OCD and Intrusive thoughts

[J1980]

Hey there, is there anyone out there struggling witj OCD and Intrusive thoughts? Ive struggled for a long time and havent had much success due to the nature of my thoughts. My thoughts are quite vile and disturbing which is why Im finding it so hard to manage. Im a loving husband and father who just wants peace and for my brain not to be constantly throwing these absurd thoughts and images at me. Im a good man!

Can anyone relate?

[white knight]

Hi, welcome 

Many years ago yes, I had such intrusive thoughts at a time of high anxiety and untreated bipolar, mania. Mania I felt had a lot to do with it, an over active mind.

So my therapist at the time identified it and gave me a few ideas on how to stop these thoughts from effecting my daily life.

1.  Decide if such a thought is realistic. Eg you're driving and you imagine your cars engine will seize. But there's no evidence it will. That's an unsubstantiated thought. Its unrealistic.

2.  If you can stop that thought.

3. If you cant, force your mind or actions to be distracted. Mind- think about your hobby, family or a nice thought. Actions- it could be as brief as washing your car or a short walk. 

4.  Fill you life up more with activities. An idle mind thats an active mind will become a mind of imaginations. Your mind- will have its own rudder.

5. Evaluate your life. My life had several toxic people even family members.  I eliminated these people from my life and eventually their drama faded away. 

Your OCD could be partially responsible but we arent professional medical people to diagnose.

Google- beyondblue variety and distraction 

Beyondblue worry worry worry

Maharaji prem rawat all is well  (and many of his videos)

I hope that helps. Now decades later I'm more at peace and rarely allow intrusive thoughts to gain weight. 

TonyWK 

[Boo49]

I struggle with horrible intrusive thoughts, I've been refused support because when I've talked to people about them, they don't understand and take it as a threat. From what I've learnt about ocd intrusive thoughts is that they work against your core values and beliefs. I've just tried to keep that in mind when I have thoughts about stabbing people in the eyes repeatedly while they are talking to me and thinking they are complete f-ing morons. Yet as a person I love conversation and different opinions. 

This is just one type of my intrusive thoughts and because of the constant worry im going to actually going to snap and do it one day, I struggle with any human interaction and isolate. I make myself go to the library or shops at least once a week and by the time I get home im so exhausted I just stay in bed the rest of the day.

You are not your thoughts, you are the complete opposite, just try and use this as a mantra, easier said than done I know all to well but it helps me a bit.

Hope you are ok

[Petal22]

Hi B0049,

I understand it’s difficult to deal with intrusive thoughts.

Im so sorry you have been refused support.

I suffered with severe anxiety, OCD and Parental OCD it was horrendous to deal with.

The intrusive thoughts I was experiencing were the total opposite to who I was and they really scared me because of the what if.

Have you thought about seeking help from a medical health professional and asking for a diagnosis?

A GP would be a great place to start.