How can i know if it is fake memory?

Hi there! This is a great question, one that OCD loves to latch onto. If there's a question that we can't find a 100% satisfying and certain answer to, and we really, really want to feel certain, OCD will find a way to taunt us with uncertainty. ERP is incredibly helpful in these cases, as it helps people struggling with OCD build the skills to challenge OCD and beat it at its own game by leaning *into* uncertainty, rather than away from it. Here's a video that touches on this topic, if you want to check it out! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_EEriK-0VGk&list=PLJwbxpxualYpcX3SPEgNVbTEOI7gXeA5x

Well, what most therapists would tell you is “you don’t know, so accept the risk. Maybe so/ maybe not.” But for me, I’ll usually be triggered by a “what if?” thought several days or more after the possible “fake” event. For example, I could go out on Saturday night with friends and have a great time. Then be fine and at peace all day Sunday. And then for no reason on Monday I’ll have a thought “what if (enter some catastrophe) happened Saturday night and I don’t remember or I blocked it out or I was drunk?” And it starts a spiral. Or sometimes a few days later something will trigger me to start thinking I must have done or said something and everyone knows but me because I magically blocked it from my mind. And then, having an active imagination, I can envision whatever awful thing might have happened and start doubting if it did or didn’t. At least that’s my experience. Basically, the thoughts don’t make sense because typically if something “bad” happened one would know right away or at least fairly quickly. Not sure this helps or not. God bless !

Fake memory OCD can be challenging because you are questioning reality. That is a rather hard thing to cope with. With my Members, I have found such great success with leaning into the general uncertainty around memories. What most people don't know is the system that creates memories are very flawed and highly influenced by others. This is why the justice system does not prefer eye witness testimony. Leaning into I can never have certainty on my memories and will deal with the consequences if and when they happen (i.e., the feared outcome of the memory) is honestly the best approach for it. I hope this is helpful!

Nope, I recently ditched all social media

Message

I don’t know! I’ve never used it. Maybe there isn’t a dm feature.

I’m happy to chat like this as well. For some reason I thought there was a separate but maybe not.

I don’t have insta anymore, sorry

Because it triggered OCD and depression

If there’s not a dm feature on this app then we’ll have to communicate in this thread. Everyone on this app can relate to what you are going through

It looks like the dm feature is only between users and their own therapist