Stop INTRUSIVE Thoughts: Pure O OCD
Вставка
- Опубліковано 27 жов 2020
- Can we stop intrusive thoughts or Pure O OCD?
DO YOU NEED MORE HELP WITH OCD, INTRUSIVE THOUGHTS & ERP?
👉🏼 If you are tired of your OCD and need help treating it with ERP so that you can feel better, I can help you.
Find out more about my course for OCD here:
paigepradko.com/ocd.
👉🏼 Here is a link to a FREE SELF ASSESSMENT for OCD:
www.paigepradko.com/ocdquiz
👉🏼 Here is a GIFT for you. A PDF for The Top 10 Things to Know to Practice ERP for OCD, Phobias & Anxiety:
www.paigepradko.com/erp
Intrusive thoughts, or Pure O can be distressing and debilitating, often keeping people in a fearful state questioning whether or not they or others are capable of doing the horrible things they are imagining and thinking. Unfortunately, these thoughts can scare us so much, they become associated or connected to the fear response in our brain. Then, they become automatic, obsessive and plague us with relentless anxiety and fear.
But, there is good news. Although we cannot directly stop an initial thought from coming into our minds, we can use techniques like the I. A.M. technique to stop the compulsive rumination and “what-if” thoughts. We know how to override these fearful, scary thoughts by rewiring the brain with new neuropathways. We do this through ERP or Exposure Response Prevention therapy. In this video, I will teach you how to stop these thoughts through a simple exposure or ERP technique called, "I. A.M." In this technique, you will learn what to do in the moment when you have an obsessive, intrusive thought.
If you would like to see more videos on treating OCD, please watch these videos below:
ERP for OCD
• ERP Therapy for OCD | ...
Pure O: Obsessive Thoughts
• OCD - Pure O - Obsessi...
Please feel free to ask me questions or comment on the video below. If you would like me to feature your question in a future Q & A video, please let me know in the comments. My goal is to spread mental health help and you can join me in that mission by sharing your questions and comments.
#PaigePradko, #PureO, #OCDwithPaige, #PureOOCD, #intrusivethoughts, #obsessivethoughts, #PureOOCD, #unwantedthoughts, #badthoughts, #stopintrusivethoughts, #OCDthoughts, #OCD, #OCDthoughts, #OCDtherapist, #helpforOCD, #ERPforOCD, #Calmseriesforanxiety
Feel free to follow me on the social media links below:
Facebook: / paigepradkotherapy
Instagram: www.instgram.com/paige.pradko...
Twitter: / paigepradko
www.PaigePradko.com/
Until next time, I will see you in session,
Paige
Credits:
Music: 369. Seconds of Bliss
Epidemicsounds.com
Edited by Amy at Twin Suns Studio LLC
DO YOU NEED MORE HELP WITH OCD & ERP?
👉🏼 If you are tired of your OCD and need help treating it with ERP so that you can feel better, I can help you.
Find out more about my course for OCD here:
paigepradko.com/ocd.
👉🏼 Here is a link to a FREE SELF ASSESSMENT for OCD:
www.paigepradko.com/ocdquiz
👉🏼 Here is a GIFT for you. A PDF for The Top 10 Things to Know to Practice ERP for OCD, Phobias & Anxiety:
www.paigepradko.com/erp
Thank you so much, I'm living in a nightmare right now. Things will get better!
You got this!
@Nino Sokrivo classic intrusive thought. Everyone has them. Let it go.
It’s not the true you
How have you been?
@@isabellawillberg3872 I’m not too bad this week. Thinking more clearly
May i ask what’s your ocd theme ?
I have difficulty controlling my thoughts and my anxiety is overwhelming these days. I often feel like no solution is going to work for me to get through what I am living, but your videos really give me hope and help me getting through my existential crisis one step at a time. Thank you so much xx
I am glad that the videos are helping even in a small way. Thank you for your comment.
Eloise, If negative thoughts affects physical health then visit a psychologist. Practicals are needed to reprogramme your min d. Your breath is directly related to your mind [brain] causing negative thoughts-anxiety-stress. For a relaxed life sit on a chair, back erect, hands on lap with palms upwards, eyes closed, be still and observe your natural incoming--outgoing breath at the entrance of the nostrils for around 5-10 minutes or more. Be as still as possible. Slowly negative thoughts will reduce and relax the mind. Patience is needed. During your daily activity keep observing your breath consciously. Do the above meditation daily to feel relaxed. Positive affirmations for 5-10 minutes before sleep also gives quick relief. Best wishes. Shyaaam Sir. -Counsellor.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy hi thanks for your videos. It helping me a lot. Should I also take medicines with the therapy for pure o ocd which I am suffering from past 15 years
How are you now?
That “move on” I feel like is gonna help with time. Thanks so much for sharing these gems
You’re welcome. 🙏😊
Words can't explain how much this video benefitted me and helps me identifying my intrusive thoughts and how should I respond to them. While watching the video it feels like I'm sitting in front of you and you are my therapist. You are amazing.❤️more power to you 🥰
I am so glad it helped you.
Absolutely awesome. Thank you Paige! Looking forward to implementing this strategy into my thought-life as I go about my day. 🙌
Bless you, Paige.
