I've recently found a way of dealing with my intrusive thoughts and compulsions, but now that I don't get anxious about the thoughts I feel oddly empty, like I keep wondering whats going on, why is this not hitting me like it used to. What do I do with myself now? I don't miss the way these thoughts had a choke hold on me, but I feel like I need to fill my life with something better, but i just don't know what. Has anyone else had this happen?
I kind of feel the same way, like who am I without ocd, or what is my life if i don’t have my compulsions. Even if they are taking up my time and energy and are detrimental to me and my mental health. It feels oddly empty and strange.
@Erika McKenzie Exactly! Didn’t think about it that way but yes, exactly that!
Yeah, it's interesting. I thought I'd be happier but now I'm just like, what now? But I try to stay positive, recovery is never easy I guess. Thank you for sharing and I wish you well.😊
@Searching I think it’s because we’re so used to our everyday life be consumed with obsessions, compulsions and anxiety that we just don’t know what relaxation and quietness feels like 😭 that anything other that living on the edge feels oddly weird. Excited for my journey though, with you all the best !
Yes. Since starting ERP, I definitely have “quiet” periods. They’re frightening. What helped me was putting that anxious energy into other things. In my case, I started walking the dogs more and learned the ukulele. Now, I’m more stable and also learning Spanish to occupy my time that I used to spend being anxious/obsessing. Hopefully, you can find something that works for you. I found finding new hobbies or even movement activities helpful!
Thank you so much, I appreciate the advice. I love the idea of learning something new to occupy my time. 😊
What is "quite" period?
Isn’t it so strange how letting go of things that held so tight, leaves an emptiness we have to figure out what to do with. First thing, enjoy the lightness of it all. Next perhaps fill those spaces with positive thoughts, things you’ve accomplished, songs that inspire you, moments you cherish. I had a weird compulsion in my morning routine that i recently changed. It was so bizarre that i felt like i missed something just because i didn’t do this thing, when in reality i didn’t forget anything at all. Just one of those weird just right kind of things that were unnecessary. Thank you for sharing this. It’s nice to know you’re not the only one, even though we know we aren’t, still feels that way sometimes.
Thank you for sharing. I'll definitely start enjoying the peace more.
@Searching Yesss, so good to hear, you deserve it!
I’ve been feeling a bit stressed lately because my intrusive thoughts aren’t causing as much anxiety as they used to. It almost feels like I’m becoming a little numb to them, and because of that, I’m able to engage with them a bit longer. I don’t feel the usual rush of anxiety to pull away, and in some strange way, I even find myself focusing on them for a few seconds, like I’m actively thinking about them. It’s really stressing me out because I feel like by not feeling that immediate discomfort or anxiety, I’m letting the thoughts stay longer or giving them more power. I feel like part of me almost wants them to be there, and I don’t know if that’s a bad sign? They don’t even feel intrusive. Has anyone else experienced this? I’m just worried that the lack of anxiety is the reason I’m interacting more with these thoughts that would normal scare me. I feel guilt about it later. I am currently withdrawing from medication so that may contribute to this but it’s not the first time I experience this :/
So I’ve noticed that my OCD has calmed down, I’m getting less intrusive thoughts but I feel more uncertain than ever. Is this normal for recovery?
I think I’m in the recovery stage as my thoughts have settled so much & I only get intrusive thoughts on occasion and get worse only when I’m anxious, but the quietness in my brain feels so weird & I feel awful saying that because all I wanted was the thoughts to stop. This is the most quiet it’s been it’s over 7 months, so to go from non stop thoughts for a long time to quietness I don’t know how to take it. Has anyone else felt like this in recovery
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
