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- Date posted
- 9d
Taboo OCD themes are more common than you might think
When your mind serves up thoughts that are the complete opposite of who you are and what you truly value, it can feel absolutely terrifying. Maybe you’ve experienced thoughts of violence, sexual perversion, or other themes you’d never willingly choose to think about. If so, you’re not alone—taboo-feeling thoughts like these are way more common than you may realize. Millions of people live with taboo intrusive thoughts, or obsessions, but far too many suffer in silence because of fear and shame. OCD can convince you that you’re dangerous or “bad,” when in reality, the fact that you’re deeply shaken by these thoughts likely shows how kind and caring you really are. When taboo obsessions are met with understanding and evidence-based care, everything changes. You can learn to stop giving these unwanted thoughts power over you, and start living with more freedom. Read more about five taboo obsessions people often hide—and why they don’t mean what OCD might tell you they do—from our partner Alegra Kastens, LMFT.