You make my overthinking mind feel normal, and you make me feel not so alone by how accurately you describe the symptoms, thoughts and feelings associated with the intrusive chatter.
Love from Aus.
Thank you, George.
Paige, thank you for this video. My fear has been at any moment in time, I could cause harm to someone or do something wrong. I have struggled with OCD for a long time and you've given me techniques to help deal with it.
Hi Bobby. I am so happy you find it helpful.
Thank you so much for your videos. I just started listening to you last week, and will continue to listen and probably re-listen. Your insights and advice are personalized and spoken with a kind, relaxing voice. Great stuff!
Thank you. I am glad you find them helpful.
This is perfectly what I needed this morning. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome 🙏❤️
Another great video you are helping a great number of people
Thank you, Larry. That is what motivates me. 🙏😊
I love your channel Paige. Thank you for giving your time and filming this needed mental health education.
Thought allowing helped me overcome my nightmares. I no longer have intrusive thoughts.
Earlier last year I daily had intrusive thoughts. Not anymore. The key is to stop labeling and obsessing over my own thoughts.
I have bipolar 1 and I must remind myself to take breaks from driving exposure. This week I'll be unable to drive. That's ok. My mania needs to come down first.
I love your explanation of “thought allowing”. That is so key. I hope you feel better and practice self compassion this week. ❤️
You are a Blessing. Thank you for what you do!
Thank you 🙏
I must thank you I get so much positivity from your videos and it just grounds me
Thank you, John. That makes me feel great that my videos have that impact on you. 🙏❤️
Thank you so much for making these videos! You’re helping so many people who feel hopeless and helpless. 💜
Thank you Melissa 🙏❤️
excellent resource and well explained - have shared it with my clients - thank you.
Thank you so much 🙏😊
Your smile and words are so comforting. This is my first video after subscribing to your channel. You speak of techniques similar to Mindfulness, being present in the moment. Observing with all my senses what is immediately around me. 'Living in the present' not reflecting back or holding on to thoughts that could ruminate in the brain and body. Thank you for being so kind and thoughtful to share these wonderful techniques during such a stressful time for all humanity. If your ever in Colorado I would enjoy sharing a cup of tea-
That sounds so nice. Thank you.❤️
@paige THANK YOU for this fantastic video. I have had difficulty finding the right resources on Pure O specifically with mental rumination. I'm a big "checker" and go through really ridiculous and illogical lists in my head all day....I am going to tryout your IAM technique and appreciate you sharing it. You deserve way more followers! Loved the video and your energy. You seem like a great person. Thanks for helping others with this confusing disorder...
You’re welcome, Amanda. I am glad I can be helpful. Please feel free to send me a message on PaigePradko.com if I can be more helpful.
Thank you so much for your videos. I've read so much about your technique but was never explained properly. Thanks so much for helping me understand
You’re welcome, Sophie. Thank you for watching and commenting.🙏❤️
Your therapy content is always helpful for me 🥰
Glad to hear that. 🙏❤️
I'm so grateful that you do these videos. Thank you.
You are so welcome. 🙏😊
thank you so much for this. I've been struggling for so long recently and just by listening to this method I can tell this will definitely help me in the future.
I am so happy to hear that, Chelsea. 😊
Your speaking right at me, everything you have said is exactly what I’m going through. Thank you for your videos
Intrusive thoughts can be so frustrating. I hope the video helps.
Same here 🙏🏽
Man, your videos are so helping
I am so glad. Thank you.
💙 So happy to hear from you again. 🙃
Thank you. You too ❤️
New subscriber from Northern Ireland ☘️🍀☘️🍀 !
Welcome to my channel! I hope you like it!
Stellar video! I can't wait to try this 😍 ty ty ty ty 🙏🥺🙏
Glad you like it. 🙏❤️
Thank you for posting these videos, my father has been in rehab for an opioid addiction as well as a gambling habit. Everything got worse when my mother passed away 12-5-19. He's really gone downhill and I've been obsessed with trying to get him clean, off the pills, detoxed, out of the casinos, and help him get treatment for his anxiety and depression over losing my mom. I've been fixated on it and it's affecting my daily life and marriage. It's hard for me to tune out my thoughts and try to enjoy life. I am constantly worrying about him. I've been watching these videos to try and overcome the catastrophizing and obsessive negative thoughts.
That sounds horrible, I am so sorry you are going through that and I am sorry for the loss of your mom. I went through something similar with my brother. Unfortunately, we cannot save people from themselves. We can love them, be emotionally supportive, but, when they begin to affect your life and your marriage and your sleep, you have to backup and set some boundaries for yourself. Sometimes you have to let go altogether. Your life and your marriage is under your control. Your dad’s behaviors are not under your control. Let your dad know that you love him, you do not want him to destroy himself, but, you have to work on regaining your mental health and work on your marriage. I wish you the best. I know how painful it is to watch someone you love destroy themselves.
Thank you… it’s simple but such an important trick, for the longest time I thought I had Chronic fatigue syndrome and Minor Panic Disorder but it was all caused from intrusive thoughts. I built it over a few years and I’m on the path of rewiring so I can claim back my life and confidence.
