Common OCD Thoughts

Please note:  The information on this page should not be construed as medical advice, nor should it be used to diagnose or treat any condition. The content on this page is written by recovered OCD sufferers, not by clinicians. Read More

Common OCD Thoughts That Might Be Racing Through Your Mind

Do you ever have those moments where a random, intrusive thought pops into your head, and you can’t shake it? If you have OCD, you know that these thoughts can be tough to deal with. 

This blog post will discuss some of the most common OCD thoughts people experience. We will also provide some tips for dealing with these thoughts when they appear.

What are some common OCD thoughts?

There are many different types of OCD, and each person experiences it in their unique way. However, there are some common OCD thoughts that many people encounter. These include:

· Fear of contamination or germs: This can manifest in many ways, such as constantly washing your hands or avoiding touching doorknobs.

· Excessive worry about safety: This could involve worrying whether you turned off the stove or checking to make sure the door is locked multiple times.

· Intrusive sexual or violent thoughts: These are often disturbing and unwanted thoughts that can cause a great deal of anxiety. They may involve images or scenarios entirely at odds with your personality and values.

· Perfectionism: This often involves a need for everything to be perfect and an inability to tolerate even the slightest mistake.

If you’re experiencing OCD thoughts, it’s essential to pay attention to what might be causing them. Once you know what’s triggering your thoughts, you can address those issues and hopefully start to see a decrease in the frequency and intensity of your OCD thoughts. There is no one right way to deal with OCD – everyone’s journey is unique.

Some of the most common OCD compulsions

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that you feel you have to do to ease your anxiety or prevent something wrong from happening. 

People with OCD have both obsessions and compulsions. Compulsions can be overt, like repeatedly hand-washing, or they can be covert, like mentally repeating a phrase over and over.

Most people with OCD realize that their compulsions are irrational, but they still can’t resist doing them. The more you give in to your compulsions, the more power they have over you. That’s why it’s essential to learn how to manage your OCD and break the cycle of compulsive behavior.

There are many different types of compulsions that people with OCD may experience, but some of the most common include:

· Checking: This can involve repeatedly checking things like door locks, appliances, or even your own body to ensure it’s safe or secure.

· Counting: Involve counting objects, steps, or even breaths to achieve a specific number or order.

· Washing and Cleaning: This compulsion usually involves excessive and ritualized cleaning or hand-washing in an attempt to rid oneself of germs or contamination.

· Arranging and Organizing: Some people with OCD feel the need to put things in a specific way or organize their environment in a particular manner.

Common OCD fears

It’s no secret that people with OCD often have intrusive, racing thoughts. One of the key symptoms of OCD is “intrusive, unwelcome obsessional thoughts.” But what does that mean?

For starters, it means that people with OCD constantly experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can be about anything and everything; they can be random or related to specific fears or triggers. And unfortunately, these thoughts can be highly distressing and disruptive.

OCD sufferers often try to “push away” or “ignore” their intrusive thoughts, but as anyone with OCD knows, this only makes the thoughts more persistent and harder to ignore. 

Consequently, by experiencing all those intrusions daily, OCD sufferers start doubting whether they can do something terrible. This doubt causes them to experience Fear and further anxiety. Here are a few questions that OCD sufferers fear the most and often ask themselves: 

· Am I going to have this intrusive thought forever?

· What if this thought is a sign that I’m going crazy?

· Is there something wrong with me because I can’t stop thinking these thoughts?

· Will my OCD worsen if I don’t do anything about these thoughts?

· What if the intrusive thought means that I’m capable of doing something terrible?

· If I think about the intrusive thought too much, will it become true?

Of course, this is by no means an exhaustive list; there are endless possibilities for intrusive OCD thoughts. But hopefully, this gives you some idea of the types of things that people with OCD fear and have to deal with daily.

If you’re struggling with OCD or someone you know is struggling with OCD, it’s crucial to seek out professional help. Contact a qualified mental health professional who can provide you with effective treatment. Moreover, they can offer the tools and resources you need to manage your symptoms and live a happy, fulfilling life.

What causes OCD thoughts?

Many different factors can cause OCD thoughts. For some people, it may be a chemical imbalance in the brain. For instance, those individuals may have a family history of OCD, making them more susceptible to developing the disorder. 

Stress can precipitate OCD symptoms as well. Certain environmental factors could contribute to OCD thoughts, making the individual feel more anxious than usual. There might not be one definitive answer as to what causes OCD thoughts – it could be a combination of several different factors.

There are many different types of intrusive thoughts, but they all have one thing in common; they cause anxiety. Intrusive thoughts can be about anything that causes Fear or worry, and they can range from mildly to severe. 

Tips on how to fight OCD

It’s important to remember that having obsessive thoughts is normal and doesn’t mean that you’re automatically “crazy.” However, dealing with these thoughts can be extremely difficult and frustrating. If left untreated, OCD can profoundly affect every aspect of your life. If you’re struggling to manage your OCD thoughts, here are a few tips that may help:

· Talk to someone who understands: This can be a therapist, friend, or family member. It’s essential to have someone to talk to who understands what you’re going through and can offer support and advice. 

· Challenge your thoughts: Once you identify an intrusive thought, try to challenge it. Ask yourself whether the thought is realistic and whether there’s any evidence to support it. 

· Accept that you have OCD: This may be difficult, but it’s important to accept that you have OCD and that the thoughts are a part of the disorder. It’s not your fault that you have intrusive thoughts and there is treatment available to help you manage them.

· Focus on something else: Distracting yourself from intrusive thoughts can be difficult, but it’s often possible to do with practice. Try to focus on something else that you enjoy or that occupies your attention, such as a hobby, work, or a favorite TV show.

· Practice relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and anxiety. Those exercises can, in turn, make intrusive thoughts less likely to occur. 

· Seek professional help: If you’re finding it difficult to manage your OCD thoughts on your own, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist specializing in treating OCD can provide you with the tools and support you need to overcome your symptoms.

How to treat OCD intrusive thoughts?

OCD thoughts can be very distressing and bothersome. Thankfully, there are treatment options available to help you manage these thoughts. The most common treatment options include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, and self-help strategies.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is a type of psychotherapy that helps you change how you think about and behave around your intrusive thoughts. It involves working with a therapist to identify and challenge your negative beliefs about your thoughts and feelings.

Your doctor may also recommend medication to help reduce the symptoms of OCD. There are a variety of drugs available that can help to reduce the intensity of your thoughts and improve your mood.

Finally, self-help strategies can also help manage OCD thoughts. Several self-help books and websites can provide you with strategies to help you cope with your OCD.

If you’re unsure where to start, try looking for a therapist specializing in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention (ERP). These therapies are effective in treating OCD.

A final word on Common OCD Thoughts

Intrusive thoughts are a common symptom of OCD, but they don’t have to control your life. There are many ways to manage and treat these thoughts. With time and patience, you can learn to live with them and enjoy a life free from fear and worry.

If you need some support on your recovery journey you are welcome to join our OCD community forum, where you can connect with others who understand what you’re going through.

I hope this article was helpful. If you have any additional questions, please don’t hesitate to ask.