Using the Mindfulness Recognition & Disengagement Method for OCD

[alexandraisobsessed]

Hey all!

Apologies for the radio silence. I had a particularly difficult Trauma Work appointment last week and I needed some time to process.

Therapy is definitely an ongoing process, but the healing is worth the effort.

So, something I have been using a lot this past week and I wanted to share with you all is the Mindfulness Recognition & Disengagement Method for OCD.

When I do trauma work or get stressed my OCD tends to flare up and this is one of my favorite methods for handling my intrusive thoughts.

What is the Mindfulness Recognition & Disengagement Method?

It's a non-engagement response which means it's a neutral response to intrusive thoughts. It won't get rid of obsessions, but it can help in stopping compulsions by allowing you to divert you energy away from answering them.

How to use it:

When you identify an intrusive thought, you acknowledge it and the discomfort it causes. You then mindfully disengage from the thought by turning your attention elsewhere. (I like to turn my attention to something I enjoy or value.)

Example:

Intrusive thought- What if I'm lying to myself about being a good person and I'm really a bad person but no one has told me?

Response-This is an intrusive thought. I recognize it's causing me discomfort. I'm going to sit with the uncertainty and turn my attention to my son.

Let me know if you try this out or have used it before! I've been using it a lot this week and I do find it extremely helpful with both mental and physical rituals.

Have a lovely day everyone,

Alex

[Hidden]

Thank you for sharing! I'm going to give it a try.

[Mcfly64]

Thank you Alex

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate]

Thanks so much for the great insight alexandraisobsessed ! I had a really triggering week, as well, after a trauma at my school. When everything settles down and I finish the chaplain support piece, my OCD tends to get REALLY flared up. AKA...I feel like a horrible person and like every single bad thing that has happened (or could happen!) is my fault. I love this method...and it's super timely as I head into this week. I plan to work on acknowledging my intrusive thoughts as just that - intrusive thoughts! - in order to sit with the anxiety and move on with my day. 😀