- Username
- Focd
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 3y ago
Yeah dont go back to wherever your thoughts were
Hello! This is a theme I’ve struggled with for the past 6 years. I’ve spent hours upon hours going back and forth to the places where I thought I hit someone. I would tell myself to go back one time and look, but then I was afraid I hit someone again while checking the original spot. It was an endless cycle. It came to the point where I would record myself driving. I had to limit myself on where I would need to go for errands or appointments because I was so afraid of driving. Now, I am in a place where I feel good about driving! The anxiety and thoughts are still there, but I am no way near where I was prior to treatment and threapy. I highly recommended ERP! You will see a difference right away! You just have to keep driving and tell yourself that you won’t go back and check. The more you drive and the more you’re exposed to your fears, your mind will start to have more control. I know that hit and run ocd is so debilitating and stressful. But if I can get to the point of driving without feeling so stressed out, you can too! You got this and I wish you nothing but luck!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for this. I have done ERP and it has helped me a lot in other areas I struggle with OCD. I haven’t been to therapy in about 3 months because I generally was feeling better and doing good but now the anxiety is coming back strong. I can deal with the thoughts, it’s the anxiety that is the challenging part. I really love driving, it just sucks dealing with this. But again thank you for your support
Hi there! I’m so sorry you’re going through this—no fun at all! Have you tried sitting with the discomfort? Doing that will allow your body calm down which will help in the long run. Also, just sit with the uncertainty-you may or may not hit somebody. I know it’s uncomfortable, but it will help! You’ve got this!
Not specifically this ocd theme however the work is the same for all. Regardless of the urge to analyze, dwell, or ruminate, focus your attention literally right now on whatever it is you actually WANT TO be doing. This could be going for a walk, playing music, hanging with family, etc. moment by moment just choose to notice the discomfort, and not give any attention. Is this easy, no way.. but its the foundation to prove to yourself you can do it! I believe in you
I am new to this, and really hope it helps. I have pretty severe driving OCD. It has definitely gotten progressively worse. Every bump in the road I hit, every bicyclist, every-time I have to drive on the highway I constantly worry that I hit someone or caused an accident. Some of the rituals I have been experiencing include driving around the “scene” multiple times, checking my rear view mirror (a lot), checking the local news to see if there were any accidents in the area. I have to have my husband confirm there is no damage on my car... it’s endless. To put it plainly, it is beyond exhausting. It’s also pretty lonely as the majority of people I tell have no clue or just look at me like I have 10 heads. If anyone else goes through this my heart is with you, it’s awful.
Is anyone here dealing with Harm OCD? What helps you the most when the intrusive thoughts are there?
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