My First Theme

[Mxtmxxn]

When I was a child I recalled that my first obsession/intrusive thought was about being late. It is a weird theme, but when I had the idea or thought of being late due to a dream I had, my anxiety would start. At the time these dreams would also be accompanied by night terrors, but ever since my themes had evolved to different ones. Anyone else has had this type of theme before? It doesn't affect me as much or at all but it's interesting how it all started.

[IStillHaveHope]

Hello. I've never had that type of theme but OCD is weird. However it isn't the theme that is really important with OCD. I read a while ago that OCD isn't a thinking problem; it's a feeling problem. The content of the thought doesn't matter. It's the feelings of anxiety that accompany it. If we didn't have the anxiety we wouldn't mind the thoughts!

We tend to get focused on the thought itself. We feel like if we can just, "figure it out" the feelings will go away. This is called "ruminating". However, it doesn't work though and some other thought will just replace it. At least that's been my experience. We need to learn to just, "be" with the thought. Not fighting, judging, or ruminating on it. This takes practice though but it is possible. At least that's where I am with my OCD at the moment.

I've rambled a bit; sorry about that. I hope you find the peace you're looking for my friend.

[mind-full]

“OCD isn't a thinking problem; it's a feeling problem. If we didn't have the anxiety we wouldn't mind the thoughts!”

An excellent point by IStillHaveHope

Titling a post “My First Theme” also implies a certain attachment to OCD that I encourage you to let go. Get “angry” with your symptoms, rather than making friends (and memories) with them. You are not OCD having a human experience. You’re a human experiencing OCD, so consider how it has affected your past less and how you’ll recover from it more. The greatest family advice I received (from my brother) was:

“You are not a victim.”

You’re not alone in this experience, but you are the only person who can pick yourself off the ground. You are not a victim. You’re a student with this challenging opportunity to learn and grow. But first, you have to want to. Let’s get enthusiastic about overcoming OCD - not about having it.

Best wishes, Mxtmxxn