I too have struggled with intrusive thoughts for years. For a while, I was able to deal with them by actually, shutting my brain down and making it go blank. (Sort of like imagining I was in a coma or something and just not thinking about anything at all.) But, I can no longer do this and haven't been able to for a couple of years now. The intrusive thoughts have gotten stronger and now, I am no match. During the day, I can occasionally fight them by submerging myself in my studies (grad school) or in my work at the hospital but at night in the dark when there is no noise and nothing to distract. The thoughts overpower me and I have to take 100 mg of Elavil in order to be able to get any sleep at all and even then at times, it is a struggle to shut my mind down and try to rest.

So, I am not really sure I know how to help you solve your dilemna. I think this is something that most of us with OCD battle with on a regular basis and yet, it is also something that has to be solved on an individual basis. I don't think the same solution works for everyone. I hope you can find your solution and have some peace of mind soon. I hope we all can.

Cathy