OCD and Intrusive thoughts

J1980
Community Member

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?

1 Reply 1

white knight
Community Champion

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