“What If’s” and Checking

@Amara It’s doubts everything, then has you look up multiple things, then finds another

Of course 🙂. I know that, but remember to be kind to yourself, be patient, and practice. Dr. Joseph Murphy says we are creatures of habit; when we practice something enough, it becomes a habit. As you learn anything in life like driving or playing music with practice, you can achieve this. Just believe in yourself.

@Amara Definitely true true! Why does the ocd keep guessing and doubting

@Tony Davies often keeps guessing and doubting because it is rooted in the nature of obsessive thoughts and the associated anxiety they bring. Individuals with OCD frequently experience intrusive and unwanted thoughts that create significant anxiety. These obsessive thoughts can lead to an ongoing cycle of questioning and uncertainty. Many people with OCD have an intense fear of the unknown. This fear can make them feel compelled to seek certainty or reassurance, which often leads to more questioning and self-doubt. Those with OCD often exhibit perfectionistic traits, which can contribute to an excessive need to ensure that everything is "just right." This perfectionism fuels doubt, as anything less than perfect can be perceived as unacceptable. Compulsions, such as checking or seeking reassurance, are often used as coping mechanisms to avoid the discomfort of anxiety. Engaging in these behaviors can reinforce the cycle by providing temporary relief while allowing doubts to persist. OCD can involve cognitive distortions, such as overestimating the likelihood of negative outcomes, which can exacerbate doubt and lead to a continuous loop of worrying. Research suggests that there may be differences in brain function and structure in individuals with OCD, which can contribute to the difficulties in managing doubt and anxiety. Understanding these factors is essential in managing OCD effectively.

@Amara This is all really helpful. I’m going to read over this a couple times to help me understand. Thank you so much for your feedback. I am in therapy however it’s a very heavy weight. OCD is really habilitating.

@Tony Davies You're welcome! I'm glad to hear you're in therapy and wish you a speedy recovery. Reading some books can also help you understand this things better.

@Amara Thank you I have a question, I keep checking over and over again and am stuck but I put my phone down but then go back What should I do

@Tony Davies Anytime. It's not uncommon to feel stuck in a cycle of checking, one effective strategy is to set specific limits on how often you check things. You can also try to replace the checking behavior with a different, healthier activity, like going for a short walk or practicing deep breathing exercises. It might be helpful to identify any triggers for your urge to check and work on recognizing those patterns. it's okay to take it one step at a time.