Steve.m.w

I shall try to keep this brief so as not to bore you all. So all of us are aware of OCD and have various ways to deal with it but this is something have been pondering. Some of us may be aware of what the final straw was that started their OCD. Most likely there would be other events that contributed to the onset of the condition as well. If OCD is a symptom then if it is possible to find the root cause for this as a specific issue such as a feeling of loneliness or feeling as if the world is against you or whatever other good reason there may be, then if the root cause can be addressed then it should be possible for a significant reduction of OCD to happen. I would welcome thoughts on this. Thanks Steve.

Trying not to have negative thoughts is tiring and impossible... You can't stop them by trying to, that will make them more likely. The way to get rid of them is to let them run out of steam on there own. Meditate for a minute or 2 will help. Or Notice them, recognise them as negative thoughts and name them as a negative thought that there is no point following. Then bring your attention back to what is going on in the room. You fight negative thoughts by recognising them as that and then I consciously say that's JUST a negative thought or whatever name you choose and I don't need to follow it.. using the word JUST is important as it implies less important. It takes a little practice but works very well and quite quickly. Once you do this as they come it frees up your mind to think about what you want to. Yes let them come, recognise and then dump them. All very gentle, no fear or aggression. Be pleased you are noticing and dumping them. Look at it a bit like cleaning out a cupboard or something. Hope you start to feel better soon. Steve

The way to deal with this is to seek legal advice and if necessary start legal proceedings. It's a lengthy process but worth it in the end. I had to go through it 16 years ago but very glad I did.

Hi Helen. So sorry to hear you are struggling so much. Yes the hard work is worth it, but don't worry about the size of the task, one step at a time. Just chip away at it a little bit at a time, don't expect too much of yourself or to get it all sorted out straight away. You will get there with this ..

It's a really good technique, I do something similar except I say I will put it on the backburner. Essentially it is exactly the same thing. Very often I find that what I had been worrying about doesn't actually matter anymore.. Thank you for sharing.

I would suggest firstly a trip to your GP. They may be able to help you with medication to help settle your reaction to thoughts. Therapy of some kind would be good as well, even a knowledgeable friend if you can't get a counsellor. Finally, would a few days away help to ease the situation at home ? Just to let things cool down and so you both can reflect on what's going on. It may be that your mum is struggling with her own demons and finding it hard to cope. Seriously though, I would point you in the direction of your GP in the first instance. Best wishes and kind regards. Steve.

If you are obsessing over wether someone is good or bad then the easiest thing to do is put that particular person on the back burner or park the issue and then wait. Doon enough they will do something that will show you without doubt how they are. Don't forget though that they may be struggling with something ad well and that may make them appear bad when actually it's their own demons showing through.

Nice one. Couldn't agree more.

Morning Pepper. I'm new to the forum and no great expert but will help where I can. Firstly, recognising you need a little help and coming back to the forum is something I would class as positive, so well done there. Secondly recognising it is 'just' OCD is also a huge positive, it would be much worse if you didn't have the awareness and know the cause. I'm calling OCD 'just OCD' as a way of belittling it and taking some of the negative energy out of OCD. Simply put, OCD is lying to you and bullying you and finding the tools to knock it back down again is what you are looking for. From experience, when things are going ok we tend to live life more and focus on OCD stuff less, perhaps this is how it sneaks back in. Hard though it is, know that it is the OCD messing with you and know that the way to get back on top is to recognise the thoughts as thoughts that don't need your energy. The less energy you give them the less power they will have over you.. Sorry I can't be more help, hopefully what I have said will help a little though until the more experienced in the group can support you. Take care. Steve..

Hi. Yes I get this sometimes, I could get sentimental about a cardboard box if I thought about it for long enough. Luckily I am usually able to throw whatever out sooner or later but I do understand it's harder for some.

I like bubut it will take me a few more reads to get the idea of it and how to get the process in place and practice it.

Brilliant article, I can definatley relate to some of what you are saying. Well done.

I agree with the above. One of my techniques is to have a mental health holiday, where I don't follow the thoughts. I see it a bit like being on holiday from work. It usually helps get me back to a better place over the course of a day or 2. Incidentally, you make the holiday last indefinitely.