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Let’s talk about POCD and break the stigma, comment below your worst intrusive thoughts on POCD, images, Or even urges, no judgement here.

Hello there, I'm new here I will share my story with you at some point in my life I discovered my OCD by myself. Never went to a psychotherapist yet and I don't want to go I'm Arabic and Muslim, 21 yrs I'm going through many changes in my life I have 2 physiological chronic diseases so I'm very anxious and stressful I try to express my self to my family but no result .. No one knows my status and everyone thought that I'm just overthinking and they say to me why you are like that Also, I can't sleep well normally but recently I struggle with sleeping I never get sleeping unless I'm very tired, and in the morning So I said to my family... The normal reply stop thinking and you will be able to sleep BUT I really can't and I'm thinking to start getting pills ” OTC ” herbal and like that About my OCD, 4 months ago I discovered it by chance, and surprisingly I had since childhood..like a shock for me because I had a wrong idea about OCD I know you will tell me that self-diagnosing is wrong and I have to go to a doctor okay I'm a doctor and I know that and I don't want to be unhealthy but I have it unfortunately I had OCD : being very morally I even blame myself because I take tissues facial tissues when chief is not there, when i was studying i study all the time even i know i memorize all the content but i feel afried to get low marks i have the perfection issue also by the way , I repeat numbering I check doors and oven many times I wash my hand 5 time I always think about what to do if i did something wrong and start blaming my self Other things Im shy to talk about

A Quick Guide For Real Event OCD: Remember that it’s not the memory that is the problem, it’s the OCD that’s the issue Remember that OCD often distorts your past memories and can very often add details to make a memory seem worse than it actually was and can even create false memories. This is a challenging one but, let go of the need for certainly about your past memory or memories. Let go as best you can and be comfortable with uncertainty (this takes time, be self compassionate) Remember that this type of OCD is not special or unique just because it’s based on a (likely distort and over exaggerated) past event, OCD attacks what is most important to us, our biggest fears and issues, it whatever way it can Real event OCD is fundamentally no different than any other type of OCD (and many people suffer from many different types of OCD all at once) The only differences in any type of OCD is what the obsession is over, thankfully, The treatment is the same, this is a moment in life what is a good thing to remember that you (and your condition) are not special Stop reassurance seeking and confessing. It may provide a little relief and lessen your fears but it will not fully take them away, again it’s not the memory that’s the issue it’s OCD’s grip on the memory Ban rumination! No matter how many times you ruminate about every detail and possible outcome of the past event will only make the thoughts more “sticky” in your brain. It’s hard, but stop giving the thoughts credence and let them go as best you can, try to catch yourself in the act of rumination Be mindful and allow the uncomfortable thoughts and feelings to just come and go, observe but don’t engage, this helps teach the brain not to attach to these thoughts and feelings and stops the brain for continuously sending the panic alarm. Meditation works very nicely for practicing mindfulness Ask yourself if you should waste your life trying to figure out the past, when you can focus on bringing what you want into your present and future. I know you don’t feel you deserve it. The main tenets of behavior therapy are: We cannot control our thoughts and feelings but we can control our behavior. If you change your behavior, your thoughts and feelings will follow. During this pandemic it can be hard, so try finding hobbies and other positive things to do to fill your day Be here now, this can be challenging but, do your best to live in the now and do what you can to make today great! The past is long over and the future is fantasy. Each day we are born anew and have an opportunity to improve. Most of not all Real Event OCD obsessions are over actions that we would never think of repeating and that we would have never done if we knew then what we know now. Be kind to yourself and remember who you are. Accept that there will be ups and downs, harder days and easier days, on your recovery journey Finally… self compassion not self forgiveness! Forgiveness implies that you have done some unforgivable act and need to work towards reparation for it. This process usually requires time spent discussing and processing the event. You may believe if you find a way to forgive yourself then you can stop obsessing about it. People in your life may have even encouraged you to work on it. With OCD, discussing and analyzing the event is not the approach we want to take. In fact, I’m sure you have already spent excessive amounts of time evaluating the situation and all its many angles, yet getting nowhere. Now, I’m not saying this is an event you are proud of. What I am saying is that it’s not the event that is the problem; it is the OCD that is the problem. There is a chance you would have moved on from the event if the OCD hadn’t grabbed onto it. And we don’t treat OCD with self-forgiveness because OCD exaggerates and distorts life events. Imagine that being stuck on this may not be due to lack of self-forgiveness but the way OCD traps you. OCD has taken over the life event, twisted it and has convinced you into believing it is a critical problem that requires forgiveness or punishment. Resources: Article: http://www.ocdspecialists.com/real-event-ocd/ Video on Real Event OCD: https://youtu.be/ojsA2z_Nf_0 Video on Letting Go: https://youtu.be/ZK6FVw4xfbg Video on “Going Through Hell”: https://youtu.be/toQMJeqdW48 Video “Drunk on Life” accepting the good, the bad and the s Gray area: https://youtu.be/WCsPCrZ4aq0 Jesus Prayer Mindfulness Meditation Guide (NOTE: if you struggle with religious OCD this may not be the best for you) https://youtu.be/6TTDjJ8Cv3Y Za Zen Mindfulness Meditation Guide (NOTE: if you have an issue with number obsession this might not be best for you) https://youtu.be/dDJ_wbjBL6c Book Recommendations: The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD by John Hershfield Christ The Eternal Tao by Hieromonk Damascene Anxious For Nothing by Max Lucando The Jesus Prayer by Frederica Matthews Green The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives by Elder Thaddeus F*ck Coping Start Healing by Dennis Simsek Anxiety, Trust and Gratitude by Nun Kathrine Weston NOTE: While all this information is very helpful it is always best to seek treatment and help from a therapist or psychologist. Use the information above is a part of your healing journey, get in touch with a therapist/psychologist to help you better work through these issues

