Opening Up

[Boxers1]

I am thankful for this forum b/c it has been the beginning for me to really open up about my struggles with OCD. After using this forum, I have found it easier to talk to some other people about this disorder. I know I always said it was frustrating to talk to people without OCD b/c they didn't understand, but I have realized the last week that it can really help too to talk to people without OCD. The reason I say this is that I have "tested" this discussion out on a few non-ocd'rs and here is what the mind of the non-ocd'r says to me... "I can think about the same things you can think of and I can be afraid of the same things too. But I guess I can cope with the thoughts better. I don't believe them and I am convinced of that. I don't let them affect me physically. I don't continually fear that they will overpower me. I don't hold onto them. They don't define me." I understand that we with OCD may need a little more help in being able to do this with our minds be it medication, therapy whatever. But it is possible. I have been practicing the technique of not pysically responding to intrusive thoughts. This is a big part of it for me...I would physically feel sick over certain thoughts, which I think is all a part of the "earmarking" process in the brain so then it is hard to "forget" things when there is truly a phsycial anxiety associated with it. Reducing a physiological response is a big part of the healing process is it not?
Thanks again to all...
Boxers1

 

[marcb]

You are right on my friend. It sounds like you are making good progress in such a short time. The key is to not react, even to relax in spite of the intrusive thoughts. I findally "let myself" do this, by just resting in the Lord's strength. It has reduced the meaning of the thoughts and has enabled me to live free of fear. That's grace. Keep up the good work. Marc

 

[faithfulfriend]

Hi Boxers1
That is great that you have got the courage to share "good on you".
What I think is beneficial is the fact the the person without OCD actually explained things really well and hopefully you will be able take hold of that and see things in perspective.

Am still praying for you.

Thanks so much for sharing with us.

Faithfulfriend

 

[seajoy]

I am thankful for this forum b/c it has been the beginning for me to really open up about my struggles with OCD. After using this forum, I have found it easier to talk to some other people about this disorder. I know I always said it was frustrating to talk to people without OCD b/c they didn't understand, but I have realized the last week that it can really help too to talk to people without OCD. The reason I say this is that I have "tested" this discussion out on a few non-ocd'rs and here is what the mind of the non-ocd'r says to me... "I can think about the same things you can think of and I can be afraid of the same things too. But I guess I can cope with the thoughts better. I don't believe them and I am convinced of that. I don't let them affect me physically. I don't continually fear that they will overpower me. I don't hold onto them. They don't define me." I understand that we with OCD may need a little more help in being able to do this with our minds be it medication, therapy whatever. But it is possible. I have been practicing the technique of not pysically responding to intrusive thoughts. This is a big part of it for me...I would physically feel sick over certain thoughts, which I think is all a part of the "earmarking" process in the brain so then it is hard to "forget" things when there is truly a phsycial anxiety associated with it. Reducing a physiological response is a big part of the healing process is it not?
Thanks again to all...
Boxers1

God bless you Boxers! I'm so happy to see you get some relief.

Jesus is so good to us. He gives us therapy to help us get better. You are doing exactly what you need to be doing!

seajoy

 

[amishparadise]

You might also want to check out http://www.stuckinadoorway.co.uk . They are a support group based in England, and have a pretty active message board for discussions like this.

Be forwarned that they get into a lot of unfortunate fighting and drama at times; however, there is much good to be had from stopping by that place, too- good people and good advice.

 

[thebranch0fjesse]

God bless you boxers. He is our only hope!!