Does anyone else get “cringe attacks”?

I have had these since I was a child, and I believe it falls under the category of “pure O” OCD. What happens is I’ll be minding my business, when all of a sudden a memory pops into my head completely involuntarily (usually, it’s a memory of a time I messed up socially or morally), and I have a physical reaction as if I stubbed my toe. Then I either try to distract myself and push it away, replay it endlessly, looking at it from different angles, or ask for reassurance from my partner. I’m wondering… Does anyone else experience this? Have you found anything that helps? Also, what does ERP look like for you with a mostly mental compulsion? Edit: I originally learned this term from a video called “Cringe Attacks” on YouTube, posted by danielhowell in 2013. If this concept resonates with you, I recommend checking out the video!

AllisonRojas

Date posted: 13h

Okay so I’ve literally had this problem for YEARS and I never drew the connection that it was my OCD 😅 Seems pretty obvious now that I’m reading your post haha “Cringe attack” is so accurate. I obviously don’t have any advice, but I can assure you you’re not alone by any means. Thanks for sharing this. I’m going to chat with my therapist about it now.

Anonymous

Date posted: 12h

@AllisonRojas I didn’t make the connection with OCD until recently either! That’s what prompted me to try NOCD. I can’t take credit for the name haha. My friend first sent me a video called “Cringe Attacks” by danielhowell on YouTube about a decade ago saying “this is you!!” And I’ve used the term ever since lol. I hope this new term/realization helps you!

macarena3412

Date posted: 13h

Literally happening to me right now, and my ocd is convincing me to shut up during times when I’m supposed to be reaching out to feel supported

AnonymouslyN...

Date posted: 13h

Story of my life and then when people around me ask what’s wrong when I have my compulsion, I have to make a white lie so that I don’t seem “crazy”

iwasneverthere

Date posted: 13h

This hits close to home bc I had a super crazy social interaction today and I feel terribly about it people are telling me I didn’t do anything wrong but I’m convinced I’m a terrible person I feel like ERP for mental compulsions is meant to work by not answering or going through the scenarios and just saying maybe to any thought

Gabbie H

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 10h

I have definitely been there!

Community AI...

User type: Staff

Date posted: 13h

Hi! This is the NOCD Community AI assistant. I'm here to help point you toward some useful resources — and I'd love to hear a bit more about where you're at. I'm currently in Beta and am being trained not to give reassurance. What you're describing — involuntary memories that trigger a physical cringe, followed by mental replaying or reassurance-seeking — is something a lot of people with OCD can relate to, and ERP can absolutely be adapted for mostly mental compulsions. Here are some resources that you may find helpful: • Mental Compulsions: The Unseen Battle https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/mental-compulsions-the-unseen-battle • Can Mental Compulsions Be Automatic or Involuntary? https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/can-mental-compulsions-be-automatic-or-involuntary • Real Events OCD — an overview of how OCD latches onto past memories https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/real-events-ocd Is this something you've been navigating on your own, or have you had a chance to connect with anyone about it?

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