Rumination and OCD | How To Stop!

[@ocdandanxiety]

What things do you ruminate about? 😃

[@hannahh8696]

Information. Whether I've remembered or written down everything I need to do/check on every day. Your channel is great, by the way. Really helped me a lot.

[@gee_ruiz]

So many things I ruminate about..... How much I love my fiancée, wether or not she loves me, or if she just wants sex from me, or vice versa. Wether or not there is someone better out there for my fiancée. Amongst many other things. Lately, My anxiety has mainly attached to my relationship though.

[@christinas.3461]

I ruminate about my relationship and since starting recovery I have begun to ruminate about how my recovery journey is going without even realizing. I ruminate about almost everything and have a lot of work to do. I even ruminate about ruminating

[@lisasims1652]

Germs and IF something is contaminationed are not and IF I am gonna get sick from it...over and over in my head even when I try to stopping the continuous thoughts about germs

[@odessawales]

Things that happend in my life that are meaningful to me.

[@kensanchez2064]

Guys rumination DOES ACTUALLY STOPS. I stopped ruminating for like a year. Now, I got back again ruminating. And honestly that’s ok, not afraid. I know it will go away. Why? Cause it did once. Keep strong people.

[@fiftyslady8945]

Thank you so much

[@goodmorning2386]

Tysm, I needed this rn

[@hunterhonan2378]

Yup very true I got rid of it too and it came back about 8 months later but not scared I know it goes away!

[@tharamendoza6287]

my rumination went away for years until it got attached to another distressing thought recently. that’s what made me start therapy.

[@cameliajasminrose7814]

What causes rumination at the first place?

[@luci.fer.003]

"You don't want the problem to happen, so you're thinking through it" That's it. That sums it up.

[@mayravillafuerte2877]

Wow

[@zen_mindset1]

Yep 👍

[@victor4692]

What does that mean? - I don't get it

[@AhhSpoons]

100% this.

[@AB-zq4fw]

​​@victor4692p I think that's saying that the problem hasn't happened and that the problem is the "trying to problem solve".

[@Mel-gg3xg]

Chewing the cud is actually a perfect way to describe it in a metaphorical way. Instead of just shallowing it and moving on. We chew the cud of our obsessions

[@Sandsinburkina]

You're obsession is NOT special - they're all the same. Lesson of the day, friend! Thank you!

[@ocdandanxiety]

YES! For sure! 😃

[@rosieborsellino703]

Definitely 😁👌😎💯

[@hodedoh]

No… You don’t get it.

[@cosmolosys]

my obsession isn't special. but I am and you are special 😘

[@Sandsinburkina]

@@cosmolosys Thank you!!

[@industryliaison]

“You can not think your way through a fear.”… needed this. I ruminate about past interactions and choices. Constantly needing to know if I did something right or wrong or ruffled any feathers. Sometimes I’m ruminating about how I might be perceived

[@hodedoh]

The only solution is to stop creating a self

[@hodedoh]

No more “I, I, I…”

[@hodedoh]

Get out of your mind and into your senses…

[@spiderscurry5614]

@@hodedoh okay

[@vikalpagrawal7150]

Can't get out of it... Did anything worked for u???

[@ThinkPositiveDude]

I guess you can say that OCD is tied to one's self-esteem, if you have low self-esteem then most likely you won't trust yourself which leads to the repeated compulsions of "just to make sure" and "what ifs"

[@ocdandanxiety]

Self trust is something that is hard for OCD sufferers to muster up!

[@juepaul691]

@@ocdandanxiety Is there a way to get the self trust and rationality back?

[@cinnamongirl9024]

@@ocdandanxiety hey as someone already asked, I too wonder if there is a way to gain self esteem and self trust

[@tili_]

@@cinnamongirl9024 I-CBT could be the answer

[@rainystone3]

Rumination is by far my worst compulsion and I do it frequently every single day. I decided yesterday that I really need to focus on cutting down the ruminations and so I’m glad you uploaded this video. Thank you!

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thanks so much for your support. I hope you can feel some relief.

[@ta6531]

It is hell..... I am glad others understand

[@Son_of_aesthetics]

Hi,how have it gone so far? Could you handle it? No shame if you couldn't(altho I hope you reply you're far better than before)I'm suffering with it too

[@rainystone3]

@@Son_of_aesthetics I still struggle with it being my biggest compulsion, but i have made some decent progress. Obviously I have worse days than others but it’s been a slow growth. Therapy has helped a lot, as well as watching videos like these. It’s constant work but I believe I can get through it completely.

[@Son_of_aesthetics]

@@rainystone3 I heartedly want you to cope,mine is ruminating about every little detail good or bad doesn't matter,I have compulsions mostly to think and watch myself from others' perspective(even animals)it's so weird can't even explain it,but some times I get so overwhelmed with thoughts that I lose the relation with reality and feel like I'm going crazy and experience panic and anxiety attacks! You know what I regret the most is the hours I spent thinking about nonsense while I could do something else far better and productive while I had the desire to but couldn't. I take fluvoxamine but doesn't seem like it is doing anything for me,it is aweful man,always feel like something's missing,I am tired mentally

[@_tellavision]

OCD is such a delicate experience. It's a radically gruesome and complex state to deal with.

[@sophiacarlson2824]

My rumination usually starts with self perception. Not necessarily physical appearance, but my character & how those around me view it. Thank you for this.

[@ocdandanxiety]

Of course!

[@rxvnn13]

You really cannot control what other people think of u

[@potionmaster6927]

@@rxvnn13 this is logically false though, u can undeniably control what other people think about you and one could demonstrate this Core Principle by doing something horrible in public. While you may not be able to Control what other people think of you you can and actually Are Always Changing & Influencing what other people think of you. With that said, relinquishing Obsession with how where and when this Changing & Influencing happened,, is happening or is going to happen is probably the best way forward and doing so by using the "eh, it is or it isn't" method is functional BUT u can't use it to such an extent that you start doing horrible things in public and saying "it is or it isn't" when you reflect on them... so there is "The Balance" to find everyday. How to find this balance? Nobody has released a method/strategy yet as far as I know nor have I figured one out However I think what bro was saying about how if its immediate and needs to happen right now this instant vs more of a steady "flow" to doubt its legitimacy is great as a way forward from Finding the Balance with respect to the "Eh it is or it isn't" solution method

[@potionmaster6927]

Now I have to find a new problem to solve

[@Mycoheterotroph]

Why does it seem like you and I and many other share this common trigger or theme to our rumination? It probably goes down different rabbit holes for each but interesting to me that there is this shared root

[@marks.3798]

You are so right. When I get an OCD ‘flare up’ I’ve learned to lean into it. Even agree with the worst case scenario. Eventually it actually becomes funny to you and it slides away.

[@SarahM-ku5dl]

I was humiliated at work , three years ago and I still think about that moment over and over and over and over again every single day since , it literally affects my focus on my day to day life now and it is insufferable. I can’t get my thoughts to stop.

[@Sum1else365]

I have a similar experience. I was humiliated in front of family for defending an upset child. I realised it was resentment that I was feeling. I researched resentment and broke down the experience that I went through, sitting in the discomfort and labelling each part the experience. The memory still hurts but is less intense.

[@azzarobertson95]

did you ever get it to stop?

[@SarahM-ku5dl]

@@azzarobertson95 nope if I’m not staying busy or listening to music, that’s all my focus goes too.

[@fanya9399]

i feel the same way, but with people that i don't like, their name keep popping out in my head every single day even tho the problem with them already years or few month ago, make me hard to focus😭

[@xbeast7585]

@@fanya9399 i feel the same way and i'm just get frustated day by day 😭😭

[@KgodMafia]

Sitting here crying as I listen to this because it's so relatable. I know that feeling you mentioned of thinking that validating my OCD saved me, but in reality it just creates more problems in the future. I remember living one intrusive thought to the next as a kid, sitting on those thoughts for awhile, then embarrassingly passing them off to loved ones and breathing a sigh of relief after doing so - not realizing I was digging myself into a deeper hole. Now I'm 27 and take medication (which I was skeptical about at first, but it admittedly helps). Thank you for this video about dealing with uncertainty. I made a vow to myself and family a few months prior to never let intrusive thoughts and OCD prevent me from becoming the person that I want to be. It's not easy, but videos like this are very helpful. Again, thank you.

[@helenamodernocosta8257]

I know how you feel. I'm 25 and I'm OCD since I was 14. I also cried watching this video. He understand us. All I can say to you is: you are not alone.

[@3cheeseup]

The talking to loved ones as a compulsion was a thing for me too. Thankfully I have a therapist who told me that. But it took him some time to figure that out for me though.

