- Username
- makenna, 18
- Date posted
- 5y ago
Thank you for this and so much support. You see I am on a waiting list.. and my only tool is online. I get feelings of desire when I think about sexual things that I don't want to do.. and then I feel fear it's like my brain is out to hurt me because I seriously hate those thoughts! It's terrifying. I tried googling it but I couldn't find anything like "intrusive feelings" so to hear someone else experience similar things who went to a psychologist and wasn't turned away.. it is really supporting to hear and gives me hope I won't be turned away
Depends on the scenario and intensity, are you comfortable giving an example or a hypothetical situation?
Have you ever had intrusive feelings? Or know someone with OCD that also has? If yes how did you or someone else deal with them? Feelings you don't want.
All the time! I try everything I can to get back in touch with reality, it really helps talking to my parents or siblings and telling them things like “I keep on thinking someone is in my car with me” (a common intrusive thought for me) or something that I’m feeling and kind of talk through it with them, it makes me feel more grounded to validate the thought then do my best to push it aside instead of trying to keep it from coming into my brain. Does that make sense?
Yes it does! I myself get thoughts that aren't true.. for example desire.. want.. and then right away get scared.. it's like my brain wants to hurt me. Have you ever heard of this type of feelings? I will do my best to push it aside and just think "this isn't me" if I need to respond to it.. I will try to completely ignore it but it's always hard
I totally get that girl, those are the WORST. You can’t ignore them and there’s no escaping it because it’s your brain. There’s nothing to be afraid of though, it’s part of the disorder and at the end of the day YOU are in charge of your brain not vice versa! I know it’s hard and it gets confusing trying to tell reality from compulsions but try everything you can to convince yourself “it’s just me.” Because it is literally just you and your thoughts. We can’t control our thoughts but they can’t do anything to harm us, we control our actions which are the things that actually affect us and the real world.
I’m really glad I could help you! I’ll be praying for you that you won’t get turned away and can get the proper help! I can completely understand how you get scared, it scares me too because it’s a voice in your brain that is yours but it’s not you ya know? Like it’s not your thought but it sounds like it is then you go into the “what ifs” “what if that actually is my thought” “what if it’s true” “what if it’s my subconscious” etc. That’s the most important thing to not give in to, that’s when you will spiral.
I agree the what ifs are the worst.. the intrusive feelings are so scary.. especially when it is a feeling you don't want in the situation.. but our brains just create it to make us believe we want something.. it's like the groinal syndrome you concentrate so much on "am I happy thinking about this" you get happy.. and then we go "omg what if I was happy because I actually liked that thought!" And then it just spirals.. I try to ignore it.. distract myself by playing a video game or something to not let myself engage with the thought
*by the way in my post I meant anything I can not “u can” :)
@jd, I say reach out to them! There’s no shame in that. If you want to hang out, ask them when the next time they’re free is, if you just want to make sure they aren’t mad at you as them “hey! Noticed we haven’t really talked in a while and was just making sure we’re still good?” Or something like that. I literally always have thoughts that everyone hates me, even my best friend of 9 years. It’s a struggle and I was depressed for a long time too but it really does get better, as cliche as it sounds. As you get a hold on your OCD and become open about it with your peers they will accept you and love you anyways
Any tips battling contamination ocd when you are exposed to contaminants daily? How do you fight compulsions and the feeling the sight of dirt makes you covered in it? I have issues reducing hand washing and my hands are peeling and red.
Lark, I personally don’t have that type of OCD but my cousin does! There should be a lot of info online about how to break those compulsions! I was just looking at that exact issue yesterday
I too have contamination OCD and high anxiety all the time I’m trying to do Erp therapy it’s very hard any advice please xx
@jd if they’re true friends they will take the time to understand that you have a disorder you can’t help! I’ve flat out told my friends “hey we’re good right? I sometimes obsess over people being mad at me so I just want to make sure.” And they TOTALLY understand. It really puts you at peace too
@joyzee as I said previously, I personally don’t have that OCD but there should be a lot of information online. So sorry I couldn’t help :(
To anyone who has a partner I recommend telling them if they are the right one for you they will understand and help! Mine has been amazing..he is a lot into science so he even managed to explain to my how the brain works and researched it for me as he is interested in science to even help me understand my OCD it's been amazing!
If anyone needs help in exposures or something they are struggling with I’m open to help! I’ve been dealing with OCD, anxiety, and depression for a long time now. I’ve got a pretty firm understanding on the mechanism of OCD and ERP. I am struggling with depression strongly at the moment but I’ve seen large and tangible progress with ERP ?
I’m still in the process of recovering from HOCD but if anyone wants to reach out to me about cognitive behavioral therapy strategies or ERP strategies/ideas I’m here to help- just no reassurance! ;) you are so strong- keep on going! ?
Hey. I’m not a therapist or anything, but I love helping people. I was diagnosed with OCD about 10 years ago and I have been through many therapists and exposures since. I’d like to think that I know a lot about treating OCD and that my knowledge or experiences could help other people. Please comment below if you need any advice. I have lots of experience with HOCD and compulsions in general. I know that OCD can be hard because I have it, but it’s made me a stronger person and it’s taught me a lot that I’d love to share.
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