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Anxiety and Ritualistic Behavior

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Anxiety & Panic Disorders
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Posted 8/2/2020 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
I'm being bombarded by Intrusive thoughts again. These thoughts usually involve 'what ifs' scenarios and the consequences. The 'what ifs' thoughts are so bizarre that I'm embarrassed to tell anyone.

It sucks all my energy when I get these thoughts because I'm usually ruminating on it although I try not to. My therapist told me to argue with these thoughts when I get them; it works sometimes, but it is also exhausting. To top it off, I feel that if I do or don't do something, then something bad will happen to me. I was never diagnosed with OCD, but I wonder if I have it due to my ritualistic behavior or thoughts.

I'm interested in learning how others cope when they get these thoughts.
Posted 8/3/2020 9:55 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm, I can understand it can be very frustrating, I am not diagnosed with OCD either but as in terms of health anxiety I have my own rituals, false beliefs, intrusive thoughts, etc.

When persistent thoughts come, my way of dealing with them is treating those thoughts as someone else's. Not necessarily the moment I have them first because it's usually very hard to deal with them when you are caught unprepared.
But after a while, I re-evaluate them by replaying them in my mind from another person's mouth. Like I am listening to a stranger and how I would react to those thoughts.

Because your reaction is what counts, not the thought itself.
Posted 8/4/2020 11:31 AM (GMT 0)
I have found sometimes putting up a mental stop sign helps. I get worst case scenario thoughts that really scare me. I don't know where they come from but they are there. The stop sign often helps or meditation. Meditation takes my mind off of everything. It might be something you would want to consider. Takes practice.

I hope you feel better soon. Remember that they are just thoughts. Not necessarily how things really are.

Keep hanging in there Forever.

Hugs, Karen...
Posted 8/4/2020 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

Sorry to hear you are having a tough time at the moment.

I have OCD and have struggled with intrusive thoughts for years and it’s really tiring and upsetting but I find Mindfulness meditation really helps so maybe look into that we have some good links in our resources section so take a look.

Hibee
Posted 8/8/2020 2:41 AM (GMT 0)
If you have OCD, arguing with the thoughts is counterproductive. It is likely to make the OCD worse. Fuels the fire. See an OCD specialist, at least for a consult. Ask about ERP and mindfulness. Good luck.
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