[@hbutter1306]

What medication? I’m wanting to get medicated for OCD, but I’m scared of taking an antidepressant and that seems to be the main thing prescribed!!

[@KgodMafia]

@@hbutter1306 Prozac and Abiliy for OCD and Generalized Anxiety. Everyone processes various meds differently tho, so not saying what works for me is gonna work for you. Best of luck

[@Peebie-Jeebies]

My favorite thing now is “maybe I did maybe I didn’t” this is perfect honestly.

[@DrTracyAGangi]

Nathan-I am a licensed clinical psychologist and I specialize in adult ADHD and NOTHING in my toolbox is better than ERP for the majority of my patients...I learned so much from YOUR videos...I cannot thank you enough. Keep doing what you're doing!

[@rosendoperez6677]

I need help

[@Aristotle821]

Hey ma'am here in india psychiatrist don't diagnose with adhd because they say you were good in school so you don't have it but that's not the case

[@BetaBuxDelux]

@@Aristotle821They don’t know how hard it is. Hopefully, the diagnosis is more widely accepted there soon.

[@Aristotle821]

@@BetaBuxDelux ya very true

[@laraismyname821]

That's interesting to me bc I was diagnosed decades ago with OCD (by multiple doctors) but my mom always thought I was misdiagnosed & really had ADHD. I've been reading more about ADHD lately & while I don't think I 'check all the boxes' there, I can definitely see now why she thought that. And have been seriously wondering if there is some sort of overlap/relationship between the 2.

[@pieterlindeque7798]

End of the day, the one and only solution is to let it go. That's all we can do. Doing it however is the difficult part. It's very simple to pet something go, but it's so so difficult. When we're afraid, when we're worried, when were in doubt etc it manifests in OCD because we genuinely believe that eventually we're going to hit everything just right, just perfect, flawlessly, and then at long last we will finally FEEL that now, this time for sure, all is right. But as people with OCD know, it can never ever be right if your mind doesn't feel it's right. You could do everything perfectly, score 100%, but if it's not 100% in your mind then it will never be 100% no matter how many times you do it. So really the one and only way is to let go of that feeling at its core. We have to basically understand that it is how it is, and how we feel about it is a lie. So we have to let go of the lie. It's not the THING that's making us feel like that, it's the THOUGHT. We have to let go of that thought, no matter how hard. The thought is the prison, the thing is just a scapegoat. Your whole mind will scream at you, but that is all the proof you need isn't it? If it weren't true that it's the thought and not the thing that's the problem, then your mind wouldn't get that anxious in the first place would it? The mind screams because it knows it is the source of the noise in the first place. If we give in to that noise we will never be free. If we let it go, then we are free. So yeah, the point of my rant is basically, let it go, it's going to be okay. Probably already is.

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thank you for your insight!

[@christinas.3461]

I didn’t realize how much I ruminate. Sometimes it’s obvious when it’s about my main theme but I didn’t realize that the more subtle inner conversations were also this 🤯

[@ΧΡΙΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣΑΣΛΑΝΙΔΗΣ-σ5ζ]

It's been 5 years with OCD and along those 5 years my OCD has improved a lot to the point where i can say it's almost 90% cured when i found your videos they helped even more and now i can start living again ocd free thank you very much .

[@cphang6863]

Wow! Btw, hold old are you? The first time my OCD showed up I was 17/18 and after months or maybe na year it went away. But came back 11 years after. The first time j used coping mechanisms they helped a little bit.

[@ΧΡΙΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣΑΣΛΑΝΙΔΗΣ-σ5ζ]

@@cphang6863 I am 19 right now but i had OCD since i can remember myself. It was only 5 years ago that it got worse due to a traumatic event i had and it triggered it.

[@vertshus7620]

@@ΧΡΙΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣΑΣΛΑΝΙΔΗΣ-σ5ζ How did you get cured ? I feel like i am losing my mind.

[@ΧΡΙΣΤΟΦΟΡΟΣΑΣΛΑΝΙΔΗΣ-σ5ζ]

@@vertshus7620 The best advice i can give you is to leave everything uncertain and don't try to figure out anything.

[@albertmolina7426]

Bro for me it's like ocd completely disappears for like a few months then it comes back ._.

[@mickwiatrek4865]

Maybe maybe not has helped me so so much recently! I normally say “maybe maybe not but I’m not obligated to figure this out right now” and it takes a lot of pressure off me to rush to figure something out and rumination is often a really big compulsion of mine and once I catch myself I just gotta choose not to do my compulsions and be kinder to myself

[@chadgarber]

I was thinking about adding “I’m not gonna figure it out” or something like that. Thanks for your comment.

