You are not alone.
While managing obsessive thoughts won’t stop OCD, it can make coping with the condition easier.
What Are OCD Thoughts?
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The problem is when they become not just intrusive but obsessive.
A person with OCD can experienceintrusive thoughtsrelentlessly and with an intensity that can seriously affect their well-being.
The more they perseverate on the thought, the more anxiety they experience.
The cycle can be distressing and may impact their ability to function.
They also tend to interpret these thoughts as being more significant than they really are.
A person with OCD may developcompulsionsin response to their obsessive thoughts.
Compulsions can be a little like superstitions for people with OCD.
Mental Compulsions
Compulsions can also be mental.
Repeatedly giving attention and mental energy to an intrusive thought can initially feel like productive problem-solving.
In reality, the obsessive pattern of thinking doesn’t usually give someone with OCD any helpful insight.
In fact, it’s more likely to make a person’s anxiety worse.
Perseverating also keeps the cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors going.
Once a person labels a certain thought as dangerous and becomes hyperaware of it, they can become overwhelmed.
When this happens, they might respond by trying to push the thought away.
While it might seem like a good solution, its not easyand it doesn’t necessarily work.
Research has shown thatthought suppressionin people with OCD can lead to the development of more intrusive thoughts.
Accepting the thoughts does not mean you are giving up.
Understanding that you don’t have control does not mean you are giving the intrusive thoughts control over you.
It might be uncomfortable to consider the thought from a distance and resist the urge to perform a ritual.
Over time, defusing your obsessive thoughts this way can actually help you feel more in control.
Try not to be too hard on yourself or get discouraged during this process.
It takes practice to distance yourself from your thoughts.
Obsessive thinking is intense and persistent by nature.
Sometimes, instructing yourselfnotto think about a thought only brings more attention to it.
You may feel so overwhelmed at times that you would give anything to stop the cycle.
You are not obliged to take a thought seriously just because your brain generated it.
Moreover, your thoughts do not necessarily say anything about you.
Having a “bad” thought does not mean that you are a “bad” person.
attempt to remember that intrusive thoughts don’t always align with your core values, beliefs, and morals.
In fact, OCD thoughts tend to attack and focus on the things that offend you.
attempt to be kind and patient with yourself.
People with OCD can also experience depression,anxiety, substance use disorders, and other mental health conditions.
Medication for OCD
Many people with OCD take one or moremedicationsto help them manage symptoms.
They may take antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or other commonly prescribed drugs for mental health conditions.
Some people with OCD also useherbal or natural supplementsto help manage their symptoms.
However, it is not always safe to take these products with prescription medications.
If you want to try analternative remedy, ask a doctor.
Therapy for OCD
Several types ofpsychotherapycan be used to help someone with OCD manage obsessive thoughts.
The most common is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically an approach known asexposure therapy.
Find out which option is the best for you.
Mindfulness exercises might already be part of your therapy, but you could also try them on your own.
There are evenappsyou can use to track your progress.
Many people with OCD ultimately need more than one punch in of treatment to effectively manage their symptoms.
A doctor or therapist can help you find the combination that works best for you.
A Word From Verywell
Everyone experiences occasional intrusive thoughts.
If you have OCD, however, these thoughts can become obsessive.
take a stab at resist the urge to push the intrusive thoughts away.
Your thoughts are real, but make it your goal to acknowledge them without identifying with them.
If you are struggling to cope with intrusive thoughts, talk to a doctor or a mental health provider.
If you have OCD, there are treatments that can help you manage your symptoms.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
OCD doesn’t just go away and there is no “cure” for the condition.
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