Good for you, Evan. It is a process and we improve as we practice. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much,you have shown me so much about my condition ,its not easy going through this .. blessings
No, it is not easy at all. It is in fact, very difficult. I am happy if my videos have been helpful.
You explain this so well. Thank you
Thanks Ashley. Glad I am understandable. 🙏😊
Thank you for this. I am gripped by being worried about things that could happen, but are very very unlikely. It feels good to see that others have these worries, fight them, and win. You're doing amazing work.
Thank you, Jacob. If you ever need help, I have resources for Pure O OCD here: www.paigepradko.com/resources
Awesome help for OCD sufferers. One of the best video i viewed on this topic. Thank you.
Thank you. I appreciate it. ❤️
You are a total ANGEL for this!!🙏🏽💯🌻
🙏❤️ Thank you
Great information. Thank you so much.
You’re welcome
This is great, excellent 👌 Thank You
I think I have found my new therapist. I like how you mentioned Claire Weeks. I’m currently reading “ Complete Self Help for Your Nerves “. Thank you Paige
That’s awesome! I love Claire Weeks! Welcome to my channel!
Claire Weeks saved my life many years ago.
I really appreciate your help, Ma'am.
Thank you.
Wow- this was such a wonderful video! I've struggled with Pure O OCD for a couple years (ramped up postpartum) & this made me so emotional, in the best way. Gave me a sense of hope! Thank you!
I am so glad you liked it and it gave you hope. ❤️
Iam suffering from pure O for more than 40 years thanks for your vidio.its helpful.
@@mohamedbounaaja4053 me suffering for the last 25 years
@@mohamedbounaaja4053 how u aage
Hi Paige. I have always been a worrier, I worry about everything, stomache churning fear. Lately a member of my family has become embroiled in issues outside his direct control and is ill with worry. Something I recognise. In trying to help him, I started watching your videos and found so much down to earth good advice, I am making progress to reduced my own anxieties and am now encouraging him and his partner, who recently took a large overdose to solve her problems, to follow your channel and get the relief you have given me. I cannot thank you enough for your calming guidance
Thank you E J. I hope the videos help you and your family member. 🙏🏼❤️
Thank you SO much Paige!
You’re welcome 😊
Such an amazing tool🙏🏻
Glad you watched this video. It is really a helpful technique and easy to remember. 😊
Thanks Paige. Got it down to a simple science. Identify, allow, moment=moving on!🌹
Wonderful! I am a fan of keeping it simple!
Your videos are amazing and I like the fact that you mention Claire Weekes!
Yes…I am so inspired by her. 🙏❤️
Your channel is gorgeous. Thank you!
Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏❤️
This helped me quite a bit. Thank you.
I am glad it was helpful, Patrick.
Thank you so much!! I'm from Brazil and There is so little information about pure O / harm OCD in portuguese, now i'm looking for information in english, read the book Overcoming Intrusive Toughts and now found your channel, it's been very helpful. You're doing a great job, helping fellows from all over the world!
Thank you, I’m waiting to make it to therapy tomorrow and this technique is helping already. it takes strength to even ask the right questions or book the appointment, but I know desperately avoiding my intrusive thoughts has destroyed my enjoyment of life and so it’s time to try something new. Thanks again, I’ve already done this technique twice while writing this comment and I think I’ll finally be able to fall asleep.
Thank you for leaving a comment, Jorge. Sometimes people use this technique over and over again. It gets easier. I wish you the best in therapy.
So extremely helpful. Thank you x
You’re welcome. 🙏❤️
Excellent guidance
Thank you.🙏
Thank you. I experienced an intrusive thought while watching this, but yes I think because I was busy engaging with the video, it distracted me from the thought, even though my body tends to jolt upward automatically when it happens.
I am so sorry that you have intrusive thoughts. I truly hope the video helps you. Thank you for commenting.
I'm very thankful for your videos. They've been life changing for me.
I am so happy you find them helpful!
Great video.. Thank you so much
Glad you liked it, Jason. Thank you. 😊
Omg thanks for explaining everything now I know what's going on
You’re welcome 😊
This is great you help me realize there more to learning about anxiety and intrusive thoughts i though I know most of it but I was missing some important details you explained everything perfectly. I’m happy I found your channel i recent been having anxiety from disturbing video I see and it still pop up in my mind and it got annoying and made my anxiety all over the place I needed a refresher on this because I use to label almost ever bad thought I see but like you said instead of the what if or anxiety itself just look and move on I know I try looking at them as clouds and watching them pass by but I like this one as well
Welcome to my channel. So glad that you found the I. A.M. technique helpful. 😊
@@PaigePradkoTherapyhi yes thank you for responding sorry to bother you I was getting ready to eat my lunch and I had trouble eating it like I would have a hard time sallowing it and i start to panic like my arms were shaking and I couldn’t feel my stomach I feel so frozen in fear like I had an orange and jello earlier but when I try to eat my sandwich it was hard I only ate half of it
Hi everyone.......I had pure o for 30 years and I'm recovered......mainly by the principles this good lady advocates. Stick with CBT principals also. I know your pain but there is hope for recovery. God bless x
Thank you for being an advocate for CBT, Carol. I appreciate it.🙏❤️
as a trainee therapist - these videos are so helpful - thank you!!
