HadenoughofOCD Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 A lot of the compulsions I do are mental - Usually revolving around going over past events to reassure myself that I didn’t do the things I am afraid of being accused of and preparing for what I would do if the fear came true and I did have to try and defend the accusations. I’m really new at this but would really like to try and stop these thoughts as they are coming in so that the OCD doesn’t get too latched onto the thought and torment me for days. I kind of know what my compulsions are (going back in time mentally and checking what happened etc), but what’s the next step? Do you distract yourself? Tell yourself “no”? Link to comment
PolarBear Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 You do nothing. Nothing at all. You can't directly stop the thoughts but you can control the way you react to them. Don't react. You are not required to react to the thoughts. You don't have to figure things out. You are allowed to let things go. Link to comment
Orwell1984 Posted February 10, 2019 Share Posted February 10, 2019 (edited) . Edited February 10, 2019 by Orwell1984 Link to comment
leif Posted February 11, 2019 Share Posted February 11, 2019 On 10/02/2019 at 02:34, HadenoughofOCD said: I’m really new at this but would really like to try and stop these thoughts as they are coming in so that the OCD doesn’t get too latched onto the thought and torment me for days. On 10/02/2019 at 07:06, PolarBear said: You do nothing. Nothing at all. You can't directly stop the thoughts but you can control the way you react to them. Don't react. Yes this is the whole cbt process in dealing with ocd...we learn how to let the anxious thoughts hang out in our brains without doing compulsions...eventually the anxiety around the thoughts disappear. It's a process and the book you're getting and your counsellor should be able to guide you through how to take this all in manageable steps. Link to comment
HadenoughofOCD Posted February 19, 2019 Author Share Posted February 19, 2019 Thanks Leif, I’ve made some good steps in the last couple of weeks but I am really struggling to get to grips with the response prevention for mental compulsions. When I realise I am doing it, I stop myself, but I am worried about starting a new compulsion by the ways I am stopping myself. Link to comment
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now