[@mickwiatrek4865]

@Jeanne d'Arc I'm doing pretty well, still catch myself ruminating every now and again but being on meds really helped me a lot too since it helps to stop the thinking loop and puts focus back into my life, I take sertraline which is just cheaper Zoloft, but using tips and tricks like this helped a tonnn!

[@Chlo255]

I love what you said about everyone thinking their topic is special. It literally isn't! Anything that causes you to overthink and ruminate to the point of exhaustion/anxiety is the SAME thing- it's your brain trying to keep you safe from uncertainty (an OCD person's worst enemy) but it does not help. It's a lie. Stay strong guys ♥️

[@lolololololutrythcfy]

i’ve been in and out of therapy for years and years and your channel is the most helpful thing by far, thank u so much!

[@ocdandanxiety]

Amazing! Thanks so much for the kind words!

[@erindemay2629]

Lord, God, I hope this works for me. Rumination has always been my problem. I needed this video because lately I’ve been acting out of my fear and actually doing things to be sure, like you said. It used to only be in my head. I don’t know which is worse.

[@sabba8609]

I'm pregnant and today I'm having awful catastrophizing and ruminating behavior. I often worry about my family getting hurt in an accident or my future child getting hurt st school etc. I think its from a hormonal surge im suffering with these thoughts. I found your videos so helpful. They have calmed me down tremendously. Thank you so much. I need to have your stuff on repeat!

[@Kwioresma]

Be careful not to use those videos as a compulsion tho. It can be tricky

[@erinpletch2223]

Thank you so much for this video! As someone who thinks they have OCD with mental compulsions, it has been hard figuring out what exactly the compulsions even are. Like you said, it’s a “silent illness” (if I’m remembering correctly). Here’s to no one’s obsessions and compulsions being special! Stay strong everyone, it can get better! ❤

[@christianolive769]

I started using your rumination technique, and I noticed an immediate shift in myself. I didn’t realize that I like to ruminate in order to problem solve and try to think that I could make things better for myself. Thank you!

[@danwaggoner5123]

Hey, Nathan! I just wanted to take a minute and thank you for this video. You saved my life, buddy. I've struggled with OCD and anxiety, since I was a kid. About 20 years ago my wife committed suicide and I developed PTSD. From that time on my anxiety took on voices. I've been in therapy for some time now, but nobody every told me to manage rumination/anxiety this way. For the last few months, I have responded to the voices this way and it has helped me so much. Not only is my anxiety down, I am hearing things less frequently and don't freak out when it happens. I haven't felt this good in probably never. Thank you so much for your work!!

[@ritteand001]

Im happy for you man!! Keep on pushing through!!

[@goodmorning2386]

The “everyone thinks their special line” really helped in particular with how I see my intrusive thoughts and ruminating, I think I’ll write it down Tysm

[@gunderstank2000]

I've been ruminating about the past a lot, for months now. And it's mostly trying to remember certain details and memories of past mistakes. For instance, "If this (certain detail that I can't remember) happened, I am a bad person." And thoughts like that. I try to mentally review all my past memories and bad thoughts I had when I do remember or think of something. I've even gotten to the point where I write them down so I wont forget. So, it's almost like I'm mentally hoarding bad mistakes I made and trying to find more. And on top of that it fills me with guilt and anxiety when I simply can't recall a memory correctly or at all. An example is, "Where did I get this item? Did I do something bad to get this item?" It's just a horrible cycle that I've been dealing with daily.

[@chickenlittle4014]

I absolutely agree

[@amelita_e]

Thank you so much for this. I spent a decade ruminating about a real event and never even realized that this was a compulsion. Understanding that I can do compulsions in my head has been the most important think in helping me with OCD treatment.

[@AbbyElizabeth03]

My brain has been doing this thing where it’s like “Change your job. Change your job and you’d be so much happier” but the thing is I love my job and I love my coworkers and I feel genuinely happy in it. I always fall into the trap of compulsion where I look up information about other jobs and obsess over if that would really be better. I’m trying not to engage this thought because it’s making me catastrophically more anxious than I need to be. Thank you for offering these simple phrases. There’s so much power in not engaging the compulsion and I know I can do it.

