Finding value in the disorder - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

twiceshy · 01-08-2008, 07:33 AM

Living with OCD is an unceasing mental exercise. Irrational thoughts are launched from every direction. With four pounds of neural tissue resting on our shoulders, surely we're equipped to deal with the onslaught. Why not see it as an opportunity to strengthen one's mind rather than cower from it?

BadMalibu · 01-08-2008, 11:17 AM

Twice-

I personally think that there are better ways to "excercise" my mind other than obsessing over something for hours and hours. There's a real difference between doing some good mental excercises and OCD. You can strengthen your mind by going to CBT to treat your OCD, and that would be a better way to strengthen your mind.

motherofOCD · 01-08-2008, 04:23 PM

I agree with BadMalibu. People can change the actual structure of their brain through CBT, but it generally has to happen in conjunction with a therapist. Personally, I don't like the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" mentality. It's belittling to people who deal with the pain of living with a mental disorder.

CatGirl1975 · 01-08-2008, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by motherofOCD

I agree with BadMalibu. People can change the actual structure of their brain through CBT, but it generally has to happen in conjunction with a therapist. Personally, I don't like the "pull yourself up by the bootstraps" mentality. It's belittling to people who deal with the pain of living with a mental disorder.

I agree with you...I hate having this...I miss being happy, enjoying life, not being able to do things that are fun, not being able to hug people, being too afraid of germs, intrustive thoughts and feeling alone in a big scary world...It's so easy for people to say "Pull yourself togeather, "Get over it", "You don't have that", or "You will be fine" when they have no idea what they are talking about!

dksea · 01-09-2008, 12:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CatGirl1975

I agree with you...I hate having this...I miss being happy, enjoying life, not being able to do things that are fun, not being able to hug people, being too afraid of germs, intrustive thoughts and feeling alone in a big scary world...It's so easy for people to say "Pull yourself togeather, "Get over it", "You don't have that", or "You will be fine" when they have no idea what they are talking about!

Exactly! No one says "Get over it!" when you have diabetes or "Pull yourself together" during an asthma attack. I really wish people would acknowledge that some problems of the mind aren't things you just work through.