How to distinguish logical thinking from OCD?

[Alt_account356]

I heard somewhere that OCD is purely a emotional disorder. So how do you find the line between actually needing to do something to be healthy and over excessive? Is it fine to wash your hands after shaking hands with someone? What about after touching poop? Basically, to what extent is it healthy to worry about germs and not being dirty? This is specifically about contamination OCD.

[IStillHaveHope]

The thing I learned is if there is a sense of urgency and/or panic to treat it like it's OCD. If I so much as think it's an OCD thought I try and at least delay the compulsion. In the beginning it was hard to know what was an "OCD" thought and what was not. Over time though I got better and better at it. OCD tends to be really loud. It screams, "I MUST DO THIS NOW OR SOMETHING BAD WILL HAPPEN!". I find there is a smaller voice that knows, "This is silly. I know this is an acceptable risk.". I decided that I would try to listen to that voice more. It was really hard in the beginning because I did not trust that side of me. I had to accept the risk and be open to what would happen. As I began to listen to that voice more I began to trust it more and built on that momentum.

I forgot where I heard it from, but OCD isn't a "thinking" problem; it's a "feeling" problem. If the thoughts didn't create such intense emotions we wouldn't even care about them. People with OCD tend to believe that if they can "figure out" the thought it will stop bothering them. In my experience, this isn't the case. Another thought will just come along and replace it. I know in my case, I spend a lot of time ruminating. You need to learn to let the thoughts just "be" there. Not judging, speculating, or ruminating on them. This isn't easy and I'm not perfect at it. Practicing mindfulness, meditation, and using the RAIN method has helped me. (if you're interested in the RAIN method check out Dr. Judson Brewer. I used the Unwinding Anxiety App to help me. It does cost a little bit of money though.).

If you haven't you may want to talk to your doctor about how your feeling. I know for me things started to change when I was just honest with my doctor. He prescribed some medicine and I asked him to refer me to a therapist. It took some time and wasn't easy but I'm in a much better place than I was before.

I really hope you find the relief you're looking for friend. I know how hard OCD can be. There is hope though. There are literally millions of people out there who can (and want) to help. All you need to do is ask. God bless you.