For me, sitting with it feels like there is a storm going on inside my body. It’s such a challenge to just sit there and continue about your day when your body feels like there is a threat and your brain feels like it’s being pierced. I wanted to share/ask because we are told to “sit with it” but never told what that actually looks like or means. At least for me anyway.
So horrible. Like a wave of dread and horror washing over me. Or like a pit opening up in my body. Try just feeling it like a physical sensation. Let it wash over and notice it
"Sitting with it" for me feels like I really am in danger, or, in milder flare ups, that I really do need to take care of this issue. It can feel like an overwhelming necessity. I've found success in remission by not responding. What that looks like for me is having all the overwhelming feelings of necessity and danger and not doing something about it. Instead, I remind myself that this is my OCD pattern, and the feelings just go along with it, but feelings are just feelings. They're not wisdom or any kind of guiding force, and they can't control me. So I go on with life- read the book, drink the tea, go for the run- all while my OCD is yapping at me that I need to act. It sucks, and I'm not always great at it. But I can say that the OCD gets a LOT quieter and less intrusive down the road. Hang in there! ❤️ You're doing great showing up for the work!
Sitting with it for me (when I experienced a really bad OCD episode and basically was forced to sit with it because nothing I did helped) felt like I had a helmet of thoughts locked on my head and no one had the key. When I finally told my husband what I was experiencing inside my mind (terrifying by the way) it felt like I, myself found the key and unlocked my helmet. Sometimes something as simple as saying the thought out loud to someone can change the trajectory of your mindset in that moment. I’ve also learned that joking about it… in a way, helps majorly! The reason we feel so uneasy is because us as a person, would never ever think or act upon the thoughts that breeze by. It’s against our morals and that’s why it feels so uncomfy. Proud of you for even trying to sit with it!! 🥹
For me, it sort of feels like my body is shutting down, or wants to anyway. I get this dread feeling in the pit of my stomach and my heart starts to race. I think your use of the word “threat” is pretty accurate. I feel like I’m being hunted, in a way. It’s a challenge for me too. You’re not alone
For me, I feel compressed or like the walls are closing in and I feel a burning in the pit of my gut. Sometimes I start to feel a tingle/burn on my skin. I suspect it’s my body responding to fear or like you said, a perceived threat.
How do you sit with anxiety? I wanna check my pulse over and over again. I dunno what caused my anxiety. Now I am just sitting here. Ugh! I feel crazy!
feel like I’ve been stuck in this ROCD cycle for so long that I don’t even know what’s real anymore. Everything feels so heavy and confusing. I keep having thoughts like “I don’t love him,” “I never really did,” “I’m just used to him,” or “I’m staying out of guilt or fear.” They come with a strong emotional pull that makes it feel like I’m finally facing some ‘truth’ — but I don’t even know what that truth is. Even when things are going well with my boyfriend — when he’s loving, caring, affectionate — I still feel disconnected, like I can’t feel love or calmness. And then I feel guilty for not feeling what I think I should feel. I overthink everything: memories, how I used to feel, how I feel now, what I might feel tomorrow. I can’t tell if I’m just scared to lose him or if I’m trying to force something that isn’t there. I’ve read so much about ROCD and I know I’m supposed to sit with the thoughts and let them pass, but sometimes they feel so real that I don’t know how to keep going. Sometimes I even feel numb and that scares me too — like if I don’t react with panic, it must be true. I just want peace. I want clarity. I want to stop analyzing and doubting every moment. Has anyone else felt this way? How do you sit with this and not spiral? Thank you so much for reading. 💔
Hello everyone! I’m starting to recognize when my thoughts begin to spiral, when i’m seeking reassurance or checking. But I still have the sense of uneasiness and anxiety. I was wondering what others do that allow them to move forward with their day when they realize this? I don’t know if I’m making sense, but what are ways you pull the focus back to the present and yourself? Like besides saying “maybe or maybe not”, more like what do you do with yourself after you recognize the thoughts? I feel like I’m at a “now what?” and don’t know what to do with my anxious energy. I’m trying to find something physical to help me so if you also have any hobbies or interests that help I would love to hear it.
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