OCD is a pain

[lilslugger]

i self harmed last night. i was petrified i would have a blasphemous thought and God would kill me for it. This is an ongoing problem, its just that trying not to think of a thought makes the intrusive thoughts come more frequently. I'm a mess.

 

[Jazzey]

I'm sorry lilslugger. Anything we can do here to support you a little right now?

 

[NicNak]

Have you seen a doctor lilslugger? are you taking meds?

Sorry you are hurting right now :support:

 

[Retired]

i was petrified i would have a blasphemous thought and God would kill me for it

lil' slugger,

Have you ever discussed the possibility of this actually happening with your religious adviser?

 

[David Baxter PhD]

i was petrified i would have a blasphemous thought and God would kill me for it. This is an ongoing problem, its just that trying not to think of a thought makes the intrusive thoughts come more frequently. I'm a mess.

Have you ever discussed the possibility of this actually happening with your religious adviser?

Talking to a religious adviser would probably not help. The issue is not the thought. It's the significant that someone with OCD gives to the thought.

This is what I call "OCD worrying". Everyone worries. But when someone with OCD worries (and the worries are often about religion, sex, or health & safety), those worries are given weight that they wouldn't normally have. It's as if the thought itself has magical and predictive powers.

The solution, or management of such obsessive thoughts, is twofold:

1. the right medication - while there is evidence that any one of the SSRIs can be helpful, there is also evidence that certain SSRIs are better than others for OCD, with the best being Luvox (fluvoxamine).

2. Acceptance of the thought as merely a worry, a normal thing, in the right circumstances even a good thing since worries can protect us from harm or impulsivity. As you yourself note, lilslugger, the harder you fight the thought, the more significance you give to it and the more power it acquires. The "trick" is to accept it for what it is - just a worry - and to let it slide past you or pass through you - oh, there's that thought again - let it go. The book, Brain Lock by Jeffrey Schwartz may be helpful in learning to do this.

 

[adaptive1]

I know what you mean, the more I try not to think of something the more I think of it, so I try to give my self permission to think of something as much as I want and just kind of accept that it is there and not react to it. It is very difficult and I still get sucked in by it all the time, even now its getting me.

 

[ladylore]

You may want to try to give yourself a time limit - let's say 5 minutes. Then gently put your attention on something that is fun and more rewarding.

Do you have hobbies? Do you like to read?

It is changing your focus that really helps. The more you do it, the more your brain will start to develop healthier pathways.

 

[Daniel E.]

It is changing your focus that really helps. The more you do it, the more your brain will start to develop healthier pathways.

Yes, and that relates to the 3rd step (refocus) mentioned in Brain Lock:

http://forum.psychlinks.ca/obsessiv...our-steps-dr-jeffrey-schwartz-brain-lock.html

And I think the book/article also says that refocusing is the most important step. It certainly can be the most difficult.

 

[NicNak]

Hi again Lilslugger. Currently my OCD is resting, so to speak.

I once had this happen too. The awful feeling of thoughts just spinning around in circles in my mind, even the thoughts I saw as trivial would rush through my mind. It was like if my mind was blasting on the highest volume while I was trying to carry on my day to day life.

Dr Baxter mentioned Luvox. I have to say, Luvox was wonderful and worked to ease the symptoms. For the first time in years, my mind felt some "rest". It felt like I was wearing dark sunglasses for years and suddenly could see clear. Probably cause the thoughts were not intruding my mind as much anymore.

It took a few weeks for the meds to relieve the symptoms, but after that I could work on coping. When I was on the meds, if the thoughts came back they were of a lesser degree (thankfully) I would imagine them like bubbles and pretend to pop them before they were able to cycle in my mind.

If you have not already, Lilslugger, please see your doctor. Even if the meds take those thoughts away by half it will still find you with relief.

My heart goes out to you, I really feel for you. :support:

 

[lilslugger]

thanx for the replies, you r all very kind. i'm trying to learn to accept these thoughts and not get upset by them and let them die of inaction, but its hard. its a good idea to distract myself, the next time i'm obcessing i'll read or play a video game. on a positive note i finally asked this girl i like for a cup of coffee, she was really pleased. I had been putting it off for months.

 

[Jazzey]

:2thumbs: Have a nice coffee date. Take care lilslugger.

 

[Retired]

i finally asked this girl i like for a cup of coffee, she was really pleased

The joy of seizing the moment! Enjoy your get together.

 

[David Baxter PhD]

i finally asked this girl i like for a cup of coffee, she was really pleased. I had been putting it off for months.

I can well imagine that she was. I'd be a wreck if I had to wait months for a cup of coffee. I have a hard enough time when I have to do a fasting medical test and I can't have coffee for a few hours.