[@christianrutegard]

Thank you for your knowledge and wisdom about this disease. I am a lot better even if I have had OCD since childhood. I am now 41 years old and finally I can feel that I'm living my life. It is so important with structure and a healthy living. Make sure your stomach is working. I take a pinch of seaweed every day and it has fixed my intestines. A few tablespoons of hummus works wonders for the brain because it contains serotonin. Try it. Cheers from Sweden.

[@ocdandanxiety]

That is amazing! Thanks so much for sharing! I wish you the best!

[@GreasyBaconMan]

What kind of seaweed brand?

[@astrowolfy9936]

This man has genuinely saved my life. I've had no light in the depressive space i'm in mentally. But your words and advice where some of the only light and hope. For that I am grateful.

[@Joethebro101]

Definitely one of my favorite videos. Yes, I think rumination (or mental compulsions) is probably the silent epidemic causing untold societal issues such as not enjoying life, mental hospital stays, and suicide. Good job helping to get the word out. Together we can all help each other.❤️

[@grandmasterjayd1184]

What a powerful mindset. So simple yet so effective. “Maybe maybe not”, man… Good stuff, sir.

[@Damaged_Otaku]

I ruminate about mean online comments, and the mistakes of my past. Rumination has made me lose friendships and has destroyed my life, and I am now on a spiritual journey to figure out who I am, and what I want to do with my life. Thank you for the very helpful video.

[@SCruz-wi3wd]

i can’t thank you enough for your videos, last year ocd came after years of extreme anxiety. i couldn’t handle day to day life with all the rumination and thought spirals. my ocd convinced me many time that i was gonna hurt someone, even if the very thought made me cry. your videos pulled me out of it and gave me hope i could live again, and i am! tysm, from the bottom of my heart💛

[@chadgarber]

This was perfect timing. I just watched another video by someone else and it confused me (literally, just now). Then I saw this video! Perfect timing! Thanks.

[@ocdandanxiety]

Amazing! I hope this one wasn't as confusing! 😃

[@chadgarber]

@@ocdandanxiety Very helpful.

[@shyaaammeneen63]

@@chadgarber Only if thought rumination affects your health consulting a psychologist may be needed. You can heal yourself. Your breath is directly related to your mind [brain] causing anxiety-negative thoughts. For a relaxed life without anxiety-negative thoughts sit on a chair, back erect, hands on lap with palms upwards, eyes closed, be still and observe your natural incoming--outgoing breath for around 10-15 minutes. Be as still as possible. Many thoughts will come which is ok--slowly negative thoughts will reduce and your mind will relax. During your daily activity keep observing your breath consciously. Best part is mood swings also reduce. Do the above meditation daily to feel relaxed. For more relaxation enter the following on google search and listen before sleep repeating the affirmations in your mind. -“52Hz affirmations for health and healing you tube”. Find peace of mind. Best wishes. Shyaaam Sir. -Counsellor.

[@chadgarber]

@@ocdandanxiety Question: What do you think about instead of ruminating?

[@chadgarber]

@@shyaaammeneen63 Thanks so much for the feedback!

[@enriqueshockwave8869]

My mother would have very aggressive conversations in her own head when I was a kid, I'd watch her driving us kids home after school and she'd be violently mouthing words. The older I get the more I realize she was reliving conversations and responding the way she wishes she would have telling people off and reimagining what had actually been said or done to her inflating imaginary slights and inflating her own victimhood. The older I get the more I find myself doing the same things and believing negative things that are not true about other people. I'm getting a bit worried. I'm driving away friends and colleagues and don't know how to stop.

[@randomguy4820]

I wish this invaluable advice was taught at school, it would create a much happier world. Thanks for posting such a helpful easy to grasp video❤

[@SippinnC]

OCD is truly horrible at times.

[@morganyaehl6075]

this was so perfect for what im struggling with right now and i just wanted to say thank you. i often get so lost in my obsessive ruminating that i forget how ridiculous the thoughts and imaginary possibilities are. and you hit the nail on the head with the adding meaning to just randomly doing something like touching a doorknob - making whole compulsive behaviors and stories around what happened and hyper-focusing on every single little detail as if it has some deep truth behind it lol. i do it so often that i feel trapped in my head😅 again thank you so much for this one! 💓💓

[@shyaaammeneen63]

Yeehi, Only if thought rumination affects your health consulting a psychologist may be needed. You can heal yourself by developing your mental mucles. Your breath is directly related to your mind [brain] causing anxiety-negative thoughts. For a relaxed life without anxiety-negative thoughts sit on a chair, back erect, hands on lap with palms upwards, eyes closed, be still and observe your natural incoming--outgoing breath for around 10-15 minutes. Be as still as possible. Many thoughts will come which is ok--slowly negative thoughts will reduce and your mind will relax. During your daily activity keep observing your breath consciously. Best part is mood swings also reduce. Do the above meditation daily to feel relaxed. For more relaxation enter the following on google search and listen before sleep repeating the affirmations in your mind. -“52Hz affirmations for health and healing you tube”. Find peace of mind. Best wishes. Shyaaam Sir. -Counsellor.