Thank you. I am so happy they are helpful 🙏😊
Thank you for this. I went though a traumatic experience a couple of years ago. I learned about this thing called the amygdala in therapy afterwards. When it flips it runs riot and causes so much chaos with my thoughts. I have been working on grounding myself. So I.A.M. is another tool to use. Thank you so much
You’re so welcome ❤️
Thank you Paige👍
You are so welcome!
This is great Thankyou
You’re welcome. 😊
I always get excited when I see your new videos! Thank you so much this was really helpful since I deal with depressive thoughts everyday day. If I say positive affirmations right after a ocd thought is that empowering the thought to stay or should I just let it be until my anxiety drops?
Unfortunately, the positive affirmations can become a reinforcing, compulsive behavior. It is best to not do anything. Thanks for the great question.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy thank you Paige!!
Thank you!
Very helpful!
Thank you 🙏
Hello, thank you for this technique, it is actually helping me. I don't know if I have OCD but I do have a recurring thought distressing me every day. I've tried so hard to prove it wrong sometimes I'm just so confused I can't tell if it's lying to me or not (although I know it has). This anxiety is trying to make everything about my day relate to it and questioning my very sense of self and it's a nightmare. But by using this technique, I can find a sense of calm. I still have a hard time accepting uncertainty and fall into engaging with it again, but I will continue trying :) Thank you
Thank you for sharing, Mimi. There will be many, many people that will relate to what you shared about your intrusive thought. I am so glad the I. A.M. technique is helping you. It can be helpful for intrusive thoughts, worries and anxiety in general. 🙏❤️
This actually helped me. I got some sleep for the first time in a long time!
That’s wonderful ❤️
This is such an inspirational video! And actually really helps. We cannot be afraid of these thoughts. LET THEM IN AND SHOW THEM WHO IS IN CONTROL.
Thank you so much for your encouraging comment. I really appreciate it.🙏❤️
A big help for us here in Phil., thank u very much.
That warms my heart, Polly ❤️
Healing The Whole Self
God led me through a journey of healing through the guidance of His Word. I now live free from crippling anxiety, panic disorder, suicidal depression and OCD. God was faithful to renew my mind, restore my hope and grant me the peace I desperately prayed for. Through this God-led journey, I learned a lot about our minds, our emotions, our spirits and our physical bodies, and I slowly began to discover truths that were key to my freedom.
I soon understood that healing an anxiety disorder was not just a physical problem fixed by medication, nor a spiritual problem healed by prayer, nor a mental issue prevented by therapy. It was not any one of the above, but rather all of the above. Each part of our being is interconnected-completely dependent on each other and affected by our actions. When I began to take all aspects of myself seriously, nurturing it all, I began to see the greatest breakthrough in healing I ever had. God needed my body whole, my mind whole and my spirit whole. Why? Because he loves all of me!
Adapted from the book Fearless in 21 Days: A Survivor’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety by Sarah E. Ball.
Thank you for sharing
Amazing video and advice! Thanks so much for these, you are helping so many people! Do you have any advice for someone struggling with driving exposures after having a panic attack while driving? I have watched all of your videos on exposures and found them so helpful, I just feel like I'm missing something in relation to my driving exposures directly. I keep trying to expand my safe zone each week after five 45 minute driving sessions, but the safe zone doesn't seem to be expanding very quickly and I continue to have heightened anxiety at my boundary. I stay there until it drops by half, but it won't budge the next time! Thank-you!
It sounds like you are doing amazing driving exposures. I work with clients with driving phobias and it is difficult and time consuming, but the hard work has a beautiful reward. You get your life back and your freedom. There are important reasons you are doing this hard work. Create an attitude of willingness....willingness to accept the anxiety that sometimes shows up and the exposures that are more uncomfortable. Keep up the daily exposures and you will see improvement. Every once in awhile there will be high anxiety....but, the more you drive, the less frequent this will happen.
Thank you so much Paige and on behalf of everyone, thank you for taking time to provide us with these valuable lessons in overcoming illness that most Therapists do not even know themselves. You are making a big difference in people's lives, including mine and I am very grateful! You will be added into my gratitude journal tonight! All the best, from Canada!
You’re welcome and I appreciate your comments. Love to Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you🙏
I am so thankful to you for making these. I suffer from this and now my child is too. You are truly making a positive difference in our lives.
Thank you for sharing that, James. That is very motivating for me to know that. 🙏❤️
Thank you indeed
You’re welcome. 😊
Beautiful Video .. The logic principles here are very very well explained .. feed it and it grows , don't feed it and it unwinds shrinks and thereby you heal and become normal .. Awesome madam .. Thank You .. Arjun ..
I am so glad you liked it. 🙏❤️
I love the background music its relax me.
That’s great to hear!
Thank you so much
Thank you for watching and commenting 🙏❤️
Fantastic!!!!!!
