I need exposure/analyzing advice. Typically i have pocd. Then recently an old obsession about the simulation popped in. NOW another one has taken place and its basically this feeling of hopelessness and dread revolving around my spirituality. The idea that everything is pointless and everything i believe in is probably bullshit.. Etc. How do i do an exposure to this particular piece? Is it "yes maybe everything is pointless and my beliefs are wrong"? I have been trying that, so far to no avail... I still feel myself analyzing and im not sure how/why my brain is doing it. Anyways, some advice would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

Oh boy, I'm sorry. Pocd is my main theme. All I can offer is live your values, don't avoid anything, wear your anxiety like an uncomfortable coat. It is painful. I don't have a specific suggestion. Best to you

bluebell

Date posted: 4y

Hey there! I can try and give you some advice, because it seems like you’ve fallen into the same pot-hole that I have in the past. I found that the effort of ‘finding’ exposures can actually be counterproductive for some reason. The effort of ERP is to teach your mind not to run to compulsions when confronted with an obsessional fear. OCD effects us a lot in our everyday life, that’s why it is so debilitating! It’s inevitable that you’ll get triggered at some point, and in that moment - DON’T RUN TO A COMPULSION! That way things become much more organic, and it’s not this unnatural set-up. Recognising what your compulsions are is really important and easily glazed over. That could be any number of things, so just gradually make a mental list. Hopefully this was helpful, wishing you well!

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

I guess im just trying to understand how to stop the compulsions and the best way i know to do that is with uncertain language. Did using uncertain language around existential/spiritual stuff help?

bluebell

Date posted: 4y

@Anonymous Well, what are the things that trigger you the most? The uncertain language? I haven’t had this theme, but all OCD themes operate in a very, very similar fashion.

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

@fuchsia <3 Its hard to explain. I think Im fine with accepting the possibility of my beliefs being untrue. I've always known thats a possibility. But for some reason now im triggered and it goes between wanting to prove that 1) we are real and 2) my spirituality does have truth (none of which can be proven or disproven really) and then theres the other piece of wanting to accept the possibilities of these issues but being afraid once my anxiety is gone that my spirituality will be gone too... Ive had this ocd before and for some reason it sort of just faded away and other ocd took its place so i dont know how to address it. While this OCD was gone though I did regain my own doctrine/beliefs like i had before OCD. Im just confused.. Why is my brain such a weird fucked up puzzle

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

Nice advice fuchsia! Avoid compulsions

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

I'm curious . I haven't had this theme either.

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

I've been pondering this anonymous. I could be wrong but... I wouldn't get caught up in the language. It's ocd trying to sort stuff out. There is no answer to the many "what if" questions. I would allow thoughts to be there. In fact make room for them! There's a terrific expression. "Muddy water is best left alone." It's a trap like quicksand the more your struggling the faster you sink. God bless

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

Yea i think its an easy trap for analytical thinkers to get wrapped up in a spiral of complicated questions. A blessing and a curse i suppose lol

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond