Harm OCD, short for Harm Obsessional OCD, is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by intrusive, distressing, and often violent or aggressive thoughts, images, or urges. These obsessions typically involve fears of causing harm to oneself or others, even though individuals with Harm OCD have no desire to act on these thoughts. Instead, the obsessions lead to significant anxiety, guilt, and distress.
Common signs of Harm OCD:
- Intrusive Harm-Related Obsessions:Individuals with Harm OCD experience intrusive thoughts, mental images, or impulses related to causing harm or violence. These obsessions may include fears of harming loved ones, strangers, or oneself. Common themes include thoughts of stabbing, suffocating, or engaging in other violent acts.
- Fear of Losing Control:One of the central fears in Harm OCD is the fear of losing control and acting on the violent or harmful thoughts. Individuals often fear that they might “snap” and harm someone, even though they have no history of violence and do not want to harm anyone.
- Compulsive Behaviors: In response to the distressing obsessions, individuals with Harm OCD may engage in compulsive behaviors or mental rituals. These may include seeking reassurance from others, checking to ensure they haven’t harmed anyone, avoiding situations that trigger the obsessions, or mentally reviewing past actions to confirm they haven’t acted on their thoughts.
- Excessive Avoidance:People with Harm OCD may avoid situations or people they associate with their violent obsessions. This avoidance can lead to social isolation and difficulties in daily life.
- Hyper-Vigilance:Those with Harm OCD are often hyper-vigilant about their own thoughts and behaviors, constantly monitoring themselves for any signs of danger or harm. This self-monitoring can be exhausting and distressing.
- Guilt, Shame and Self-Blame:Harm OCD often leads to intense guilt and self-blame. Individuals may feel responsible for their intrusive thoughts and fear that they are “bad” people for having such thoughts.
- Interference with Daily Life:Harm OCD can significantly interfere with daily functioning, relationships, and work or school. The preoccupation with violent thoughts can be all-consuming.
Recovery from Harm OCD
Having suffered with OCD for 6 years specifically Harm OCD, I know how horrific it is and how it impacts every area of your life.
For me I struggled to work and spent days in bed as sleep was my own little peace I had as the Intrusive thoughts were constant when I was awake.
I empathise with you and want you to know there is a way to Heal.
I truly understand what you are going through, and I invite you to listen to my own journey of recovery from Harm OCD.
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD and Obsessive Intrusive Thoughts, it is so important to seek help. I understand it can be daunting to speak with someone but understand I too was in that place and now thankfully I am in a place to offer you support and guidance on how you can heal OCD.
To learn more about how you can become FREE FROM OCD, check out my Webinar.