Do you ever feel like your thoughts are not your own? That someone else is controlling what you think and how you act? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of OCD. Many people with OCD feel like their OCD thoughts are not real- that they are just figments of their imagination. In this blog post, we will explore what it feels like to have OCD and discuss the different types of thoughts that people with OCD often experience.
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What Does It Feel Like To Have OCD?
OCD is commonly known as an anxiety disorder, characterized by repetitive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that someone feels the need to do over and over. For example, a kid who is 10 years old and came back home after a tiring day at school. Now, he is expected from him to give attention to his schoolwork, his family, and friends. But, what if he can’t focus on anything because his mind is consumed by the fear of contracting a deadly disease from someone he knows? What if he starts washing his hands over and over again or avoids shaking hands with people to prevent himself from getting sick?
“People with OCD mostly spend their energy focusing on the compulsions”
Most people with OCD, though know that this behavior and their complete focus on compulsions is illogical. But still, their mind is not ready to accept it. It is often confusing whether OCD thoughts are not real or are they real.
In the condition of OCD, people start to overthink things that might happen in the future. For example, “What if I drop my phone and it shatters?” or “What if I forget to lock the door and someone robs my house?”. These are some of the examples of OCD thoughts. People with OCD try to control these thoughts by doing compulsions. But this only provides temporary relief from anxiety. In fact, there are times when OCD thoughts are not real.
What Type Of OCD Thoughts Are Not Real?
There are numerous types of thoughts a person with OCD feels. As you may have heard about having intrusive thoughts, these are only a small subset of what goes on in the mind of someone with OCD. These types of thoughts are part of obsessive thoughts. These intrusive OCD thoughts are not real sometimes. In fact, this can show up in many ways beyond just the words in the brain.
The intrusive thoughts in obsession take many shapes. It can be a worry about future events, a preoccupation with a memory, or an image that pops into the head. It can be a sensation and urges too. All of these are things that people with OCD have reported as not being real. The content of the thoughts is also not always accurate. People with OCD tend to have distorted views of themselves, others, and the world around them.
Examples where OCD thoughts are not real (Intrusive Thoughts)
There are many examples where intrusive OCD thoughts are not real. People having these thoughts are unable to identify that the thoughts are not real. This can cause a lot of anxiety and distress. It is important to understand that these thoughts are not accurate reflections of reality.
OCD thoughts and unwanted images
This is often related to those who are visual thinkers so their intrusive thoughts appear to them as extremely vivid images. The image might be of something they are afraid of happening or something that is against their moral code. The person sees the image as if it is actually happening which can be very distressing. It can feel as if the thought is real and true.
However, just because somebody has OCD thoughts about harming somebody does not mean they are going to do it. People with OCD are aware that their thoughts are irrational but they cannot control or stop them.
OCD and unwanted sensations
The unwanted sensations can be a part of intrusive thoughts as well. This can be feeling like you are going to faint or feeling like you need to wash your hands over and over again. It can also be feeling dizzy or nauseous. These sensations can feel very real to the person. But these OCD thoughts are not real and not actually happening.
OCD and unwanted thoughts about death
Another type of intrusive thought that people with OCD experience is related to death. This can include thinking about dying, being injured, or harming somebody else. These thoughts can be very distressing. It is important to remember that just because somebody has these thoughts, it does not mean they are going to act on them. However, avoiding such extreme situations is never an option.
OCD and unwanted memories and urges
These types of thoughts are considered intrusive because they are usually about something that the person does not want to think about. It can be a memory of a traumatic event or an urge to do something that is harmful. And sometimes, the intrusive thoughts or unreal is shown up in physical form, not in visual or verbal form. For example, a person with OCD is standing over the roof and suddenly his/her mind urges to jump.
These intrusive thoughts come into the brain and are generally considered OCD thoughts that are not real. So don’t worry if you sometimes have them. Just because you think about harming somebody does not mean that you are actually going to do it. People with OCD know that their thoughts are not rational but they cannot control or stop them. However, avoiding such extreme situations is never an option. So try to live a normal life as much as possible and get help from professionals when needed.
How To Overcome When Your OCD Thoughts Are Not Real?
There are situations in life when you feel like your OCD thoughts are not real. For example, when you’re in the middle of a panic attack, or when you’re obsessing over something that doesn’t seem to make any sense. In these moments, it’s important to remember that your thoughts are not actually real. They’re just symptoms of your disorder.
If you can remind yourself that your OCD thoughts are not real, it can help you to start to overcome them. Here are some tips on how to do this:
Talk to someone who understands OCD
OCD is really a mental battle that you’re fighting with yourself. So, it can be helpful to talk to someone who understands what you’re going through. This could be a friend, family member, therapist, or anyone else who can offer support and understanding.
Identify your thoughts as OCD
When you start to notice that your thoughts are not real, it’s important to label them as OCD thoughts. This will help you to separate them from your regular thoughts. Once you’ve identified them as OCD, you can start to challenge them. Moreover, this is a good way to start to build up your defense against them.
Challenge your OCD thoughts
Once you’ve identified your OCD thoughts, you can start to challenge them. For example, if you’re obsessing over the idea that you’re going to get sick, ask yourself whether there’s any evidence to support this. If not, then it’s likely that it’s just an OCD thought. This can help you to start to see your thoughts for what they are: just symptoms of your disorder.
Practice mindfulness
Mindfulness is a great way to help you focus on the present moment and let go of intrusive thoughts. It can be helpful to practice mindfulness whenever you start to notice that your OCD thoughts are not real. This will help you to stay in the present moment and not get caught up in your thoughts.
Seek professional help
Professionalism is important in order to get the most effective treatment for your OCD. If you’re finding it difficult to overcome your OCD thoughts on your own, then seeking professional help can be a good option. This will ensure that you get the right treatment and support for your needs.
And, ERP therapy is the most effective treatment for OCD. It works by helping you to face your fears and learn to let go of your OCD thoughts. At Mantra Care, you’ll find experienced and qualified therapists who can offer you ERP therapy. Contact us today to find out more. Book your free consultation when you’re ready to start your journey to recovery.
Conclusion
Conclusively, OCD thoughts are not real. And, this commonly refers to intrusive thoughts. It’s the act of obsessing over a worry or doubt to the point where it begins to take over your life. And, for those who live with OCD, we understand that these obsessions can be extremely distressing and debilitating.
But, we also know that there is hope. With proper treatment, many people with OCD are able to live happy, healthy, and productive lives. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, please reach out for help. Thanks for reading!
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