Intrusions

In the context of OCD, a person generally suffers with obsessional thoughts that are repetitive, disturbing and often horrific in nature. For example, thoughts of causing violent or sexual harm to loved ones which may result in immediate compulsions. These are called intrusive thoughts. There are different themes of intrusive thoughts or ‘different types of OCD’ that lead to compulsions.Examples include Relationship OCD, Religion OCD, Harm OCD and a few more.

Common intrusive thoughts that manifest from relationship OCD or ‘ROCD’ include: • Constantly analysing the depth of feelings for one’s partner, finding fault in the partner and/or the relationship. • Constantly needing to seek reassurance and approval from one’s partner. • Doubts that one’s partner is being faithful. • Doubts that one may cheat on their partner Common intrusive thoughts that manifest from harm OCD or ‘HOCD’ include: • Fear that one day they will hurt a loved one or themselves • Fear of committing a violent act • Fear of impulsively stabbing or trying to kill someone • Fear that they might unconsciously cause harm to someone Common intrusive thoughts that manifest from religion OCD include: • Thoughts or fears of being unworthy of salvation • Fears that prayers have been said incorrectly or parts have been left out • Thoughts that sins have been committed or that God is displeased about certain actions, and atonement should be made • Belief that one isn’t religious enough and must practice his or her religion more Common intrusive thoughts that manifest from homosexuality OCD include: • Recurring, unwanted thoughts about your own sexuality • Constantly reassuring yourself you are straight • Avoiding people of the same gender in unwanted fears that you might be gay • Worrying that you may be sending out signals that make others think you are homosexual It is difficult to cover all of the types of OCD as there are several that people are affected by. It is most definitely possible to have more than one of these types of OCD. These intrusive thoughts make people overwhelmingly anxious and sometimes guilty. The intrusive thoughts result in compulsions being performed to temporarily relieve the anxiety but they do nothing but surrender to OCD, making recovery a lot harder to work towards. For the first several months of my current relationship, I became a victim of ROCD. I constantly had obsessions that I would be cheated on or that my partner in fact doesn’t love me. These thoughts made something that was meant to be the happiest aspect of my life an absolute misery. Even though I was happy with my partner, without their presence, the intrusive thoughts would consistently haunt me. I spent many days in confusion as to why this was happening until I researched ROCD. From that point, I knew I had to dedicate my life to recovering from it to truly feel fulfilled with my relationship. Always remember that recovery is possible but it will take strength and resilience that you never knew you were capable of.