Thank you 🙏
Hey Paige, just found this video. Been having very disturbing and intrusive thoughts for the past few months, and it's risen my anxiety levels in tandem like you said, packaged up. This video has been so so so helpful. I love you lol, thank you so much. It's been helpful learning about "Pure OCD", saw it in a short animated video the other day. Has been really scary having these thoughts fester my mind, and the QUESTIONING and all that, you hit the nail on the head, that reinforced it so much. I appreciate this strategy for the moment, but I was wondering how you might approach this from the standpoint of having already engaged the thoughts and it's been a few days or months or so on. I can kinda gauge how already, but I would appreciate any tips.
Hi. Welcome to my channel. None of us are “perfect” at practicing any technique when it comes to anxiety or ocd…we all do the best we can and begin again when we notice that we have engaged with an ocd thought. Sometimes it can even happen without our awareness. If you notice that you are engaging with a thought…simply start using the I. A.M. technique at that moment. At first…you may have to use it multiple times because you are training your brain that it is just an insignificant thought and what really needs your attention is what you are doing in the moment. And, if you are not doing something, then begin to do something so that your brain can refocus. Thank you for your question.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you so much, it's been torturous having these thoughts that I can't defuse from. I know I already have anxiety issues and acting on anxious thoughts and overapologizing and stuff, and normally I have been able to kinda look at those extreme thoughts and say hey those are just thoughts, but for some reason recently I just been so susceptible to them, and it scares me and makes my depression spiral in directions it never has before. I think it's due to shame wounds, i was reading, with Pure O. But I dont know yet. Either way, your videos have been very helpful and thanks again
Thank you so much.
You're welcome!
when you said « can you feel your feet on the ground » i literally gasped, i feel like i havent felt my feet on the ground in years
I hope that insight helps you to shift your attention to the present moment instead of feeling overwhelmed by your thoughts.
I am grateful. Enough is enough for me. Overcoming my shame so i can express my wants,needs, feelings, and opinions without feeling shame or guilty afterwards
YES! Good for you. We all need to push through shame and express ourselves. Speaking up and sharing dissolves the shame. ❤️
Thank you so much. I am so happy to have found your channel. I have had pure o on and off for most of my life and have struggled with latest thoughts for past 2 years. I find your I am acronym so useful. I still look for reassurance cosstantly and desperately want to believe I am not my thoughts. 8 guess that is common with the illness but have you any comments around that? M
Unfortunately, seeking reassurance is viewed as a compulsion and only reinforces intrusive thoughts. I suggest either tolerating the uncertainty and discomfort you are feeling without seeking reassurance, or using the I. A.M. technique on the whether or not you are your thoughts. I. A.M. is a method of exposure, and it takes a commitment of acceptance and practice. Thank you for your comment.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you very much for your response. I agree that it is part of the compulsion but v hard not to seek certainty! I suppose I want to hear someone tell me I'm not my thoughts and even though rationally I would say that to someone else, I struggle to believe it, but that comes, I suppose, from fatally engaging with the first thought- but then that's the illness.😏
Thanks for doing this. I don't think I suffer extremely bad from this, but it's certainly there. I tried it yesterday, on a family outing, having just viewed the video with a glance through, & I believe it helped. I really think it's a good Idea to do this right when it happens, as I've tried to conjure the thoughts, & spend time exposing myself without a lot of benefit. Something about, it's just a thought. Yes, a horrible thought, but as you say it's almost just a reaction to the world we live in. There's good & there's bad. There's flowers, & there's knives. Maybe, I'll connect that knife with something violent, but it's ok, because it's just a thought popping in & out of the head, in a world that has pleasant & unpleasant things in it. Thanks again!
Thank you for such an amazingly insightful and thoughtful comment. I truly hope others read and benefit from your insight. 🙏❤️
Wonderful explained similar to Buddhism I liked the way you explain with scientific methodology ,yes it's terrible when the thought enters the mind we are not aware but we live with it till it subsides, this pattern goes on.thankyou Dr.
You’re welcome, Vinod. I like that you find it similar to Buddhism mindfulness practices.
Wonderdul content Paige! I'm 42, and battled anxiety of certain degrees my whole life. I've actually not had issues with scary, intrusive thoughts in the past but they are coming out more often. I have an almost unbelievable story of health anxiety, mostly of having a heart attack, and also a more mental one of wondering if Im slipping in and out of mild psychosis, with fear of becoming schizophrenic. However, I actually ended up having a full cardiac arrest last year and I have an older brother with schizophrenia.... the heart one became true but doctors have maintained I'm not losing my mind. Even did a shorter version of the MMPI-2 test. Diagnosed with severe somatic symtom disorder, major depressive disorder and GAD/Panic Dis. Have you had patients who have specific fears of becoming schizophrenic, but also have a sibling, AND health anxiety but also actually dropped dead of cardiac arrest. Surviving that has actually led me to form my channel to help others. In any event, I just found you and appreciate your content. New sub here. Ps- if you ever want to do some kind of podcast or interview, I can assure you when I give you more details you'll find my story unique. I am suffering greatly right now so I'm back to searching for help like this, and some of my intrusive thoughts lately add to the story of worrying I'm going into psychosis (or its getting worse). Thanks, Mike - Canada
Hi Mike.
