When OCD makes you fear yourself

Have you ever flinched away from a hot stove or thrown your hands out to catch yourself during a fall? That drive to keep ourselves safe is wired deep into our brains. It’s why it can feel especially distressing to have unwanted thoughts about harming ourselves—they go against one of our most fundamental instincts. These thoughts can be triggering to talk about, but they’re important to understand because many people who struggle with them suffer in silence. OCD can cause real suicidal ideation, and suicidal thoughts should be taken seriously. However, in OCD, unwanted, intrusive thoughts about harming yourself are very different from true suicidal intent or a desire to self-harm. The reason these thoughts feel so real and urgent is because they completely contradict who we are and what we want. Watch Dr. Patrick McGrath explain why OCD can make people fear themselves—and how you can put yourself, not OCD, back in charge of your life. Content warning: This video mentions suicide. NOCD is not a crisis service. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.