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(not) trusting other people


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In all my relationships I analyse the intentions of others, what their actions truly means and if/how/why they might me lying to me or trying to take advantage somehow. There is not one person I haven't felt this way about. I was wondering whether this could be a symptom of OCD. I try to keep mental notes and evidence that support these theories.

I think it came about due to the psychological abuse I experienced growing up. But the EXTENT of these thoughts and how I "need" to think them over and over to make myself safe feels like a compulsion.

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It seems that your very anxious as to whether you can trust other people and there does seem to be a compulsive element when you keep notes and evidence to support your theory and ruminate. What about evidence that disconfirms your theory?
 

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy rests on the notion that patients/clients  have a bias in the way that they process information and therapy revolves around thinking in a different way. So therapy would involve thinking in a different way as to how people might be behaving towards you.

Rumination is what is termed a ‘trans diagnostic’ thing in that it is something people do who have a variety of diagnoses. I think talking over your anxiety with a mental health practitioner would be a good idea in order to formulate a plan to become less suspicious about people. I am sure that not everybody you know or meet has ulterior motives in deceiving or abusing you. Your past experiences could be clouding your judgement.

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Hi Thinks2much

The lack of trust in people is understandable after what you've been through but I think you need to work on stopping the rumination which is definitely a compulsion.  Trying to be certain that you are safe is just going to reinforce your belief that you are in danger/people are dangerous and you need to keep mentally checking.

Easier said than done I know but it is possible :) 

 

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