[@julieann6755]

I love the "maybe, maybe not" and "totally"!! I've been trying this technique since I first found your channel and heard you talk about it. I try to watch your channel often to absorb this and everything else you talk about! Love your channel! I can forget about it some days and realize it's a matter of building a habit! When I do use it, I find it helpful! I also try to do it the way you do, I love it and it makes me laugh.. "totally man"!! I wish I knew about this years ago (I'm 56 now) but wonder if I would have really accepted it if that makes sense. Plus, when you can view it on KZbin and see so many others comments it helps more than anything to see how many other people think the way you do! I recommend your channel to others too! Thank you!!!! 👏

[@ocdandanxiety]

Wow, thank you so much for your kind words and feedback! It is greatly appreciated.

[@stevensingh5955]

I was in the middle of ruminating thoughts when I decided to look it up and then I found this video. Halfway through I thought this is very educational but so far doubt this will help much for me personally. However by the end, I feel so much better and I thank you for that ☺️ (The go with it and even agree really helped, feels like it took so much weight off my shoulders)

[@mrskwan3495]

How are you now?

[@midnightsun2085]

It is pure torment to go through rumination, especially when it relates to something you've done in the past. You try to move on from your mistakes, but your brain will find ways to make you second guess everything (the "what if") or then re imagine everything, making assumptions. The level of anxiety and depression hits a whole new level. So far my hair is turning white because of this (plus much more). Either I feel like sitting in the corner crying or than I just want to quit life. Thank you for making this video.

[@rickysandhu5961]

stay strong singh vaheguru is watching over all of us, try mindulness or see if you can talk to a therapist they can help you and treat it.

[@gasp744]

Köszönjük!

[@supernova7493]

It’s weird to think that ruminating lead me to your channel in the first place. Thanks for making these videos. You truly are an expert

[@alejandrodiaz3854]

I can tell with all confident that your videos are one of the best. You really know what OCD is like. This helps a lot

[@unnamed578]

I haven’t been diagnosed with OCD, but I have been diagnosed with anxiety and this method also works for my intrusive thoughts and fears about the future/past! I’ve been ruminating heavily about how I used to be a very bad friend and hurt people I cared about, and the main themes have been “What if they expose you in the future and you lose your job?!” “What if you permanently scarred this person?!” “What if you don’t deserve self-forgiveness?!” Using maybe-maybe not has really helped me accept that I can’t control the future, I can’t change the past, and I can’t be certain about how others feel about me. I still get physical pain from the anxiety, but I can better manage it and focus on what I need to do in my life like school and work. Thank you!

[@chezlolxo]

Wow man this is me right now, really suffering and ruminating about my past actions and wondering whether things will come back to bite. Can I ask how you’re doing, are you better? I just need some hope. I’m experiencing real event/false memory ocd and it’s debilitating

[@Bidness32]

This video was exactly what I needed, so thank you! Anybody whose dealing with this should follow this video, you’ll get freedom from your rumination for sure

[@skulldar]

I've been ruminating on my worth, what others think of me, and I'm really worried about disappointing those around me. It's been exhausting and it has made me feel miserable for so long now

[@AllisterHampton]

Thanks!

[@ocdandanxiety]

Wow! You're so amazing! Thanks so much for supporting me! Best wishes!

[@jayguarino1]

Thanks so much for your videos. I have had this condition for more than half my life. I'm 58 now. It has taken me a long time to really understand what was happening. You really put things in a concise easy to understand way. Your help with this community is much appreciated.

