Intrusive Thoughts

[Maxruff]

Hello, I have chronic PTSD which includes crippling anxiety with intrusive thoughts. The anxiety creates thoughts and then the compulsion aspect seems to be that I do thinking to counter the thoughts. This leads to a cycle where I try to avoid any situation where the thoughts can arise and spend most of my time reading, playing video games, talking to friends - any distraction. It is difficult for me to do chores or other activities that do not require focused concentration. I’m working with an OCD therapist but ERP work has created so much flooding, we have had to back off. I’m really suffering. Panic leading to spirals of depression etc.

Does anyone else have this sort of thinking/avoiding OCD? What has helped you?

[lml885]

I believe I have similar. Only drugs are helpings sounds like you may have dissocciation. I’ve heard naltrexone helps. It can be hard to access. Also enjoying nature and meditation can help

[lml885]

and dealing with the uncomfortable feeling the thoughts bring rather than the thoughts themselves

[Mcfly64]

Maybe at the moment you should cut back a bit on the erp. Are you on any medication?

[deValentin]

Sometimes I felt I couldn't live without settling the problem that was tormenting my mind at the time. So, I had to find a solution no matter what. That took time away from more reasonable activities. Typical of OCD. Stress was my main trigger. It's quasi impossible to avoid stress because stress is part of life, and systematically trying to avoid problems in life only cause another problem. So, avoiding triggers wasn't a viable solution.

My solution to regain some control over my life was to learn to accept a certain degree of uncertainty and that I couldn't solve all problems in life. At the same time, I gave myself a set time to make decisions about activities in which to invest time and efforts. It was good for morale. Tolerating grey areas and living deliberately had the same effect as antidepressants, but without negative side effects. Unwanted intrusive thoughts finally left me reasonably alone. That's the route I followed. I wish you a similar recovery.

[Phoenyx]

I have crippling anxiety when I have intrusive thoughts. Only meditation helps me. I’ve been on Lexapro for more than 10 years. Now I was switched to Venlafaxin. It helps me like nothing else. Good luck