I have had many clients fear developing schizophrenia or severe mental illness. This is a quite common OCD theme. And having a brother with this diagnosis in a way makes sense that this fear would develop. I will explain factual information to my clients once, about the fact that schizophrenia is diagnosed early on in life usually late adolescence or very early adulthood. But, I only share facts once, as to not contribute to reassurance. In treatment for OCD, we have to learn to tolerate anxiety associated with uncertainty and not knowing the future. In the case of your health anxiety, a trauma like you went through certainly can cause trauma and fear. I am so sorry that happened to you. Once given the ok by your physicians, you have to also tolerate the anxiety of uncertainty. In reality, none of us have certainty or a guarantee about anything. I have made a few videos on health anxiety and will post the link incase you missed them. I am so glad you are sharing your story with the world. ua-cam.com/play/PL1lUhuKpYUYonn-zlZxzTRR8V4myEHgCY.html
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you so much Paige for this thoughtful and informative email. Yes, I am guilty of doing things like constantly researching other people's experiences to compare. My doctors will ask me why I do it. I genuinely want to feel normal and in my mind I want to do everything I can think of to figure out what's wrong with me. Having the world at your fingertips is very neat and obviously very dangerous. So I get fixated on looking things up. So on a daily/weekly basis I jump between thinking I have different things. But usually I'll unstick from a certain thing (not as glued to illness anxiety disorder) and have the generic feeling that "something" is wrong and doctors a) keep missing it because I'm perhaps not explaining my symptoms property, b) they don't know exactly what I'm feeling (again tying into maybe I'm not articulating things correctly) and c) I have an issue with the fact that as of 2021 there's no test ie: scan, bloodwork or anything that 100 percent tells a person what may be wrong mentally. I'm aware they have done PET scans and other imaging to see blood flow, activity etc in brain so they can see "some" things but it just seems we are still stuck on subjective symptom based diagnosis. And I question if people in weird situations fall through the cracks. Yes, it really bothers me knowing I do have a higher chance of getting schizophrenia because I have a brother with it and my psychologist keeps saying if I didn't have that knowledge, in his words "we wouldn't be having these continual discussion about it" as he doesn't think my anxiety would have ever gotten this bad. There's a video on YT of a guy named Blake I think, in his 20's, aspiring model, who had massivr health anxiety, ocd etc. Itd on Dr. Phil Which I rarely watch. And he's convinced he has or is developing schizophrenia.. watching that video made me realize we have very similar fears and just seeing it on screen opened my eyes a little. But the parts that made me leave feeling discouraged and perhaps our situations do differ is he doesn't mention once that he spends hours every day feeling actual, real, intense sensations in his mind that it really feels like his mind will lose it. Like there's a rubber band and it's literally going to snap. And he explains to Dr. Phil he has panic attacks that last 20 minutes. I feel the feeling on a panic attack in my mind for hours every day. Rarely do I only get physical panic attacks with the more common palpitations/racing heart, shortness of breath, feeling like you are physically having heart attack or choking etc. Mine are mind based - and last for hours and when I tell my wife I want to go to call ambulance she thinks its because I fear a physical catastrophe like a heart attack. If I suggest its because I feel I'm about to lose my mind she kind of snaps and gets so upset (I don't blame her - no idea how id feel about hearing that). Do your patients ever explain to you itd more of a constant feeling with actual sensations in their head and mind that it will snap, to only what I imagine would be full blown psychosis? And that's the key. I am almost certain I don't have schizophrenia, however I can't get over if its mild psychosis that I'm slipping in and out of, or a lesser version of schizophrenia (I know the DSM has a few). And then I get stuck on bipolar. Then physical symptoms come in and I fear physical issues as well. Just wish I could get rid of these mindstorm panic attacks so I get let the idea of bipolar, psychosis/schizophrenia finally leave. Thanks so much, and if you would have been in Ontario Canada and I could claim benefits I'd strongly consider using your services. Unfortunately after a tough year money is tighter. Thanks Paige!
@@PaigePradkoTherapy sorry a few more comments (this is definitely part of me feeling "compelled" to say earthing...).. I'm probably more stuck on concept of bipolar which I'd have to explain all the reasons I believe it. But I'm absolutely sensitive to health. The slightest tingle in my wrist, trembling left foot (been a thing for a while), sensation in shoulder, pressure in groin - everything bothers me. And I'm sensitive to even hearing about health problems. If I see something medical on tv, if somebody talks about a medical issue, I get lightheaded. I've basically been stuck on feeling like I'm going to faint for month's. Note I have fainted a few times but rare - but knowing its possible scares me. So I have classic anxiety symptoms ad well as MAJOR health anxiety (illness and somatic) which I'm not questioning. But I can't seem to let go of the notion we are missing "something" - not sure what but im latching to a few things mentioned above. This is hell because im 90% or more sure its the things above but the 10 percent is driving me crazy, along with actual feelings my mind is going crazy. Thanks for reading this- sincerely.
Thank you
Thank you!!!!
