Why can I easily dismiss some thoughts, but others stick?

People's obsessions in OCD tend to focus on the things that mean the very most to them, spreading fear and doubt about their core values or identity. Sometimes, however, it's not quite so simple. Someone might wonder: "My OCD is so focused on my faith, but my family is just as important to me. Why does it focus on one but not the other? Does that mean I don't care as much about my family?" The truth is that there's no rhyme or reason to what OCD attacks. OCD themes can feel like they're constantly changing because its only goal is to spread fear, worry, and doubt into parts of your life that matter to you. But you can learn to respond differently to OCD, regardless of its theme or how intensely it affects you. Learn why there's no perfect reason why OCD might focus on certain themes, and how you can learn to manage OCD, no matter what values it attacks.

Estelle_11

Date posted: 21w

Yeah, my core fear will always be not being able to sleep/insomnia. So all day, my mind keeps presenting me with different little mind games, checking to see if it would be enough to keep me awake at night. All. Day. I have gone as far as forcing a nap to “make sure” the new thing won’t keep me awake. Many times I can’t take the nap, which reinforces the whole process and now I’m focused on it and dreading the night. Because “that thing” kept me up. Sometimes I beat it, and I’m reassured for an hour or two. Doesn’t matter. I’ll just find something else.

Mackenzie - ...

User type: Staff

Date posted: 19w

@Estelle_11 Please know you are not alone! 💕

Estelle_11

Date posted: 19w

@Mackenzie - NOCD Team Member Thank you 💕

Elisha D.

Date posted: 21w

I know what you mean .. I dread nighttime because I don’t know if I’ll get any solid rest, or sleep. If it’s any consolation, or comfort to you, you’re not alone 🫩

Mackenzie - ...

User type: Staff

Date posted: 19w

@Elisha D. 💕

krelia

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 21w

What’s annoying too is sometimes certain themes stick some days while others don’t. Like today SOOCD is being a pain in the ass when I’ve been doing great not dealing with it

Mackenzie - ...

User type: Staff

Date posted: 19w

@krelia OCD is so obnoxious. Remember, you are stronger than your OCD! 💕

Merri

Date posted: 21w

I will save this article. My thoughts are mainly about being ‘unfair’ . It shifts from theme about God to my kid. I feel unfair to my kid and if it shifts again back to God, I will feel I am unfair to God that I am not giving effort etc Right now I feel unfair to my son cause it’s back now to him as my theme, cause I feel I am not that affected compare to when I had Jesus as my theme.

mhassan0117

Date posted: 20w

Here’s why The ones more poorly reinforced and most taboo The shock factor makes it stick Nothing sticks more than the fear disgust response The sicker the more engrained

serenity_1

Date posted: 18w

Omg I think I was thinking about something similar to this earlier today

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