I need encouragement- I had this intrusive thought on Saturday that if I eat, my 5-month old niece would choke. I have really eaten much since then, and I purged what I did eat. I’m scared. I’m so hungry. Can I have some words of encouragement (not reassurance) so I can eat and keep the food down? Thank you so much!

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the above comment is great. all i have is some advice. sometimes when i find my thoughts really difficult to fight against but is something i absolutely have to do (like in this example), i try to work around it somehow. like if the thought is "i can't eat or else" i will use a meal replacement shake or find something that doesn't require chewing so it's not "technically" eating (such as pudding). this is only advice for situations in which you find it extremely difficult to fight against your OCD but absolutely have to take care of yourself. in most situations, i highly recommend trying to accept the thought and accept the risk.

You for sure need to eat no matter your triggers. Sit with the thoughts while you eat and even after. See what will happen when you eat. Did your niece choke? If not, go on with your day. Don’t ruminate that the next time you eat might be different, because maybe it will be 🤷🏼‍♀️ You just don’t know. Also, try writing some worst case scenarios as to why your eating might affect your niece and see how triggering it is for you. You got this! Lean into the anxiety even when eating.