I got mad at my bf yesterday and I feel like I always get mad over the dumbest things and I say I’m gonna get better but I end up doing the same thing and then I get mad at him when he does something that I don’t like and put it on him. And it’s not fair. And I know he’s tired of me getting mad all the time and idk ROCD and HOCD just make me so sad and I am scared I am unhappy. And I try to let these little things go because I really want to and it’s my choice but then my thoughts come and say “well this happened, well he did this, well you can’t get past this” when I reality I can get passed this and live a happy life. But my thoughts also say “if you’re depressed you can’t be happy and you’re just faking it” but I feel like I can for sure be happy and it all depends on me. Idk it’s weird

How all of a sudden can i just like cock this is depressing. All i get in my mind is you love cock, i look at attractive guy you want his cock. Image of a guys penis in my butt ,. Grionals in my butt, hes hot etc... fml

As far as im concerned my life is over if this is true

My rocd is playing tennis with itself. When my s.o. is in a good mood I feel annoyed and irritated, when they're in a bad mood I fear they're going to leave me. It's so frustrating. I've been trying to sit with the discomfort and/or ignore it, but it's exhausting. Has anyone else ever dealt with this? Any suggestions for what to do?

I’ve had OCD from a really young age with obvious symptoms. I always wonder, “why didn’t my parents do anything to help? Why wasn’t I taken to a psychologist?” It makes me so mad to feel like my OCD could have been prevented, and it really sparks resentment towards my parents :-( can anyone relate or provide advice?

Does anyone feel like they’re wasting their life away with mental illness? It depresses me so much everyday. My mental health has ruined my life since I was 15 and now I’m approaching 24 and am still in the same place- actually worse. I feel like when I get my life together I’ll be 28 and all my good years would’ve passed. It just makes me so sad 😔

This really fucking sucks rn I feel like I’m a lesbian and I want it When I truly don’t want these thoughts or to be with a girl. I don’t want to want girls either. I want guys. I want butterflies and those romantic, giddy feelings for guys not girls. I want to fall in love with a guy. I want to want guys and not have my fucking mind telling me they’re gross. I’m so jealous of girls that are so attracted to guys and have bfs cause I want that I hate this so much :( I don’t know how to get better I’m even uncomfortable at the thought of being sexual with manly guys now as well :( (Do any of y’all any experience that?)

I dont want to give up women because of this. But nearly every guy looks attractive. Why is this ?

Hello everyone, my name is Cameron Harris. In early February of this year I developed OCD. My OCD was revolved around my sexual orientation. I would do compulsions all day and night to rid me of my intrusive thoughts and sensations. It was horrible. On March 30th I built up the confidence to google what I was experiencing. What popped on the screen were 3 letters...”OCD.” I was relived but terrified at the same time. The next morning I told my Mom and Stepfather that I believe I have OCD around my sexual orientation. They were both confused and kept saying “but you’re not gay...?” I kept reassuring myself saying “I know I know but my thoughts won’t stop, I can’t stop thinking about it.” I burst out in tears because I was so terrified. I began looking at OCD YouTube videos on how to recover. I realized to stop the thoughts you have to stop the compulsions and do this thing called “ERP.” I had no idea what that was and began researching more. I started creating my own exposures and learning what mental and physical compulsions were. I began exposing myself and felt accomplished but I was still suffering. In late April I began the theme of “what if I never recover from OCD.” I was miserable. I had no idea how to expose myself and stop these new thoughts and began compulsively watching OCD recovery videos to make sure I was recovering just right. In early May my mother recommended I find a support group. I began researching and came across NOCD. I told my mom and at first she was a bit iffy because it was online therapy. I begged and begged and finally she agreed. I had my first appointment on June 2nd and began therapy with NOCD. The next 2 months of therapy were tough. I was doing exposures everyday for an hour. Listening to my scripts over and over and over. It came to the end of August and was still dealing with my obsessions but my anxiety was at a 1 to these thoughts and I said these magic words to myself...”Why was I so worried about this?!” From then on life has gotten so much better and had my monthly check in yesterday. My thoughts and significantly decreased as well as my anxiety levels in general. I still have the thoughts pop in about me being gay like once or twice a day and most likely 20-30 thoughts about recovery a day. I now wake up everyday appreciating how great life can be. I truly thank NOCD and all of you for your love and support. A happy normal life is possibly without being tortured by OCD. Anyone can get over it with time and hard work. If anyone has any questions for me let me know. God bless. - Cameron

