Learn Self-Trust with OCD

Self-trust is something that you develop over time, but can also be lost in the right circumstances.  When you don't follow through on promises to yourself, or when you make poor decisions over and over again, self-trust starts to erode over time.  Today, we're talking about self-trust for those with OCD, which is a different scenario and can easily be fixed!

Why You Lack Self-Trust

When your brain is giving you intrusive (scary or uncomfortable) thoughts that you don't want and can't seem to control or get rid of, this can easily cause a lack of trust in yourself because you believe you are your thoughts.  You're judging these thoughts as facts and therefore you judge yourself for even having them causing shame & self-loathing.

You may also lack self-trust because you struggle with having so-called "negative" feelings. You're trying desperately to get rid of them and when you can't just push them away, or they don't go away quickly or permanently, you feel a sense of powerlessness and judge yourself further.

You may also unknowingly cope in other compulsive ways that aren't healthy or effective.  Giving all of your thoughts meaning, ruminating/trying to figure things out, or seeking certainty or perfection (for things to be/look a certain way) will also erode your self-trust.  Without proper treatment, you don't feel you're able to deal with "what is" and all of the uncertainty and imperfection that comes with life.

How To Learn Self-Trust

Self-trust develops when you learn what brain & behavior patterns are ineffective and how to respond differently!

1. Trust YOU, not FEAR.  Fear (or even low-level discomfort) will always exaggerate what is or what will happen. Start to recognize when your brain is interpreting a thought, feeling or real-life situation from a place of fear or discomfort and move forward anyway.
2. Identify & stop all compulsions.  Compulsive responses always feed OCD & anxiety, giving you more fear-based thoughts and making OCD worse in the long-run.  Stopping these responses (response prevention) will teach your brain that you aren't afraid & won't engage in the particular topic. OCD will then quiet down more and more.
3. Start exposing yourself.  Moving TOWARDS uncomfortable situations or feelings is uncomfortable, at first, but with time you will build comfort and your confidence will skyrocket!

Although it may seem impossible, especially if you're currently deep in the OCD cycle, it's not.  I see hundreds of people work their way out of the OCD cycle and learn to live happy, healthy lives rebuilding amazing confidence and trust in themselves!