You’re welcome 🙏
U r a alsome person. I absolutely love listening to you . I have OCD panic attacks lot's thinking thoughts unwanted big time stress anxiety aniexous sweats day in and nights. I have have learned a lot from listening to u . Thank u so much u so much. 😊
Thank you for such a compliment. I am happy if my videos have helped you.
this helped thank you x its just its hard to explain i feel at war with myself all the time, I feel responsible for the whole world that its all my fault, I know it isn't and I know I am not responsible but just all the bad in the world just bring me down. and I guess I get stuck on like what do I hope for for the world? all the people that exist or have existed what do I like hope for what I do with all this guilt and worry x for anyone reading this I hope you are well and stay strong:) any advice would be appreciated and please tell me what's on your mind if you wish again hope your well xx
You are a wonderful, thoughtful person. Thank you for sharing your caring spirit with others.❤️
@@PaigePradkoTherapy I'm still figuring stuff out I guess just I cannot stop feeling responsible for everything or everyone and it all gets to me I guess
@@jordanhaynes9728 If negative thoughts affects physical health then visit a psychologist. Heal yourself with determination. Your breath is directly related to your mind [brain] causing negative thoughts-anxiety-stress. For a relaxed life sit on a chair, back erect, hands on lap with palms upwards, eyes closed, be still and observe your natural incoming--outgoing breath at the entrance of the nostrils for around 5-10 minutes or more. Be as still as possible. Slowly negative thoughts will reduce and relax the mind. Patience is needed. During your daily activity keep observing your breath consciously. Do the above meditation daily to feel relaxed. Positive affirmations for 5-10 minutes before sleep also gives quick relief. Best wishes. Shyaaam Sir. -Counsellor.
@@shyaaammeneen63 thank you for this xx I actually started Councilling xx couple months ago doing a bit better ❤
Dammmn this is the best response in that moment ....I used to walk 4 hours continually with same thought and making it more difficult and puzzled rather than leaving it.....
So glad you like the I. A.M. method. It’s my favorite! 😊
Thank you Paige! This really helps. Do you have any books you recommend on Intrusive Thoughts? Greetings from the Netherlands.
I am currently reading Freedom from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder by Jonathan Grayson. I have attended talks by Dr. Grayson in the past and like his methods. The book has a large section devoted to Intrusive Thoughts. He is definitely up on his research. I have read so many books on OCD and seem to always like the book I am currently reading the best. LOL.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Could ''Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts (A CBT-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive, or Disturbing Thoughts) by Sally M Winston'' also be a good start?
Yes, that is an excellent book. They are accomplished therapists, writers and have done their research. They wrote a book called What Every Therapist Needs to Know About Anxiety Disorders that is really great too. I really wish every therapist would read it....but it is great for people that are not therapists too.
Thank you.
You’re welcome 😊
I have this . Thank you for this video.... Have these thoughts from ptsd. I search for videos on what it is I’m going through because it’s horrible. I’m going to try this. Thank you
I know it can be horrible, Michael, especially involving ptsd. The most important part of I. A.M. is to “Allow” your thoughts to be there without reacting to them. If your brain recognizes a fear reaction, it interprets the thought as dangerous and shoots the thought to you more often...as it believes it must be something very dangerous and therefore wants to keep you awake and hyper vigilant. Allow and accept, give up the struggle, and let time pass. The thoughts will fade on their own.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy I have been doing the I Am so far so good. I say it aloud when the thoughts come. This morning was awful. In your video you explained what is happening to me. The thought would hit, Would experience the first fear, and then the second wave that would last for hours... It ruins the whole day. I have a great attitude, the accident was Oct 2019...I see a therapist once a week... I’m going to show her your video. I’ll write back in a few days with feed back if that’s ok. Thank you for taking time to respond to me. My ptsd is complex, your video is a new tool I can use. Again I’m great-full.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Giving you an update. Using I Am for a few days does help. I would say I had to use I Am maybe 50 times per day after watching your video. And in the last few days maybe 5 or ten times. When I’m driving or relaxing I have the most intrusive thoughts, early mornings before I get up also. I also just tell myself that they are just thoughts. Doing what I can with a great attitude. 😁
Thanks great to hear, Michael. I really love your attitude. When your thoughts have no ability to upset you, because you are allowing them, the amygdala calms down, and they stop their intrusiveness. Glad the I. A.M. is working for you.
Thank you so much, the I AMM technique is working great.... I have ocd and I found old techniques I was trying like reframing and self reassurance was not working because they were also becoming an ocd ritual and I can’t going over and over in my head… and it felt ok for a while but then I would have to go thou it again..
but just acknowledging the anxiety and letting it be works.
I don’t comment much, I have autism so I get nervous commenting, but I wanted to say thank you so much..
And I have subscribed and hope to watch more..
P.s would u have any advice for autistics, I just turned 40, I feel my anxiety is getting worse in some areas and burnouts more frequent..
Thank you…
Thank you so much for commenting, Andrew. Knowing it makes you nervous makes it even more special to me. It might help to know that I get nervous making videos sometimes and yet I push through the discomfort because it might help someone. Just remember that there are other people with autism that may read your comments and feel a little braver and more confident that they are not alone. I often treat people with OCD that also have autism and they make tremendous progress. I am glad that you like the I. A.M. method. It’s one of my favorites too.
I - identify the intrusive thoughts
A - allow and accept the thought. Allow the thoughts to exist.
M - connect to the Moment. Notice the chatter in our brain, bring back to the present moment. Instead of the what if’s, think of the what is. Use senses and grounding techniques.
Moving on - move onto whatever I was doing before the thought.
