- Date posted
- 5y
- Date posted
- 5y
my main creative hobby is drawing, but i also play the violin.. usually drawing helps me ignore all the overwhelming thoughts, but when i mess up i just stop making art completely until i dont feel like a failure anymore (it usually takes me a couple of weeks, sometimes more) when i want to get out of this mindset i look up artists that inspire me, it gives me lots of motivation. i start simple and try to enjoy the process.. maybe this could help you too:)
- Date posted
- 5y
Thank you! I will try looking at some other artists with similar styles that I want to try out ❤️
- Date posted
- 5y
I'm exactly the same. I dabble in lots of different crafts but crochet is my main one. I struggle to finish making anything especially if I'm making it up as I go along because I keep tweaking. Recently I've been forcing myself to pick simple patterns and just keep pushing myself to finish, and if I make a mistake that won't affect the final product I force myself to leave it instead of fixing it. Its not enjoyable obviously, ERP never is, but I love making things and I know if I don't do this then OCD is going to claim this too.
- Date posted
- 5y
Thanks for replying! Yes, that's how I am, too. I will often see things I like and will teach myself how to do them, but will often quit because I finish because it doesn't look as good as my inspiration or because I think it's pointless or I could be doing something else. It's gotten to the point where I won't even start things now because I've spent so much money on materials or classes for things that I just never finished. I appreciate your support because it really is frustrating when it's one of the things I consider myself to have somewhat of a knack for, but I just beat myself up to the point of it being unpleasant. I just watched some art therapy videos on YouTube by a channel called "Thirsty for Art," and this morning I did some coloring in a coloring book, so I'm hoping doing low-pressure activities consistently will help somehow. Crocheting is awesome, btw! I love fabric crafts and think they're so beautiful. Hang in there! ❤️✊
- Date posted
- 5y
@butwhatif That's the way to do it I think. Start with low effort /low reward stuff and work from there. The thing I struggled with the most when I do finish things was not feeling like it was worth all the effort I put in when I was being pedantic about it so doing really short easy projects has been good for helping me accept finishing a project when it isn't "perfect". Fabric crafts are great aren't they? I made my wedding dress but of course OCD ruined that experience because a year on I still fixate about everything that was wrong with it even though none of the "problems" were visible when I was wearing it.
- Date posted
- 5y
@jenagade Aw that's such an amazing and special thing to have made yourself! What an impressive skill! And I understand the struggle, but it seems like you have the right approach!
Related posts
- Date posted
- 21w
I used to post my art online a lot, and I was so proud of it. But the last year or so, my OCD has been making me feel like I don't deserve to post because "no one would support me if they knew how flawed of a person I am." Today, I got a message from a stranger saying they missed seeing my art and wished I would start posting again. It was soo damn nice, and I wanted to be happy about it, but my fears immediately hit me hard. Would this person still want to follow or support me if they knew everything about me? Of course, my therapist pointed out that there are sooo many people out there who post constantly and have no problem asking their supporters to help them, and surely they're also flawed people, but they don't let it hold them back. I know I'm only human... but I've seen so many people gain success, only to get knocked down, and it terrifies me. This is probably my biggest internal struggle. Sometimes, I want to give up art completely, but the little kid in me who dreamed of being an artist is saying, "Why are you giving up on us?" I feel kinda weird posting about this, but I hope you guys get where I'm coming from. If anyone has any insights or thoughts on this topic, I'd reeeeally appreciate them.
- Date posted
- 20w
Anyone else really wanna pursue their dreams, but imposter syndrome and OCD thinking holds them back? For me, it’s my art. I’ve had some success with my art, and it’s been really exciting, but then I think of all the things I regret and the mistakes I made, and I’m terrified, so I recoil. I never feel like I deserve it. All those artists who’ve been praised for their art by the masses, I imagine them as being perfect. I know it’s not true, but I mean, how can you put yourself out there these days and not know you have no skeletons in the closet?? I see people making reels and they’re so confident and carefree, and I think, “I bet they’ve never made any really big mistakes, or else they’d be terrified of having themselves out there.” I’m probably projecting. Maybe they’re just as terrified deep down. Maybe that’s what drives them. Maybe that’s what makes their art so touching. All I really wanna do is impact other people with my art. Maybe there’s a selfish part of me that relies on the praise, and that’s the part I need to let go of. Whether I get praise or not, my art should just be something I’m proud of. If I can help someone with my art, that would be amazing. Like you guys. I feel like this community is my demographic, and even if the rest of the world turned away from me, the ones who’ve been in my shoes are the ones I should write for. Anyway, this is a huge issue for me and my OCD. If anyone has any words of wisdom, I would really love to hear them, because I feel pretty stuck.
- Date posted
- 11w
Hello everyone! I’m starting to recognize when my thoughts begin to spiral, when i’m seeking reassurance or checking. But I still have the sense of uneasiness and anxiety. I was wondering what others do that allow them to move forward with their day when they realize this? I don’t know if I’m making sense, but what are ways you pull the focus back to the present and yourself? Like besides saying “maybe or maybe not”, more like what do you do with yourself after you recognize the thoughts? I feel like I’m at a “now what?” and don’t know what to do with my anxious energy. I’m trying to find something physical to help me so if you also have any hobbies or interests that help I would love to hear it.
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