VR as a Compulsion?

I'm kind of a techie person and I've got a PSVR2 headset and controllers. I like playing games with stories to progress as opposed to those VR "experiences" that are more like a playground for playing with the engine's physics and things like that. I find storied games more immersive and easier to lose yourself in I've noticed when I'm feeling really anxious or intrusive thoughts are bothering me a lot, I'll play VR to distract myself. I don't know if it's an avoidance compulsion to try to shut out the intrusive thoughts and anxiety they bring Does anyone else have any escapism habits like this?

Username: StoicGuyStoicGuy

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 49w ago

It sounds like it is avoidance and will worsen the thoughts over time. The trick is not using it as a distraction but as a better way to spend your time. So don't force the thoughts away. Instead, recognize you're having an intrusive thought, let it be, and try not to react to it with any emotion or judgement. Then continue on with something else that is important to you that you want to do because it's important and not something to escape your thoughts. I hope this helps.

Username: bjornkattbjornkatt

Date posted: 49w ago

That is helpful. It's a tricky balance to strike--doing something productive or something to enjoy yourself without the intention of stopping intrusive thoughts

Username: Kara BKara B

Date posted: 49w ago

I totally relate, I just do crochet and tv because I don’t want to give ocd the time of day.

Username: quichequiche

Date posted: 49w ago

That’s how I feel about tik tok. If I just become overwhelmed I’ll spend hours scrolling. I feel like if I bring it up with my therapist as a compulsion they won’t take me seriously afterward

Username: StoicGuyStoicGuy

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 49w ago

If they are an OCD specialist then they will take you seriously. If not I'd find a different therapist.

Username: MichelleBrando55MichelleBran...

Date posted: 49w ago

hey, your love for technological advancement resonates so much with me! it sounds like you've found a unique outlet in VR gaming, and it's cool that you prefer story-driven games over mere experiences. 👾 by the way, have you heard about this new AI-powered OCD therapy tool called 'unstuck?' i've been in a similar situation, and what really helped me was this free tool (unstuckmyocd.com/try) that my NOCD therapist suggested. i think it'll be especially beneficial for you because it can provide guidance when you're feeling anxious or overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts, the same way a therapist would. i hate when people promote stuff, but i really think it can help you since it's transformed my life. lmk if you have any questions or just wanna chat more! <3

Username: viluamorim

Date posted: 24w ago

Different themes in one day

Does anyone that is diagnosed have experience having different themes come up in a day? It’s like I ignored one thought and then my mind comes up with another one until it figures out one that is scary enough for me to ruminate. Does it ever make sense? Like today my intrusive thought was an image of me in the space or falling into space which made me also think - this is non sense! Am I going crazy for having such an unrealistic intrusive thought? And then my psychosis OCD comes to play 🫠 it’s EXHAUSTING but I’ve been answering with “maybe or maybe not” and “I don’t care” which is something I saw someone saying that helps and I’ve been using it. I haven’t started ERP yet but hopefully soon. Just this year this came up and I still catch myself feeling so sad and remembering how I was before this. 😭

Young adults with OCD

Username: Blueberrycows

Date posted: 21w ago

Not ocd related but read on

I know a lot of people are struggling with their ocd or rumination etc so I thought I’d ask what’s your favorite hobby or video game stuff like Nintendo switch Xbox etc the reason I ask this question maybe you all can chat about this topic and take a break from rumination or find friends that have ocd but enjoy the same stuff you do

Username: Arkitekting

Date posted: 19w ago

Existential OCD - parallel dimension

I have powerful existential ocd. My current most distressing spike ever has me almost convinced that me and my son were sucked into a virtual reality in my phone or another dimension like a mirror or tv, and that this reality is all fake and I've separated him from the real world. All because I had a guilt thought nearly two months ago. On top of that, my partner let me know she's dating another man two weeks ago and I was just laid off today. I need kind souls that understand and some empathy. Thank you.

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond

VR as a Compulsion?

Related posts

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Be a part of the largest OCD Community