I think the problem with people who have OCD and have intrusive compared to others who have intrusive thoughts and no OCD is that when people like us get intrusive thoughts we are so convinced by our minds that they will happen that it causes us fear and distress. Like these bizarre thoughts cause us to avoid things, people, shows, etc. But for others they are able to just let that thought pass through their mind and they can just shake their head and it’ll be gone. They then can go about their day. But for people like us who suffer from OCD, we get so crippled in fear we avoid anything and everything that has to deal with the thought. It’s not fair 😕

I agree , I really find sitting with the discomfort and knowing it will pass is key and that it’s OCD ...the discomfort is the most awful part, I’m trying to challenge myself with it and find that helps like look for opportunities to use you knowledge and techniques. It’s so hard but helps!!🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

Hi! Yes! So for me an opportunity is when I notice the feeling and the anxiety that comes with the bad thoughts, and those thoughts are insidious they change constantly but some are much scarier than others, as I’m sure you know. When it happens I try to say oh ! An opportunity to work on my skills with how I react to OCD and how I sit with the discomfort and also how I continue my activities...which can feel like getting through mud sometimes. But , if you look at each thought as a chance to practice your techniques and strength since it’s OCD and to say oh , there it is again, and work on it . I have some days where it’s easy and some says where I find myself working much harder . But each day and even minute is an accomplishment! When you feel yourself moving through the pain and discomfort. Lastly, I read something by Clare Weeks, she said , ‘Don’t Just do something!! Sit there and let time pass.’ This has been so helpful because every time I get thoughts I say these lines to myself . I hope that helps, you’re not alone!!🙏🏻🙏🏻

I know, it’s very scary!!! When I get scared I call someone or I turn on a podcast, I try really hard to see what it is as OCD and not important rather just that stuck and awful thought. I also realize that it’s the reaction to the thought that is the worst part and how you instantly feel. I read somewhere that it’s the thoughts that we are afraid of, and so trying to not react when the fear comes up and show it less importance helps. I said to a spiritual therapist once, I’m so mad I have this, my lift would be so good if I didn’t. He said well you have it the way other people age things they don’t want . I am in AA and I find that saying I am alcoholic changed my life in that I could address myself with this thing I didn’t want . Now I say I have OCD and I work on it the same way I did when I had to stop drinking. I know I have this thing OCD but saying it outloud and reminding yourself to be kind to yourself is important. It’s not easy , but we can do it !! Thinking of you and again dealing with the same. I try also not to think about the future or the past rather to stay in the moment, and if the moment is uncomfortable to be kind to myself and realize this is my OCD and I am working on it. We can do it!

Thank you!!! It really helps to talk about it so much with those who understand ! That helped me too, so thank you!!

I have harm also and so many others, diseases, existential and sensory-motor...I agree so scary! I really try to recognize it as quickly as possible when it comes up ...and not try to figure out these thoughts rather just recognize that discomfort..it’s so weird but remember there is nothing to do but go through the feelings and them float over you...I watch the clouds outside and think of my thoughts moving like clouds. Some clouds are much bigger and stormier but nothing to do but let them pass since we know what they are. I think the more we adjust to the discomfort and not try to fight it the better we will feel. And the easier it will become. Also to observe the thoughts and create distance in your mind from them helps . Sometimes when I have really difficult moments I put on Eckhardt Tolle. He said the key is moving through the discomfort (for all obsessive thinking) to get the other side...which is so true! I try to practice every chance I get. it’s crazy how you can have an amazing few hours then suddenly oh no there it is. That’s the part I try to recognize now instantly and try to catch before I get stuck with it . Hope that helps!!!🙏🏻

Typo ...my life would be so good not lift!