I don’t know what to do anymore, I’m failing school because all I have on my mind is ocd and ocd thoughts. I’ll I think is “what If I’m a murderer” “what If I hurt someone” “no no no I don’t wanna do those things I really don’t”. I feel like it’s getting worse I can’t focus on school anymore and I’m gonna fail this quarter. I wake up and I just wanna sleep because I keep having these thoughts, I’ve been getting nightmares too and I just feel so hopeless and I’m always so anxious about being a bad person. Please help me out here

Some things I wrote on sticky notes around my room when I was struggling the most with unwanted intrusive thoughts about harm etc. Thoughts that repeat are stuck, not important. Character is a reflection of how you lead your life. It relates to what you actually choose to do or choose not to do. Thoughts are what pass through your mind- when thoughts just happen it is not your choice.

Exactly! Fear is a liar. Scripture go to for me is: For God did not give me a spirit of fear, but power, love and a sound mind. I repeat it over and over until I find power in the truth of it. Thoughts are just thoughts and everyone experiences it. It helped me when I found a community that goes through what I go through. My biggest trigger too is feeling alone and crazy - that no one understands. But again - this is a lie. Please always remember who YOU are. You are not this lie. When those thoughts come, I read a blog from a therapist who also struggles with Harm OCD - she pictures the thoughts as leaves traveling down a stream and out of her view. Also - when you wake up (this sounds silly - but helped me) affirm your day. I say, "Today I will be a conquorer and not be conquored. Today I will be victorious and not a victim. Today I will help others and do my best. Today will be a good day" - Even if some days didn't turn out to be good- I still said it every day and it helped prepare me and set my mind. Its a long road. I won't sugar coat it - BUT the beauty is there IS light at the end of that tunnel. Wake up every day knowing that, and knowing each day you're a little closer - it'll help get you through this time. Also, you can use this time to help someone in the future. Because you will meet that person one day struggling just as you have struggled - and the beauty of this mess is that you'll not only be in a better place - but you'll help get that person out of the mess too. God bless you and I'll be praying for you!!!

Remember this, you are not your thoughts. OCD is only around to put fear in you. That’s what it is... it’s a fear of irrational things that will NEVER happen. OCD likes to mess with your morals and beliefs. I know you’re a very kind and warm hearted person however OCD tries to get us to think the opposite. OCD will take something good and twist it around. I can tell you one thing though, everything is going to be okay I promise you.

Hey! So I have struggled so much with harm OCD. Some periods are better than others. I read a forum once that the speaker said OCD takes what you care about most and twists it up into the worst thing imaginable and gives it right back to you. Chances are if you are worried about hurting people that you're the complete opposite. You are loving and caring - which is why those thoughts terrify you. My advice is when those thoughts come- what helps me is to say to myself- I know who I am. I've found the harder I am on myself- the worse the anxiety is. But if I let the thought come - and leave without dwelling on it - my anxiety lessons over time. As also the frequency of the thoughts. I just have flare ups from time to time now - and I'm battling one right now. It gets better - I promise.

I know what you mean completely. You have to remember your OCD is a lie. Its hard to remember that when your body is involved and anxious - but IT IS A LIE. You have to remember who you are. It's hard for sure, but you can do it. I'm not sure if you believe in Christ but the Bible talks about this a lot and fear. It's amazing and scripture has helped tremendously. Also, Journaling can help too. You've got to get out of your head, so writing or talking to someone can help tremendously.