Nice summary 🙏❤️
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thanks so much! this comment was mainly for myself to take notes. I will be using this method from now on. Does this work for intrusive feelings as well?
Yes, absolutely. If you catch yourself mentally checking on your emotions (a compulsion itself), (I) Identify that mental activity as OCD. We do not engage when we identify something as OCD. Then, (A) allow the emotion to be there, whatever it is, and (M) focus on and moment, whatever you are doing and move on. It is a slow deliberate process at first, but, the more you repeat it, the faster and easier it becomes.
@@PaigePradkoTherapy Thank you! you’re so amazing for giving us free ocd tips.. therapy can be so so expensive and I never actually learned this through therapy either!
@@PaigePradkoTherapy what to do if the emotion comes right back after?
Thanks Madam.....🙏🙏🙏
You’re welcome 🙏☺️
My fears aren’t really about hurting other or anything. It’s more like “I hope (insert bad thing) happens” or “I’m evil and am happy this bad thing happened” or like I hearing something and an inuendo forms that is very in appropriate about my infant nephew who id never ever touch or hurt.
It’s wild. I’m almost 25, recently engaged, and was really looking forward to life. It just feels like every single thought I have is intrusive and this only started 5 days ago. Before this, to be fair, I was obsessed with the idea of having cancer for 2 years but it was MUCH more mild than this. I really don’t know where to go. It feels like it’s taking “the moment” away for me. When I try to move on, another intrusive thought pops in.
Hi David. I am sorry that you are having these intrusive thoughts. It’s like your brain is playing an imaginary game with you…let’s try to see what thought will be the most horrible thought that will really scare David this time. It is all OCD…and not you, David. If you ever are interested in learning how to do ERP for these thoughts, I have developed a course that is highly effective. I teach you step by step what to do, and I cover 18 different subtypes of OCD and Pure 0 and give you specific examples on what to do. Here is a link if you are interested in learning more: www.paigepradko.com/ocd.
Great video. Instead of ERP I use ARP-allowance and response prevention. The exposure is already built in to the obsession. I allow the thoughts and don’t do the physical or mental compulsions.
Yes, I love that.
I have been dealing with GAD and OCD since 2 years . I am not on medications though . I used to have panic attacks and used to be full of sweat on any anxiety episode but I dong face this anymore .
Currently , I suffer continuous chatter in my head like analysis of any past thought ( which used to create anxiety ) and it changes after I finish thinking of one . I have many such thoughts pipelined since 2 years like fear of knife n as soon as I see it the whole history pops up in front of me n again I enter those loop of thoughts where it says I might hit someone or something with it but now I know I won't do it so it is of less significance . If this same thought pops up when I am already anxious thn it will create a series of racing thoughts which makes me restless n irritable , I try to create a distraction n move here and there till my anxiety goes down . I would say this is still manageable . I used ERP to get rid of this situation . Thanks to You😊
Although ,I need a solution to my most recent problem . I entered a loop of having a fear of any other mental illness like depression , bipolar etc .
My mind forces me to think about it in any situation and forcibly create a thought of any symptom of any mental illness (for ex. It creates a thought that if I see someone behind me in the mirror thn I will be having Schizophrenia , my mind thn forcibly creates an image of someone there itself and tells me see you saw it now u will have schizophrenia and it increases my fear and anxiety) . Such episodes go on for days until a new one appears and I forget of the old one .
Of late I I fear of getting depression these days ..I get muscle tension as usual n I get a sad feeling ...as soon as I get a low feeling .. thoughts pop up saying now u will have depression ...
u have all the symptoms of depression ..like nothing will interest me now ..I will just be sad all the time ..
I won't remain active ...I will also have suicidal thoughts .. I will lose interest in everything .. I won't be happy now etc etc ( these are the symptoms I read once on internet n are stuck in my head ) n I identify myself with those symptoms in that situation causing anxiety , restlessness n i actually start feeling depressed bcoz of all this in turn making me believe that m already in depression .
It would be helpful if you spread some light on this . Thanks in advance !
I am sorry that you are going through this struggle with your thoughts. Fearing that you may develop a mental illness is very common. This thought scares people. But, it is just a thought. I developed the I AM strategy to help people when they have thoughts that make them uncomfortable. The theme of the thought doesn’t matter, the treatment is always the same. Identify the thought as an intrusive, fearful thought, allow it to just be there without getting into a thought loop by arguing with it, connect to the moment you are living, and then move on to what you were doing before you had the thought.
Your right doc.. sometimes i thinking over and over again.. trying to find answers.. panicking, by false imagination.. over thinking about what well happened to my self.. it gives me really bad panic attack.
Anyway doc, thanks for your video you got good devices..
Thank you so much for your comment and I hope the video helps you. 🙏❤️
Thankyou for that. I’ve had intrusive thoughts for 25 plus years. I’m 46. Even as a child I did looking back. It’s been a total living hell. doubting myself for too long. I need to beat this
OCD is sometimes called the doubting disease for good reason. I am glad you found my channel. There are many videos on help for ocd and pure O that you can find organized by playlists if you are interested. 😊
Thankyou so much. I feel much better already. Just accepting that the mind can play games like this is an eye opener