Yawning OCD, please help

[everestchris6]

I've had Sensorimotor OCD for a while now. I was able to overcome all the different types of OCD like breathing, blinking etc.. but I just can't overcome Yawning OCD. So I have this urge to yawn the whole time, my head keeps thinking about yawning so automatically my body has the urge to yawn. I've been resisting not to do the compulsion but I still can't get over it. Please help me

[deValentin]

A long time ago I became obsessed with salivation. I couldn't help thinking about salivating, and the more I tried not to think about it, the more I thought about it, which made me salivate constantly even between mealtimes. The only thing that helped me was distraction. I welcome the thought about salivating, I didn't fight it, and gave my thoughts freedom to drift wherever they wanted to go. I didn't realize it when it was happening, but after a while, I realized that my thinking had spontaneously drifted to other interests. Then I knew I could beat that obsession. The key point is that the drifting away from your sensorimotor obsession has to happen spontaneously. You cannot will it. Trust in your ability to function normally returns with positive experiences. It's the same with falling asleep. It has to happen on its own.

[everestchris6 in reply to deValentin]

Thanks for this, but should I resist the urge to yawn in the meantime?

[deValentin in reply to everestchris6]

Google "the pink elephant problem" and you'll find more explanation about this paradox: the more you directly fight a thought, a temptation, or an urge, the more it persists. It's better to create favorable conditions for healthy functioning (combination of good nutrition, work, exercices, social life, distractions, sleep), focus on your daily routines and trust that everything will function properly. Once in a while you can make an assessment to see if you're effectively functioning adequately. A positive assessment boosts your self-confidence.

[everestchris6]

Thank you so much!