How to move past shame caused by OCD

Shame. It’s the pit in your stomach, the flush of embarrassment in your cheeks, the internal voice of self-criticism that can seem so loud. Everyone experiences it to some degree, but OCD can make shame feel all-consuming. OCD often grabs onto taboo or disturbing topics or themes, creating shame in the form of anxiety and fear that you’ll be judged or misunderstood. In these moments, it can feel difficult to understand that obsessive thoughts say nothing about who you are as a person. You are so much more than OCD, and so much more than your experiences with shame. By learning to separate who you are from what OCD is making you think and feel, you can begin to let go of shame caused by distressing thoughts, recognizing that they are not a reflection of your identity. Learn why OCD can create feelings of shame, and discover 3 steps you can take to respond with self-compassion.