How do you deal with irrational fears and illogical thoughts that seem very real and truthful ?

[DepressedEdge]

I know that I have common sense but it seems so weak during my depression that I can't use it at all.

[LoveforAll41]

Hi DepressedEdge, I hope that you can give yourself some compassion and space to listen to the thoughts that are bothering you. They come from somewhere with good intent I would imagine. They probably have a spark of truth that makes them very believable. For instance my wife is compulsively cleaning and washing hands, which kills germs, but the likelihood of her prolonging her life significantly by this has got to be miniscule. She was raised by a compulsive cleaner though, and was traumatized when in grade school they had kids wash off a lotion that showed up in black light and their hands were still covered in it.

Anyway, her brain is trying to keep her healthy, but it does not end up being healthy. Her hands are cracked and bleeding which is much worse for health.

I always recommend "Feeling Great" by David Burns. Often for OCD thoughts it has to be exposure therapy... but we can work on our willingness to change.☮️