Bad day

[Lauragbr]

After starting to feel better I had a terrible setback that started yesterday and went into most of today. I got stuck in an OCD thought and found myself ruminating for hours and hours. I was finally able to pull myself out of it but it really threw me for a loop. It’s hard not to get discouraged when something like this happens. That’s the thing about OCD, just when you’re feeling better it sucks you in again. How do you deal with ruminations?

[Lauragbr]

Thank you!

[deValentin]

We often make the wrong interpretation. We think that because the impulse to ruminate is unending and overwhelming, it must be important to us. And because the impulse to invest in OCD-free activities is weak, it must be unimportant to us.

Reality may be different. Maybe the impulse to ruminate feels so strong because we invest so much time and energy in it that we end up not seeing any other way to solve our problems. And maybe the impulse to carry out reasonable activities is so weak because we waited so long that we lost faith in our ability to do what's sensible.

The solution is not to act on irrational impulses so that the passing of time will wear them out (habituation), and to act decisively on good intentions so that the passing of time doesn't have a chance to wear them out (momentum riding).

To realize what's really important to us, we need to get out of the 'rabbit hole' and start with a clean slate. I know it's not always easy, but it's worth it in the end. It's the experience I sincerely wish for you.

[Lauragbr in reply to deValentin]

Thank you so much! I totally agree! I did make some wrong interpretations but I feel as if today I am back on track. At least for now.

[Sallyskins]

Good to hear you're back on track! But it's important to remember that OCD fluctuates.

I found my OCD flaring up again about a week ago. I had overdone things - been out and about, which I enjoyed, but OCD reared its ugly head afterwards, I think partly because I was tired. And OCD makes you tire more easily.

I managed to deal with it by taking things easy for a few days - keeping busy, but not going out further or more often than I actually needed to.

I've found that distracting techniques, like catching up of household chores (there are always plenty of these to do!) or creative stuff, can help take my mind away from ruminating.

[Lauragbr in reply to Sallyskins]

You’re absolutely right. In fact I have told my closest friends who all know I have OCD that I need to rest more. Thank you for you kind reply. I am grateful for these message boards.

[FirstResponder23]

hello,

Try to remember that OCD and recovery is a roller coaster. There will be good days where ocd is louder and days where is quieter. When it does get loud, try to acknowledge it and notice it being there. Don’t give it emotion, but allow it to be in the background and not dictate how your day will go. The more you chip away at that, the easier it gets. It is hard at first, but consistency is key.

[Lauragbr in reply to FirstResponder23]

I know you are right. I’ve been through this so many times. Since I got professional treatment back in 2006 this is only my second relapse. I have been blessed with many years of feeling really good! But the way we treat OCD is always the same and it’s good to be reminded. This board has been beneficial for me, thanks for your response.

[ShameekaIocdf Moderator IOCDF Staff]

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[Leastexpected]

Same thing for me as well