This is an addendum to my intrusive thoughts battle plan.
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So I've noticed that thoughts often immediately come back once I finally manage to make them pass properly. Once I feel relieved towards "finally making progress" or try to remind myself they'll come back and not worry, or even just notice they passed, they'll come back even stronger.
It's been a thorn in the side of any recovery for a long time, and led to much of the confusion. I call these "flickering thoughts", since they kind of "flicker" before finally passing properly. Think of them as intrusions that are almost defeated yet grab on to whatever they can to keep lingering. These can happen with direct images or ideas, or any of the other miasma cropping up to support it or to chain into other patterns. Learning to not fall for the feint is crucial, as otherwise it'll lead to further and further spiraling to the point it becomes seemingly out of control right when it seems you've made strides in recovery, and ultimately making it feel like you must be doing something wrong or even that you're at fault for all of it.
-Recognize that you can, even if it's only little by little, chip away at the cycle of obsessions, fear, pain at the intrusions and compulsions if you keep at it. Remember the tips and don't give up or panic because thoughts can flicker.
-Don't be fooled into thinking this will be quick as always. It may be very uncomfortable or mentally straining at first to follow through with recovery, but it becomes easier over time. Trust in God to help you through this.
-Remember that these thoughts exist only to perpetuate themselves in a sense. If the patterns have become extremely strong, it can feel like you're bombarded with terrifying doubts and lies about yourself just for defying them. Do NOT listen to these.
-Be grateful for what healing there is so far, and that there's an escape from this feeling of being hunted by what feels like a savage beast in your own head. Praise God for being here for you through this, and know that even if there are periods that feel like you could fall into the despair of the past from these, you have the tools needed to see to it that doesn't happen.
God bless, anyone who reads this.
My guide to dealing with intrusive thoughts
[Before the post proper, it's important to keep in mind this is NOT meant to be a replacement for proper therapy. If you suffer from OCD/scrupulosity to the point of it being debilitating to your everyday life, seek professional help as soon as you can. All direct Bible quotes are from the...
www.christianityboard.com
So I've noticed that thoughts often immediately come back once I finally manage to make them pass properly. Once I feel relieved towards "finally making progress" or try to remind myself they'll come back and not worry, or even just notice they passed, they'll come back even stronger.
It's been a thorn in the side of any recovery for a long time, and led to much of the confusion. I call these "flickering thoughts", since they kind of "flicker" before finally passing properly. Think of them as intrusions that are almost defeated yet grab on to whatever they can to keep lingering. These can happen with direct images or ideas, or any of the other miasma cropping up to support it or to chain into other patterns. Learning to not fall for the feint is crucial, as otherwise it'll lead to further and further spiraling to the point it becomes seemingly out of control right when it seems you've made strides in recovery, and ultimately making it feel like you must be doing something wrong or even that you're at fault for all of it.
-Recognize that you can, even if it's only little by little, chip away at the cycle of obsessions, fear, pain at the intrusions and compulsions if you keep at it. Remember the tips and don't give up or panic because thoughts can flicker.
-Don't be fooled into thinking this will be quick as always. It may be very uncomfortable or mentally straining at first to follow through with recovery, but it becomes easier over time. Trust in God to help you through this.
-Remember that these thoughts exist only to perpetuate themselves in a sense. If the patterns have become extremely strong, it can feel like you're bombarded with terrifying doubts and lies about yourself just for defying them. Do NOT listen to these.
-Be grateful for what healing there is so far, and that there's an escape from this feeling of being hunted by what feels like a savage beast in your own head. Praise God for being here for you through this, and know that even if there are periods that feel like you could fall into the despair of the past from these, you have the tools needed to see to it that doesn't happen.
God bless, anyone who reads this.
