Intrusive thoughts

[Robbie_James_Francis]

I've read a bit on the internet about OCD and 'intrusive thoughts'. For a while I've thought I might have mild OCD, but not in a very serious way. As many of you have been diagnosed, I thought I'd ask a couple of things about intrusive thoughts.

If I'm often having thoughts that I find disgusting, offensive or terrifying, and am not aware of a desire to have these thoughts, is it likely these are intrusive thoughts as a result of OCD?

I also find myself torn between considering a thought to 'test' my mental/emotional reaction, and trying my hardest to push it away.

Is it likely that even though I find these thoughts abhorrent to the best of my knowedge, I actually have specific mental problems relating to these thoughts that are surfacing themselves? Is there a danger that I could harm others?

 

[gracealone]

Hey Robbie,
It could very well be that you have OCD.
Allow me to share... Just after the birth of my second child I experienced ghastly intrusive, gut wrenching thoughts and images that I might hurt one of my children. The more I fought against them, the worse they got, the more I argued or debated them the more powerful they became. I was a stay at home mom, so you can well imagine my horror that I would even think such things. How was I to be trusted to stay alone with my precious helpless children.
Any how.. long story short. I have OCD of the pure "O" variety. My children are all grown up, happily married with families of their own and I've hit the half century mark without even getting into a fist fight. So if this is OCD... no.. you won't hurt anyone even though the thoughts and the accompanying anxiety that attends them can make it seem all too possible.
But with all that said... only a Doctor can really diagnose the condition. I just thought that you might see something in my story that you could relate to.
Hope this helps. I'll be praying for you to get help if you think you need it.
Mitzi

 

[stacii]

Sounds to me like OCD is the culprit. Only a doctor can tell though. Once you can learn to stop fighting the thought, they sort of go away...and eventually! you get to this wonderful place where you can look back on the thoughts and realize how absurd they are. You always have to be aware that the OCD can come back, but the next time it happens you'll know how to properly fight it. Good luck. My prayers are with you.