Does anybody feel like they ‘should’ be able to outthink the thoughts? Even though i’ve tried to rationalise them away it’s like the moment that one reappears every previous lesson learnt or realisation is made redundant by the fact you’ve had the thought again, it’s so hard not to get mad or judge them in any way.

You’re giving them too much power, that’s why they keep returning. Rationalizing is doing a compulsion, it’s like scratching a mosquito bite. The itch goes away temporarily but it’ll start to itch again. You need to take the power away from it by sitting with it the itch. Train your brain by showing it you don’t need to scratch the itch. Allow yourself to feel uncomfortable. Expose yourself to the thing you’re fearing and then it stops coming back

On a scientific standpoint, I heard that logic won't work because the OCD comes from the flight or fight response part and logic/rational thought doesn't communicate to that part of the brain (I'm explaining this terribly) so that's why like on TV some people see something and freeze when they should be running from it cos they'll be safe that way, and you're screaming at the TV "get out of there" but they just stand there and do nothing, it's cos the fight and flight part has taken over and the logical part can't communicate with that part of the brain. Same with ocd. You can see/feel the thoughts or urges, but the rational part of you can only judge or try to out think it, but it won't work.

I'm with you on this! My OCD tells me the same thing: If you just reflect enough on this, then you'll find an answer or figure it out. It's an OCD trap. OCD wants you to get stuck in a cycle of rationalization & rumination because then it wins. I so understand what you mean about having difficulty not getting angry or judging thoughts when they reappear. I think practicing some self-compassion can be helpful. It can be something as simple as saying to yourself, "It's frustrating that this thought is reappearing when I thought I already had it figured out. But as someone with OCD, this is how my brain works. It's not my fault the thought is back." Of course, the trick here is to resist engaging with the thought, because then you'll be running off into another cycle of rationalization. This could mean refocusing your behavior to another activity that isn't intended to decrease your anxiety. We unfortunately have to be willing to tolerate some level of anxiety, doubt, & uncertainty when refocusing. So much easier said than done, but just know you're not alone in what you're experiencing.

I was given ERP homework in which I looked up “late in life lesbian” story lines to help with my HOCD. I got triggered sooo bad and then got worried I’ll get confused because many stories felt similar to mine, married with kids then the question happened. Does anyone else ever feel like OCD keeps dragging you back in, like the more I learn about sexual fluidity and accept it I still feel the need to “check” that’s It’s not happening to me