You feel like you got your answer and then the doubt comes back. Do your best to leave it alone. Once you stop compulsions, your certainty will increase on its own over time.
Yes. I try to create systems for myself to prevent relying on my memory only. For example I have a security camera at my door and I take notes of important times on my phone, etc.
any advice for when you get false memories that feel really real? especially something that had JUST happened, it’s like ur brain distorts it. i feel like i do something wrong 24/7 then i get over it and ocd latched onto something new
Hey all, I've been okay for a while, but today I'm having a hard time with my sexually-themed false memory thoughts and the compulsion to try and "figure it out". While I've learned enough over time that "figuring it out" doesn't work, I'm just feeling extra overwhelmed today. Stuff that happened over 7 years ago is really getting to me, I'm in this limbo state just sitting here with it all but... ...anyone have any general tips for false-memory OCD?
Does anyone else’s false memory intrusive thoughts of what could have happened feel very, very real?
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