This caught my attention since I’ve been navigating the complexities of harm obsessive OCD lately, and it feels like such a tangled web sometimes. I’ve had moments where I’ve questioned if I’m even in control of my own mind, which can be really unsettling.
I guess the first thing that strikes me is how often these thoughts seem to pop up out of nowhere. One minute I’m just going about my day, and the next, I’m hit with these intrusive images or worries that I might accidentally harm someone, or even myself. It can feel really isolating, right? Like, who wants to talk about that kind of stuff? But at the same time, I think it’s important to bring it out into the open because it’s such a common struggle for so many of us.
What I’ve been trying to do recently is to focus on the fact that these thoughts don’t define me. Just because I have these scary, bizarre thoughts doesn’t mean I will ever act on them. I find that it helps to remind myself that they’re just that—thoughts. It’s still a work in progress, and I’m learning how to accept that battling with these feelings doesn’t mean I’m weak or flawed. In fact, it takes a lot of courage to confront them.
I’ve also started practicing grounding techniques when the anxiety peaks. Things like deep breathing or focusing on physical sensations around me. Has anyone else found those types of exercises helpful? I’m curious to hear what strategies work for others.
Another part of this journey has been understanding the role of therapy. I’ve been seeing someone who specializes in OCD, and it’s been eye-opening. It’s a safe space to unpack all these thoughts without judgment, which is honestly such a relief. I’m learning not to fight the thoughts but rather to acknowledge them and let them pass. It’s like watching a cloud float by—you know it’s there, but you also know it doesn’t have to stick around.
I’d love to hear what you all think about this. How do you cope with intrusive thoughts? Are there any resources or techniques that have helped you? It’s always good to share and learn from each other.