Please some advice for ROCD, I’m having a bad day feeling lifeless and hopeless Today I’ve sat and allowed the intrusive feelings and thoughts about an ex to flow over me today without resisting in a bid to do some ERP and now I just feel guilty and lifeless. I am in love with my boyfriend who is so supportive and incredible. But not a day passes where this ex is in my head. And it scares me. Because I know I love my current boyfriend. I know these thoughts are intrusive but they feel so real, is that normal? I call them ‘fake feelings’ telling myself that it’s the ocd trying to trick me. This ex was awful. He was nasty and mean. I know I don’t want to be with him but then intrusive thoughts kick in and they feel so real so I get extremely guilty. I even feel guilty typing this. Can anyone help me please? ?

The moment it comes up you have to say no. Don’t go in too deep into it. I know it sounds easier than it is but it has worked for me. I had a friend who lied about where they went to college, lied about his intentions with me by sending me letters in the navy and stalked me by pulling up behind my car at night with my boyfriend in the car. I’m a writer so I do like to write. I allow the intrusions to come about for creativity during and when I write my book. Once I’m no longer working on the book, I come back to reality and say no. I’m in the present not the past. Think of the worst thing the ex did to you. The intrusions may make you think you don’t deserve your bf but that’s not true!

The intrusions definitely do make me believe I don’t deserve my boyfriend. Thank you @casepag! Do your intrusions make think you feel different?

I say well done for recognizing your intrusive thoughts for what they are, OCD. Also well done for bravely attempting ERP. It sounds like that session just got ahead of you a bit. You have thoughts about an ex and all they are are thoughts. It’s your reaction to them that causes the guilt and turmoil. I know it’s not easy but keep on practicing! When the thought of the ex walks through your mind just nod at it and let it keep walking. No need to pretend like it doesn’t exist but there is no need to ponder it further. They will decrease with time.

Thank you @beamer. Along with the intrusive thoughts they bring fake feelings or intrusive feelings as I call them, about this ex. But I know they are not me. That’s what leaves me feeling depressed and stressed. I will try and continue with ERP and practicing. Thank you again!