Tony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
Help!
How can I deal with False Memory OCD? I am struggling with ruminating thoughts, and trying to figure out false memories! How can I enjoy my day without figuring it out?
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 30w
The issue with OCD - you will never actually figure it out. In my years of doing this no one with false memory OCD has ever gotten to a point where they were able to fully trust their memory. I know that may sound triggering, but the nature of OCD will just not allow it. If OCD = Doubt, then how, can you give OCD an answer that it will accept if OCD will doubt every answer that you give it. This is a trick of OCD to just get you to do more compulsions. You will never achieve the level of certainty that OCD demands, and no one ever has or ever will, otherwise it would not be OCD. If you are looking for help in dealing with this, I hope that you will consider reaching out for help from a specialist who can assist. We would be happy to assist here at NOCD at any time.
moon0270moon0270
- Date posted
- 30w
this is very scary to consider, as someone who also struggles with real events/false memory ocd but is also very sobering and comforting. my brain desperately wants me to figure everything out or one day get to a point where I'll be able to separate fact from fiction (OCD: the doubter). Do you have tips for how to resist mentally reviewing a false memory or real events? It's very hard to resist the compulsion when the thoughts are incredibly disturbing and upsetting.
Tony DaviesTony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
@moon027097 I understand the struggle
Tony DaviesTony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
@Tony Davies You get me ha
Tony DaviesTony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
@moon027097 You ok?
moon0270moon0270
- Date posted
- 30w
@Tony Davies hey! sorry for not replying, but sort of lol it kinda sucks rn but im sitting with the discomfort
jessminijessmini
- Date posted
- 30w
I wish I could give you an answer to that, but all I know is the feeling is extremely distressing. Try and calm yourself down and remember what type of person you are and if what you think you did or have done is actually something you would do as a person. I used to tell myself if I have to question if it happened, it more than likely didnt, you would know. Much much easier said than done because when the thought comes again your body heightens and is consumed by it. I wish you nothing more than peace
Tony DaviesTony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
@jessmini Thanks, yes I hate false memory ocd it has you questioning and then you believe the false story and make it a reality
jessminijessmini
- Date posted
- 30w
@Hi_123 Im here
Day-to-DayDay-to-Day
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 30w
I would use the phrase maybe or maybe not to not actively engage with the false memory. Try to bring your attention into the present
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 30w
Hi Tony, the key to "dealing with" OCD is learning to sit with the distressing thoughts without doing anything about them. For example. Try using maybe, maybe not statements of uncertainty vs. trying to figuring the thought out. Maybe I did something like......, Maybe I didn't, I can tolerate the uncertainty. OCD doesn't have to rule your life. If you would like to learn more about OCD and how to deal with your symptoms book a free call at: https://www.treatmyocd.com/
Tony DaviesTony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
@Darlene Friend Thank you, I am really struggling with false memory ocd, where it’s coming up with false stories
issphra 🫶🏻issphra 🫶🏻
- Date posted
- 30w
Run away from rumination — that is the best way I can describe it. It feels wrong and uncomfortable because you are not letting your OCD get what it needs to survive. When you notice you are ruminating, physically stop and say, “It does not matter,” then refocus on the present and continue with whatever you are doing. I once read a metaphor in an OCD workbook that compared your mind to training a puppy. When the puppy strays from the path, you would not yank the leash and hurt it. You would gently guide it back and redirect it. You have to treat your mind the same way. It is going to stray and go wherever it finds importance, but you just have to gently guide it back. It is hard, and it is going to feel like the opposite of what you want to do, but just do your best. What helped me the most was thinking of it as running away from compulsions. It feels wrong not to do them, it feels like avoidance, but I eventually realized that I should not be doing them anyway. Running away from them is what I should do, so keep running from compulsions.
Tony DaviesTony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
Really good advice and help Thanks much
Tony DaviesTony Davies
- Date posted
- 30w
How do I get out of the false memory by not replying it to believe it?
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