- Username
- christina123
- Date posted
- 4y ago
Been there... That is OCD. ERP with a dash of mindfulness was the only way out for me. Just some examples I experienced: Did I place the stamp on an envelope perfectly? Did my signature look good on an important document or greeting card? Did I say something to offend somebody and then play it over and over in my mind. Did I get overcharged at a store and, again, play that over and over. Did I send a text message with spelling errors? And, on and on.
Do you have trouble continuing to read through sentences because you fear you missed something? This is something I've been working on!
@MA30 Yes, I did, and re-writing too.
@Fear Strikes Out Did you do any exercises for these things? Obviously lots of opportunities to improve, but I am wondering if you set specific time aside to practice forcing yourself through the uncomfortableness of continuing to read, write, etc.?
After doing ERP in therapy, I gradually gained momentum to take the leap of faith to resist the compulsion of re-reading and re-writing outside of therapy as the circumstances presented themselves. Most importantly, I did not get down on myself whenever I did not resist the urge to compulse. I specifically avoided that kind of all-or-nothing mindset. With respect to resisting the urge, I utilized a mindfulness strategy whereby I viewed the intrusive thoughts that would lead to re-reading and re-writing as refuse floating downstream besides beautiful fall leaves in their variety of colors. It was MY choice whether to pull that crushed up beer can or candy wrapper out of the water (i.e., engage the intrusive thought). I pretty quickly began to learn that all of the underlying fears leading to my compulsions were mostly a figment of my wild imagination and not worthy of my attention or subsequent anxiety.
That's a beautiful picture. Mindfulness is something I'm still working on, but I'm glad you've found so much success. Enjoy all of this free imagination you can put toward the things/people you love!
Same! I catch things that others don't see and think about things that others don't think about...but it's so time consuming!
Same :(((
I always have to check that everything is perfect and in order. I am afraid that my things will be ruined. When I am out I have to check clothes, shoes, bags, when I get home I do the same thing. Then I check the cabinets, the drawers, I have to check if something is missing and ask for help because it all seems to me messed up. Does anyone do this?
What’s the smallest thing you’ve ever obsessed over?
anyone else obsess over like every thought they have especially bad thoughts? i can think something and it’ll be the only thing i’ll think of. talked about something once? i need to keep talking about it. LIKEEE idk how to explain it, it’s jus like every thought i have i become so obsessive of it especially if it upsets me. let me know what helps
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