Pure O - any tips for coping?

[moviefan223]

I’m having a really rough time with Pure O (originated as POCD, moved into Religious/Existential themes, big focus on death, but I often get intrusive thoughts about harming others/having sex with people i don’t want to). I’m exhausted, every morning when I wake up I just dread having to stop myself from ruminating and obsessing and every day failing. I feel guilty all the time and sometimes I doubt whether I truly have OCD as I don’t fit the “stereotype”. I just want to be how I was before and have a day without panicking about being “found out”/death/going to hell/being an awful person, etc. Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks xxx

[pinkpenguins5]

Well just a reminder you're not a terrible person. When people tell me that I always think "well they don't know me" or "They haven't seen my thoughts they wouldn't know". But I can promise there isn't a thought you've had that someone else hasn't had. OCD sucks and it's really easy to believe what we think. I know exactly how you feel about the panicking every day. My intrusive thoughts used to be my first and last thought every single day. But eventually it did get better. I've looked into OCD a lot and "what if I don't have OCD" is literally you're OCD talking. Just remember that you're intrusive thoughts have absolutely no meaning and the more you think about them the more they persist. They bother you because you're a good person and your intrusive thoughts are the complete opposite of your moral character. Just take things day by day and start with little improvements. Don't expect to have the thoughts, but if they do come try to not give them any attention what so ever don't acknowledge the thought at all. there are tons of youtube videos out there on ways to cope and help OCD. It takes time but it does get better. Just know you are a good person and you are not your thoughts. It gets better!!! sending you my love!!

[moviefan223 in reply to pinkpenguins5]

Thank you so much for your kind reply, it does help to know that i’m not the only one. I think i really do need to focus on not lying in bed thinking about how i’ll have all these intrusive thoughts throughout the day, but just getting up out of bed and getting on with my life and taking the significance away from the thoughts (easy said than done, but i have to try!)

Lots of love and gratitude,

Alessia

[Carbon21 in reply to moviefan223]

Exactly what pinkpenguin5 said!! Good advice!! Hang in there and don’t be so hard on yourself. You’re obviously a good person.

[moviefan223 in reply to Carbon21]

Thank you! I’m feeling a bit less thought-laden right now after following the advice, it’s just some hours where I feel better I tell myself that I’m obviously don’t have OCD so it’s ME having the thoughts, but as long as I recognise that as an OCD thought hopefully I’ll be more okay.

[Carbon21 in reply to moviefan223]

Stay on track!! You got this 😊

[moviefan223 in reply to Carbon21]

💖💖