Hi @stevow7 , I just want to begin by saying I understand how consuming and exhausting the Obsession-Compulsion cycle is. Your not alone, and your not crazy. You can get better and will get better if you try your best to help yourself.
Now, take a deep breath and put on a smile (yes, do it) and listen when I say no matter what the intrusive thought is about (no matter how horrific, grotesque, aggravating, terrifying) it does not describe anything about your character or take away from your goodness. These are intrusive thoughts that invade your personal space, like an annoying coworker when your trying to focus (you wouldn't judge yourself on this person's actions would you?). This is the hard part (it will feel impossible but really, you can do it); when any thought invades your space like this treat it with the same patience you would that coworker (hopefully you dont yell at them) - Acknowledge it's presence regardless of how scary it is ("I am having this intrusive thought about supporting Hitler") then accept the feeling of anxiety and fear that follows this (Channelling curiosty toward the bodily sensations, gut-wrenching sweating, heart rate, discomfort without trying to change them), basically practicing mindfulness during this time of emotional intensity. Try your best not to hate or fight these thoughts but also not indulge them, just letting them run circles while you stay smiling (forcing a smile actually helps by the way). Give it as much time as it needs, doesn't matter how much energy it's taking from you. It could take 5 minutes or an hour, it does not matter. Eventually, if you just remain neutral in its presence, it will become powerless. You may find yourself doing this multiple times a day but slowly it decreases. I get thoughts like (I'm going to kill that baby - yes I can see you judging me because used to judge myself ten-fold) and a time ago I would immediately panic and hate myself, but now I put on a smile, tolerate and accept its presence (god those coworkers are persistent!) and feel my breathing and the sensations the thought brings and soon that thought feels as distant as it would for most people. We are not evil, in fact, these thoughts tend to target gentle souls because we are affected by them the most.
Stay strong, be kind, love yourself and others because we who suffer are we who feel strongly; and to feel is to live! Its honestly a gift!
P.s. Im so corny
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