Harm OCD Cycle

Yesterday I had a good day. I felt like my OCD was there but I was able to not engage with it much. The harm thoughts towards my wife and daughter I could distinguish as OCD and not feel like I wanted to actually go through with anything. Then OCD decided to tell me because I’m doing better it means I’m crazy and will act on my thoughts. Now today I’m back in the feeling of having to act on my thoughts. I don’t want to harm anyone but my OCD tells me I have to or I’m going to keep feeling anxious all the time.

Harm OCD

JM93

Date posted: Yesterday

I could have written this myself. I’m a mom and my harm OCD targets my 8 month old son. I was doing a bit better tonight and my first thought was that I’m actually going crazy since the anxiety wasn’t there and so I will end up harming my son. I am so sorry you are going through this as well. I wouldn’t wish it on anyone. Praying for you friend 💙

Anonymous

Date posted: 16h

@JM93 Do you ever feel like running away? Like leaving them would be better? Sometimes it seems like the only escape.

savvygoose

Date posted: 14h

@Anonymous Unfortunately, avoidance won’t help. Remember that OCD attaches to what you value. Maybe message your therapist for some guidance.

savvygoose

Date posted: 20h

Solidarity… I’m struggling today. My OCD is latched on to my husband & almost 2 year old son. I hate that sometimes it’s just an icky doom feeling without a specific thought attached. Just the feeling that I would do any harm at all lingers. I’m sitting with it though & trying not to ruminate. ❤️‍🩹

JM93

Date posted: 17h

@savvygoose I am so sorry you are dealing with this as well. You said it perfectly. I too get that doom feeling and it comes out of nowhere. It can get worse for me around hormone fluctuations. But it just makes you feel like a monster. Some days are better than others, but on the bad days it’s all encompassing. Prayers your way mama. 💙

Anonymous He...

Date posted: 11h

I like to visualize OCD as a bully. Let’s start by addressing the bully in your mind called OCD. OCD lies to you. Until you recognize that these thoughts are not facts but distortions, they will keep trying to control you. Let’s look at a simple example. You could have a thought, “I am a great opera singer.” But there are no actions, no intentions, no interest, and no desire to pursue it. The thought alone means nothing. In the same way, having violent or disturbing thoughts does not mean you want them, intend them, or will act on them. Look at this truth clearly. You will not harm your family, and this is not who you are. These thoughts do not reflect your character, your values, or your heart. The work is not to eliminate the thoughts, but to not believe them and to move forward with actions that reflect who you truly are. You don’t need to analyze them, prove them wrong, or make them disappear. You can allow them to pass without engagement. Imagine you are walking down the street and a bully is making all kinds of comments about you. You don’t stop to argue or explain. You simply keep walking. The more you ignore the bully , eventually it learns that it has not effect on you ... Your brain will learn not to focus on that thought because it is not relevant. Continue to do the work by using ERP techniques. It will get better, and you will learn not to identify with these intrusive thoughts. This is not danger. This is OCD trying to intimidate you, and you do not have to listen to the bully.

Anonymous

Date posted: 48m

@Anonymous Healing is possible.. Thank you so much for this! I really appreciate it and you taking the time. It’s so nice to finally have a community that understands what I go through everyday.

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