OCD is an Inside Job

One of the reasons OCD and other Anxiety Disorders are so tricky is because of this.

As we know, OCD goes after the things we care about most.

So many people who love their children dearly struggle with intrusions about harming them. Spouses married to the love of their lives worry they may want to break up. Fears of contamination can be centered around worrying we may make our families sick.

And on and on and on.

The worst part about this is that compulsions pull us away from engaging with who and what we care so deeply about.

OCD has access to every thought, feeling, sensation, memory, and experience that we do.

And it will use anything and everything as material.

This can make recovery feel so hard at times. Because these things we have scary thoughts about are so important to us.

And as you progress in recovery and conquer some things, OCD can sniff out new material.

I can tolerate uncertainty about falling out of love these days, but now I am so worried about my partner cheating on me. This feels different. I don't want to feel like this. What if ....

Sometimes this is even about recovery!

Why am I not anxious about this anymore? Do I want to do it? What does this mean? What if I am doing recovery wrong?...

It knows the things you love and want to keep safe. It knows your values and morals and what you want from life.

No matter what OCD throws at us, it is all the same.

OCD wants certainty and it does not think we can tolerate distress.

I had a sexual thought about an animal. I'm scared that I might want to do that thing. I need to figure this out...

It often thinks we are in danger, a danger that only a compulsion can fix.

This one feels so different. THIS is not something I can live with not knowing.....

When we practice sitting with the uncomfortable feelings and thoughts, whether the content is brand new or tried & true, we show ourselves that we can handle it.

We can handle any new thing that OCD throws our way.

Even if it doesn't run out of things to throw for a long time... you can handle it.

You've got this.✨

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Note: If you feel like you are struggling with these things to a degree that is affecting your life, it may be time to see a mental health professional, if you are not already!

If you are in crisis, call 911, the Suicide Hotline (1-800-273-8255), or text Crisis Text Line (text ‘Help’ to 741-741).

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Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only. It does not constitute as therapy.

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