Question about uncertainty

To say maybe maybe not is just one way to handle ocd it is not the only way. It works for some people. You can use this way or you can use another way that works for you. Or you can use combination

There isn’t necessarily a one size fits all approach to intrusive thoughts. With ERP, the overall purpose is to learn to tolerate your thoughts and learn how to navigate OCD as a disorder. But how you approach it, and what responses work best for you, are tailored to you. In my personal experience/opinion (and keep in mind I am not a therapist, if you have one, I encourage you to explore this with them), what works for me is to work on accepting that I have a disorder. I’ve been in therapy for 3+ years, so I know that when my mind is spiraling, it’s because it’s my brain works that way. But it can be compulsive to only approach the thoughts by saying “oh that’s just my OCD” and walk away, especially if you do so as a method of reassurance. For me, reminding myself I have a disorder helps when I need to give myself compassion. But I then work on using non engagement responses like “maybe, maybe not,” and other tools to help me sit with my thoughts and not ruminate or do compulsions. I hope that helps.

THANK YOU. This is my confusion with it, too! I'm trying to practise ERP, but saying "maybe, maybe not" is still not enough. I don't WANT that maybe to be real so I'll fall down another rabbit hole. It takes practise, I'm aware. But it's been one year after my suicide attempt and saying "maybe :)" just doesn't feel like progress.

I laugh at my ocd. It give me ridiculous thought so I make it even more ridiculous and absurd and I can laugh at it. This is one way I handle my ocd. At least it make me laugh sometime

Thank you, everyone! For what it’s worth, I found this video on YT, and it is the most helpful breakdown I’ve seen! https://youtu.be/4TvrQqLdfXA?si=7n1c1ADwhCypwmz7 TL;DR This video explains it’s okay to acknowledge that OCD is showing up and allow that understanding to shape how you respond to thoughts (aka not compulsing). But it’s not good practice to label thoughts AS OCD as a method of giving yourself certainty that your fears are not or could not be true. Hope this helps you like it did me!