It’s honestly just dawn on me that my fondest memories growing up all involved my dad and I. I just have bad memories of my mom and I as a kid. She would always say no to me and my dad would always say yes to me. My dad growing up bought me my first football, my first bat and glove, my first soccer ball and basketball, even my first hockey stick, even my first roller blades and bike. Yeah I was that kid growing up. No kid my age could keep up with me and I always hung out with kids who were older than me. It feels as if ever since my dad left me as a young adult I lost a piece of who I am. I feel like if I ever get the call that my dad passed away I’d breakdown and cry and to be honest if my mom dies I don’t think I would feel the same idk. I guess only time will tell what my reactions would be when that happens.

Anyone here have OCD and ADHD? I heard it’s highly comorbid and well... I want some friends to relate to,,

My OCD started when my grandfather died when I was 16. I was traumatized. Nobody knew what OCD was in my family so it was extremely difficult. I was scared, still is because it can be consuming. It is the most difficult thing that I've experience to this day. The truth is I know, I know the intrusive thoughts, I know all about OCD but I just cant stop it. The intrusive thoughts are a bitch.

Hi! I have OCD in a few different subtypes. Even when my brain isn't stuck on those scary obsessions and compulsions, it seems like it is getting stuck on every thought that comes in. Like my brain is constantly and very intensely trying to find problems to solve all throughout the day no matter what I'm thinking about, even if they aren't specific OCD thoughts. It's super exhausting! Is this a common thing with OCD? Does anyone else experience this?

i’m wondering if anyone has any tips for my predicament. My OCD often comes up as anxiety and stress increases in the form of skin picking. I deal with acne and just started a new birth control to to help control this but currently i have a lot of acne. I am in nursing school and COVID has really made my life more difficult. it’s hard to me to resist picking at my skin because it helps release some stress. pimples makes me feel dirty, and i want my skin to look perfect. any suggestions on how to combat this?

I can’t believe how one fucked up ERP session has fucking turn my whole world upside down smfh. It’s like what’s the point anymore? I just hate how my life has ended up now smfh. All these stupid thoughts that come up is fucking irritating. On top of that I got a bum shoulder so I can’t workout.

How do you guys manage telling your family about your ocd? I left a book with notes from therapy in it and one of my family members went in my room while it was open. Now I'm freaking out they read it. I'm scared to talk about my sexual orientation OCD to anyone in my family because I worry they won't get it.

This is going to be a long post. Having a rough morning. Woke up scared again, anxious about my work day (haven’t been to work in like 5 days) I’m Worried right now because my POCD thoughts have morphed into something new....HOCD. Specifically the harming of kids. I really started thinking about it yesterday as I was think about my POCD. I remember going back to my memories and remembering a couple of times when I saw a video of a mom abusing her kid/harming him. I got a groinal response and started feeling uncomfortable as if I was enjoying watching it. So last night i started thinking about that memory and some other one and thought to myself “ maybe you would enjoy harming/torturing children or your unborn child(am Currently pregnant) since then I have mostly thought about this new thoughts. It feels so real like I would want to commit those acts and enjoy committing them if I did. I don’t want to have these thoughts or I don’t think I would be questioning why I feel this way. Or hell who knows. My thinking is all over the place. So now at this moment I am Not overtly concerned about my POCD I am now concerned about this new thoughts. It’s to the point where instead of finding reasons why I wouldn’t enjoy them., I’ve thoughts of reason why I might. I don’t want to think this way or feel this. I feel like if I let this new thought really take over like I’m going to become this abuser and find a way to “indulge in it” if my urges or thoughts get stronger. I would like to add that while I did have those couple of memories where I watched a couple videos on FB , they did make me uncomfortable and cause me groinal response and almost like an attraction to them. I didn’t even finish watching the videos because I got uncomfortable and slightly scared. Also I’ve never hurt a child and never thought or fantasized about hurting a child. I have been around my friends kids and such and those thoughts never popped up when I was with them I never felt urges with them about harming them. After watching those videos I did think to myself “why did u feel that way?” But I didn’t question it too much. I guess now Looking back on as many memories as I can remember having to do with a child due to my POCD ...brought on these new thoughts. Also I don’t feel like I am As stressed about em. This all just feels so real to me These wants, urges. As before with my PCOD thoughts, I feel Slightly anxious, I have a restless leg and I have some worries and fears but now as Panicky or anxious as I would expect to feel. What the f**k is wrong with me. I feel like I have this darkness inside of me.