Just do the Opposite, ROCD is so confusing!

Easier said than done I know.

The biggest moments of clarity that I suffer from ROCD have come in my life when I’ve decided to test the theory that my mind is feeding me false thoughts is by doing the exact opposite of what it telling me.

 

And I can tell you, if you can do the opposite of your OCD thoughts then you have my absolute respect because it will feel like you are walking directly into the fire. It is the behaviour of a mad person because the OCD thoughts are so strong.

 

So, out of desperation I have done this a few times in my life when I’ve kind of felt like I’ve got nothing left to lose.

 

And the results have always been the same. Oh my god, it’s true the ROCD thoughts are not real and are feeding me the exact opposite of the reality. What a crazy condition that is!

 

The last time I did it was when it came to that moment that often happens in a relationship when you are considering whether to move in with your boyfriend /girlfriend. Having tested the theory a few times over the years I found it a little bit easier to say ‘hey lets’ just go for it’. It still felt like I was betraying myself and trying to self-harm but I just pretended that everything would be OK and just let it unfold. And of course, just as ever other time that I had had the courage to do the exact opposite, it all turned out well and my ROCD thoughts that were consuming re started to recede. 

 

Of course, this logic only works for people with ROCD /OCD because it generally works against you and against who you really are. So, for me, I like the aspects of being in a relationship and being a couple (being single has been OK too but I have got a bit lonely after a while).

 

Sometimes my ROCD has felt so overwhelming that I couldn’t even bear to look in the direction of my girlfriend in case it makes me feel even worse. I’ve had it even worse than that where I can’t even bear to look at anyone’s face full stop because it has started spreading. So, what do I do, keep not looking at people and watch as my world gets smaller and smaller and more and more fearful? Of course not, I’ve summoned up the courage and gone over and given the person I love a kiss. The exact opposite of how I was feeling. And hey presto the ROCD starts disappearing. You’ve told your brain that there is actually nothing to fear here and the feeling has started going, totally nuts. 

And so, if you do have ROCD, my advice to you is JUST DO THE OPPOSITE to what it telling you and you won’t go far wrong!