Ask Amy: How Can I End the OCD Cycle?

People who are experiencing what’s commonly referred to as OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) frequently experience what they feel are intrusive, worrisome thoughts, followed by a compulsion to act in a particular way to counteract the thoughts.

For example, intrusive thoughts are often about something bad happening to oneself or a loved one, followed by a compulsion to perform some ritual in order to keep themselves or their loved one safe. The compulsions are basically superstitions that might sound something like “if I wash my hands 5 times, my loved one won’t be hurt”.

I get a lot of questions about both intrusive thoughts and about compulsions, with people describing very similar situations each time. One such question was submitted to Ask Amy last week and I spoke to it. The questioner later felt uncomfortable with her exact question being read, so I removed that video. But before I removed it, I received a lot of positive reaction–dozens of people reaching out, saying that this is exactly what they are going through, and sharing that the response was incredibly helpful. This video is me describing that question and what most people with OCD experience, followed by my response to last week’s question.

If you are experiencing this, please know that you aren’t alone and that this is very changeable.

I have a 10+ hour course specifically on Intrusive Thoughts, where you get to see me coaching 4 women with intrusive thoughts over one month of their lives. You’ll see just how much begins to change for them in this short period of time. You can find that digital course here: hhttps://dramyjohnson.com/freedom-from-intrusive-thoughts/

I personally support people through this in my online school, The Little School of Big Change. The next course begins August 30th. https://dramyjohnson.com/lsbc-fall-registration-page/