I was reading some articles about the dark web and I’m shocked and disgusted by some of the things on there. Also I’m scared I might go on it because of how easy it is to access, I’m getting worried that my details are on there and people may be plotting things against me. I’m getting this weird urge to go on it and my mind is saying “you do want to go on and see this and that” but I know I don’t want to😭

Yeah, it usually starts with a thought and then my mind says search it up and I get this urge to search it up. When I search it up I feel so disturbed by it. How can an exposure exercise help this?

@joshua💪 An example in this case might be writing a script, reading it a loud, recording it, and playing it back. It could be written like this: “My information is on the dark web. Right now, there are people who want to do bad things to me using what they know to come after me. There’s nothing I can do to change it. Now that details about me are on there, they can never be erased. I will have to live with this fear the rest of my life.” While you’re doing the exposure, of course, you’re being mindful not to engage in compulsions.

@NOCD Advocate - Carl Cornett Thanks I’ll definitely give it a try. Also any advice on how to deal with urges ?

@joshua💪 Same way you’d deal with any other aspect of OCD: engage with exposure and reduce or eliminate compulsions. You’re not able to change whatever thoughts/emotions/sensations/urges that arise in your consciousness. For example, my OCD theme is currently focused on the fear I’ll develop psychosis or schizophrenia, and that I’m showing symptoms of it. So, I’ll have intrusive thoughts that mimic what I’d imagine someone with those illnesses might have. Such as, “these people are following me.” That causes me to have the desire to engage in a compulsion (avoidance) where I would avoid being around people so I don’t have the thoughts. But, instead of giving into the compulsion, I made myself leave the house and be around others and the thoughts would come. That’s the response prevention in ERP.

@NOCD Advocate - Carl Cornett My ocd sometimes makes me fear getting psychosis and then I’ll mimic symptoms of psychosis. It’s very tricky indeed. :)

@NOCD Advocate - Carl Cornett Just spoke to my therapist for the first time. She seemed pretty nice but I can’t help feeling embarrassed as it’s the first time I opened up about my thoughts, I keep thinking that she probably thinks I’m a freak. I have another appointment tomorrow, should I tell her ?

@😶😐🥴 I think it’s a great idea to share your thoughts and feelings. It’s a common concern that many people with OCD have, and so many are hesitant to share their thoughts out of fear, share, and guilt. But, as a professional, I can assure you it’s nothing she hasn’t heard a million times before. So share away!