What do I do when my OCD flares up...

Welcome to the re-branded channel now knows as Mastering OCD Channel.
This channel focuses what it is like to live with OCD, coaching on OCD tools, and generally living with OCD.
In this video I share what I do when my OCD flares up.
******************************
Looking to kickstart your OCD recovery in just 15 minutes a day?
Sign up for my free 5-day challenge here: www.masteringo...
We get started every Monday.
Intro to ERP self-directed course with monthly support group and advanced training: masteringocd.com
Instagram: / masteringocd
#ocd #ocdtreatment #masteringocd

[@MikeMass12]

I have recently discovered that I have OCD and with that I have been cutting out the physical compulsions (all doors need to be closed, all light switches flipped the same way) and as a result the ANXIETY I have felt has been some of the worst ever BUT thankfully there are channels and people like you who are providing an invaluable service to those of us walking through this recovery process! Last night I had a dream and I woke up this morning with an anxiety attack and I laid there and just let the feelings ride, I didn't fight, I didn't push back, I just accepted it... Your words in this video ring true... THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! You have no idea how much your work is doing to help those of us going through this process... Many blessings

[@OCDWhisperer]

Thank you 🙏 and keep going! You got this!

[@armandodelagarza8038]

Excellent tips! 🙏😊

[@rdevalentin]

Beside implementing some techniques against OCD flare-ups you mention, I also tell myself that when one suffers, one can’t help but search for possibilities to suffer less. An independent observer would label that search an “OCD flare-up” if nothing in the context justified it. By preventively and as far as possible finding ways to better cope in life, would I naturally be less compelled to search for mental relief out-of-context and therefore be OCD-free?

[@OCDWhisperer]

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Generally speaking it is helpful to learn how to be an objective observer and not overly attach to thoughts and feelings as they change. ERP and ACT and mindfulness are helpful tools to manage OCD effectively.

[@rdevalentin]

@@OCDWhisperer Indeed, but, to my knowledge, there is one issue ERP, ACT and mindfulness are not sufficiently addressing: why are people with OCD more uncomfortable, in the moment, behaving reasonably than behaving senselessly? At a certain level of consciousness, they know their compulsions don’t make sense. They are not out of touch with reality. So, why are there not any immediate higher inner costs to their OCD behavior and immediate higher inner rewards to their reasonable behavior? That would make things a lot easier for them.

[@OCDWhisperer]

@@rdevalentin Also ICBT therapy helps people with OCD work on understanding and resolving their inferential confusion. OCD is a brain medical condition. There structures of the brain that do not process information correctly. Thats episode one.

[@rdevalentin]

@@OCDWhisperer Let’s say that OCD was a pure “brain medical condition” (in contrast with personal vulnerabilities + life factors). Then, how do I explain that if I’m in company of others I’m less tormented by my intrusive thoughts? Why, after I jot down a tormenting question and look at it few days later, can’t I understand why it has been tormenting me so much at one point? Why, after spending an enjoyable evening with friends, does the concern that has been disturbing me right before leave me alone for while? Why is a change of circumstances able to affect to such an extent my OCD flare-ups?

[@OCDWhisperer]

@@rdevalentin these are great questions to bring to your therapist…