Does anyone’s intrusive thoughts ever change from “What if” to “I think” or “I want” even though it’s the last thing you want? It’s really got me feeling sick to my stomach.
Hi storres19, I used to experience these types of thoughts—some even felt like commands. I struggled with harm OCD, so they were incredibly difficult. However, we have to follow ERP treatment and resist engaging with the thoughts. Instead, we need to sit with the uncertainty of whatever the thoughts are saying.
@AnonymityK It’s so hard 😭 My therapist told me to write these thoughts down along with any other intrusive thought and it made me feel so awful.
@storres19 It’s so hard! But if these thoughts cause those feelings, then those are the ones we need to do exposures on. 🥲
@AnonymityK Makes so much sense. I just can’t help but feel like a terrible human let alone mother when these thoughts shift to “I want” or “I feel” . Anything that feels possessive makes me question everything.
@storres19 - Those 'I want' thoughts are the worst! Give yourself a bit of compassion. :) I saw a quote once that said, 'Great mothers worry they are doing something wrong; bad mothers do not.' (And this is the last time I’ll give reassurance, LOL.) Actually my therapist might of told me that quote! lol
Yes, I hate it 🥲
Yes I can 100% relate. The what if questions I’ve had moved to I want. Which terrifies the hell out of me. Terrible feeling. Stay strong!
Yep! I noticed I was thought replacing with what if too to make it seem less bad. Which in turn was a compulsion 🙃 now I try and just allow it to be there, so hard! You’re not alone
@Anonymous It’s so so hard.
Yes my response remains the same, maybe, maybe not. It’s hard but I try to stick to that approach
@Anonymous It’s so hard, my intrusive thoughts are around harm and target my son, so that approach is so hard for me.
@storres19 I’ve been in that exact situation… I’ll be honest the more you’re around him the easier it becomes!!
@Anonymous Oh yeah. I don’t avoid him that’s for sure!! And I do find that helps so much. I just hate when my brain puts these thoughts in my head. It breaks my heart and makes me sick.
@storres19 Absolutely… And then you go back-and-forth in your head thing I would never do that… But the best thing to tell yourself is maybe maybe not because it starts to lose power overtime …I’m not trying to give you reassurance lol
@Anonymous I don’t think you are lol but yeah, I need to try that.
@storres19 How long have you dealt with OCD?
@Anonymous Since I was 15. I’m 33 now. However, it wasn’t until recently that I got the diagnosis and am seeking therapy for it. How about you?
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