Compulsions come in all shapes and sizes.

They can be so hard to let subside, for sure. My mental compulsions after an intrusive thought or inner narration are particularly tough to let go of. After engaging with them for long enough it feels second-nature and immediate to ‘respond’. I’m unsure of what umbrella the fear of your thoughts being heard/perceived falls under, but it’s the worst. Horrible umbrella 0/10 would not recommend lol. I’m currently trying to engage with my feelings on being perceived negatively. To not think of who I’m afraid can “hear” me, but why it means so much to me if someone did. Feeling closer to people, mostly loved ones helps so much. After quality time or closeness I’m at ease for a while.

I feel like a compulsion I have is letting my thoughts spiral and letting myself fall into them. Instead of fighting them and saying no that’s not me (which I see as a traditional compulsion and is what I used to do) it’s almost the opposite where my brain believes them and tries to justify them to me over and over which makes the anxiety build and build. Initially I have little reaction and then think wait shouldn’t I be anxious, what’s wrong with me. I feel like I have to pull myself out and tell myself I’m good which is probably a compulsion as well. Idk if that makes sense!

Definitely ruminating is the worst for me. Some days are harder than others but lately it's been easier to remind myself that I can't figure anything out by thinking about it all day.

I would ask for a lot of reassurance from my mom and I would also reassure myself in my head but I’m trying to leave those urges alone and focus on my real life values based activities instead