Hi Cat!!

Just like Jan, my intrusive thoughts are associated with my OCD. I have had very bad thoughts in the past that have caused me great anxiety. Seeing my T and having worked with her for several months on this issue she has given me some good techniques to work with in order to deal with them.

My first battle was to accept that the thoughts I was having are just thoughts. Although these thoughts are very disturbing and caused me further unpleasant feelings like shame, disgust and hating myself for even having these thoughts. However, once I accepted that the thoughts are part of my OCD it was easier for me to divert my mind. Like Jan, counting backwards from 1000 is one method of diversion. I also like to do the 5-5-5. I name 5 things I can see, 5 things I can hear and 5 things I can touch. I also try to take an object, like a hand ball, paperclip, coin or whatever object I have access to and transfer it from one hand to the other and I look at it while I am doing it and really concentrating on the exchange of the object from one hand to another. Also, putting a rubber band around your wrist and snapping it when these thoughts happen may help.

The key I beleive is to understand that the thoughts your having are just thoughts. Not actions and they are a part of the illness. Recognizing your thoughts, noticing them, allowing yourself to notice without judging them. I hope that you are able to find some peace soon as I know having these thoughts are very frustraiting, scary and for me cause further anxiety.

I would do a google search for intrusive thoughts, OCD, Pure Obsessional OCD. This might be a good place to start. Good luck. Much love and peace to you.


Jen