I know we touched on this in a different thread, but I wanted to revisit it. It seems as though the biggest problem I have with my OCD are the bad feelings that accompany it. It seems as though these feelings are what make my thoughts seem true or valid. When an obsession or intrusive thought enters my mind, the first thing I do is try to check my feelings to see how I am reacting to that thought. If it's a bad feeling (which it normally is,) it's like it convinces me that my intrusive thoughts are true.
I really think that I could have an intrusive thought about turning into a pink elephant, and if my feelings made it feel like that were real, I would end up believing it!
I try to fight back with the "right" feelings to find some assurance or reassurance, but it fails most of the time.
So my question is, how does everyone deal with the feelings aspect of OCD? Yes, anxiety is a problem... but I'm also talking about those knot in your stomach, sinking feeling, I feel so bad this feels real type of feelings that happen with OCD.
I've been trying a few tactics.. one is just saying to myself "I have anxiety, I can live with it," and then try to move on. The other is reminding myself that OCD can produce these types of feelings... it seems as though OCD can manipulate my feelings into supporting my biggest fears.
I really think that I could have an intrusive thought about turning into a pink elephant, and if my feelings made it feel like that were real, I would end up believing it!
I try to fight back with the "right" feelings to find some assurance or reassurance, but it fails most of the time.
So my question is, how does everyone deal with the feelings aspect of OCD? Yes, anxiety is a problem... but I'm also talking about those knot in your stomach, sinking feeling, I feel so bad this feels real type of feelings that happen with OCD.
I've been trying a few tactics.. one is just saying to myself "I have anxiety, I can live with it," and then try to move on. The other is reminding myself that OCD can produce these types of feelings... it seems as though OCD can manipulate my feelings into supporting my biggest fears.