You Are Not Your Thoughts

You Are Not Your Thoughts

There is often a tremendous amount of shame and fear that people with OCD experience because of the content of their intrusive thoughts. The common experience of shame from these thoughts is an example of an over-identification with one’s thoughts. All too commonly, OCD becomes a more chronic and debilitating disorder, and one of the reasons for this is being fearful to share intrusive thoughts with a friend, family member, or therapist because of a concern of being harshly judged or persecuted. As a result, OCD often becomes a hidden endemic, and many individuals do not seek treatment or are provided with the most effective forms of treatment.

I want to stress the message that you are not your thoughts. Everyone experiences thousands of thoughts daily, many floating by without much conscious awareness. However, the intrusive thoughts produced by OCD occupy a spotlight in one’s mind and can make it challenging to disentangle from it. People suffering from OCD will overidentify with their thoughts and believe what OCD says about them. When this occurs, it’s essential to keep in mind that OCD is referred to as an ego-dystonic disorder, meaning the content of one’s thoughts is not wanted and, quite often, is the exact opposite of what your actual values are. Connecting with an OCD specialist can allow you the opportunity to work with someone knowledgeable, empathic, and capable of assisting you in reclaiming your life and quieting your mind.