You are NOT your thoughts!

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a relatively common mental health condition, affecting around 1 in 40 people (2.3% of the population). It is slightly more prevalent in women than men. One of the hallmark symptoms of OCD is the experience of intrusive thoughts. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, involuntary thoughts, images, or ideas that enter a person's mind unexpectedly. They are often disturbing, distressing, or inappropriate in nature. Common themes of intrusive thoughts in OCD include violence, sexual content, or other disturbing scenarios. Crucially, these thoughts are in stark contrast to the individual's core beliefs and values, which is a significant reason why they cause so much distress. It is essential to understand that you are not your thoughts. Just because you have an intrusive thought does not mean you want to act on it or that it reflects your true desires or intentions. These thoughts are a symptom of OCD and do not define who you are as a person.

In a recent episode of one of my favorite podcasts, an OCD expert beautifully explained this concept. They emphasized that intrusive thoughts are not a reflection of your character or desires, but rather a symptom of the disorder. The expert provided valuable insights and strategies for managing intrusive thoughts. I highly recommend listening to the episode for a deeper understanding of this aspect of OCD. Episode Link: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-truth-of-ocd-therapist-alegra-kastens-on/id1564530722?i=1000654246386