Constant Intrusive Thoughts Are Driving Me Crazy

[SaltandLightTeacher]

I have only recently realised that I very likely have OCD. It runs in my family and I've had numerous intrusive thoughts in the form of images almost like gifs. It's like my brain takes something I care about and goes, 'What's the worst possible scenario I can visualise about this.' It's horrible. I've prayed a lot, and tried to just acknowledge them and it seems to be dissipating slightly, right until a particularly bad one hits and then it all starts again. I feel so guilty about my thoughts.
I'm about to go overseas for a new job, so I'm really praying this settles down soon. I've never had it this bad before. Please pray for me.

 

[Mari17]

I have only recently realised that I very likely have OCD. It runs in my family and I've had numerous intrusive thoughts in the form of images almost like gifs. It's like my brain takes something I care about and goes, 'What's the worst possible scenario I can visualise about this.' It's horrible. I've prayed a lot, and tried to just acknowledge them and it seems to be dissipating slightly, right until a particularly bad one hits and then it all starts again. I feel so guilty about my thoughts.
I'm about to go overseas for a new job, so I'm really praying this settles down soon. I've never had it this bad before. Please pray for me.

This sounds very much like OCD! Ignoring the intrusive thoughts is a good strategy. What resources do you have available to help you deal with your OCD?

On another note, I do think life changes can sometimes trigger OCD. In fact, I had that happen to me a few years when I moved overseas for a job. So you're definitely not alone!

 

[Bob8102]

I have only recently realised that I very likely have OCD. It runs in my family and I've had numerous intrusive thoughts in the form of images almost like gifs. It's like my brain takes something I care about and goes, 'What's the worst possible scenario I can visualise about this.' It's horrible. I've prayed a lot, and tried to just acknowledge them and it seems to be dissipating slightly, right until a particularly bad one hits and then it all starts again. I feel so guilty about my thoughts.
I'm about to go overseas for a new job, so I'm really praying this settles down soon. I've never had it this bad before. Please pray for me.

I pray for you. There are two sources of information I can think of for you to go to, right off the bat. One is, Google "Grantley Morris scrupulosity." Morris says the problems of two types of Christians have a common cause. Those who keep doubting their salvation and those who have unwanted, intrusive thoughts: both problems are caused by OCD. The other is a book by Mitzi VanCLeve: "Strivings Within - The OCD Christian: Overcoming Doubt in the Storm of Anxiety." Mitzi recommends ERP - Exposure and Response Therapy. She suggests letting the intrusive thoughts in, and training your brain to not react with an adrenaline-like impulse to them.

Not to speak to soon, but I think I may have just beaten my main OCD problem. I have religious OCD and have been battling doubts about my salvation for years. Yesterday, I made darn sure I surrendered to Jesus Christ. I know His promises, like "I will never leave you nor forsake you," "My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand," and "He Who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Grantley Morris hits the nail on the head. He says Christians who keep doubting their salvation because they have religious OCD, may at times become assured of their salvation. But then, the OCD will later introduce doubt and anxiety again; the problem is, OCD is neurological and it keeps doing its thing in spite of all logic and facts, Bible reading and prayer, etc. Both VanCLeve an Morris recommend ways to learn to manage your OCD; don't expect it to end.

 

[timf]

You might find a little relief in experimenting with nutritional supplements like GABA. If your individual neurology tends to be a little deficient in the Neurotransmitter that quiets neuro activity, you may benefit from supplementation.

 

[Mari17]

I pray for you. There are two sources of information I can think of for you to go to, right off the bat. One is, Google "Grantley Morris scrupulosity." Morris says the problems of two types of Christians have a common cause. Those who keep doubting their salvation and those who have unwanted, intrusive thoughts: both problems are caused by OCD. The other is a book by Mitzi VanCLeve: "Strivings Within - The OCD Christian: Overcoming Doubt in the Storm of Anxiety." Mitzi recommends ERP - Exposure and Response Therapy. She suggests letting the intrusive thoughts in, and training your brain to not react with an adrenaline-like impulse to them.

Not to speak to soon, but I think I may have just beaten my main OCD problem. I have religious OCD and have been battling doubts about my salvation for years. Yesterday, I made darn sure I surrendered to Jesus Christ. I know His promises, like "I will never leave you nor forsake you," "My Father, Who has given them to Me, is greater than all. No one is able to snatch them out of my Father's hand," and "He Who began a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ."

Grantley Morris hits the nail on the head. He says Christians who keep doubting their salvation because they have religious OCD, may at times become assured of their salvation. But then, the OCD will later introduce doubt and anxiety again; the problem is, OCD is neurological and it keeps doing its thing in spite of all logic and facts, Bible reading and prayer, etc. Both VanCLeve an Morris recommend ways to learn to manage your OCD; don't expect it to end.

I found Mitzi's book to be very helpful! She also has online resources, such as her blog
and a Facebook support group. There are so many good resources for OCD and scrupulosity on the web - if you need more, let me know what you're looking for and I can suggest some websites!