[@ashleyspencer-u5x]

I don't know how to say how much you have helped me. I watched 5 of your videos 3 nights ago at like 2 am in a dark place and I swear on all my children you have gave me the tools to fix me. I feel so much better. Thank you so much ❤

[@matbmusic4933]

I’ve always ruminated and obsessed about time. Anything time-related. And sometimes it flares up so bad I can’t function normally. Typically it’s not so strong and it might involve thoughts about age and time passing, and I’ll find that I have the compulsion to calculate age difference between myself and others, compare life trajectories etc. But sometimes it gets really bad and it’s all I can think about for days or weeks on end. In this case the topics go on to thinking about eternity and the future and the distant past and constantly calculating and imagining scenarios (I guess a hindrance is that I’m a geologist and always working with huge timescales haha). It’s so hard to break the cycle of thought when your mind is convinced and constantly telling you that it is the most important problem in the world and nothing else matters! Thanks for the video, it definitely helps.

[@mfam2371]

Thank you so much. Truly. This channel has given me the tools I needed to help overcome OCD. You have helped to save my life.

[@ocdandanxiety]

You are so kind! Thanks for taking the time to write this! I wish you well!

[@laurenphillips8746]

After I watched this video, I realized that I ruminate over almost literally every single decision I make!!! I used to wonder for years how I was not getting anything done. Now, I know it's because I waste tons of time ruminating through things. I can spend five to ten minutes on a good number of decisions, but add that up, and that's a lot of time throughout the day. I knew I was wasting time overthinking, but now I realize it is as severe as OCD ruminating. Knowing what the problem is though really does help me now to do things better. Thank you!!!!

[@MrVideoGameDude]

Bless you for making this video 🙏🏼 You are seriously helping people.

[@twentyonepotheads]

These videos are saving my life. Thank you so much for everything you do, I am so happy that I am finally gaining control of my life again.

[@pinkcloud79]

I have severe OCD and also ruminate. Mostly Contamination OCD around using the bathroom (toilet, shower, sink etc…). I mostly worry about contaminating others. I feel so helpless. Can’t find enough help for OCD where I live. Coping with medication and regular psychiatrist and therapist appointments, but they barely help. My psychiatrist says taking my depression medication will help as well as getting out of the house (it helps but not enough). My therapist doesn’t know much about OCD, told me to try an OCD group talk, but so far I can’t find one in my town. I’m running out of ideas, it’s a daily stressful struggle. I just want there to be a cure soon. I’m especially going through a rough time now😢. If you have the time and care please pray for me. Thank you, and God bless you for taking the time to read this. 🙏

[@SweetSymphony1989]

I just want to say thank you so much for making this video. I've had OCD for 20 years and have always struggled with rumination. I felt so seen watching this. I'm really looking forward to trying out "maybe, maybe not" and "thanks for the advice".

[@titusbrutus8861]

Bless you so much bro. I struggle with OCD on the daily basis and there's not enough heroes like you giving us advice. I watch your vids religiously and they have helped me so much.

[@vidnir5259]

I think one of the things that made me suffer most over the time was the misunderstanding that stopping rumination and mental imagery/visualizations is thought suppression and therefore a compulsion. I thought I was doing exposure by keeping on holding it in my mind forever and painting a more and more detailed picture and getting more and more freaked out. It is not thought suppression when you stop that process in the middle of it. The automatic thought or feeling is the obsession, it usually lasts a second or so and scares you or leads to an urge to look for certainty... everything that follows is the compulsion. Thats why its okay to use brute willpower to force yourself out of a cycle of intrusive thoughts and mental checking compulsions. You are just breaking the compulsion, not performing thought suppression. And therefore making yourself better, not worse

[@shyaaammeneen63]

Vidnir, Only if thought rumination affects your health consulting a psychologist may be needed. You can heal yourself by developing your mental mucles. Your breath is directly related to your mind [brain] causing anxiety-negative thoughts. For a relaxed life without anxiety-negative thoughts sit on a chair, back erect, hands on lap with palms upwards, eyes closed, be still and observe your natural incoming--outgoing breath for around 10-15 minutes. Be as still as possible. Many thoughts will come which is ok--slowly negative thoughts will reduce and your mind will relax. During your daily activity keep observing your breath consciously. Best part is mood swings also reduce. Do the above meditation daily to feel relaxed. For more relaxation enter the following on google search and listen before sleep repeating the affirmations in your mind. -“52Hz affirmations for health and healing you tube”. Find peace of mind. Best wishes. Shyaaam Sir. -Counsellor.

[@chadgarber]

This is interesting.

[@briannahebert295]

@@chadgarber Thank you so much for this! :)

[@littlebighead4482]

I just recently discovered HOW much I ruminate and how OCD has been the cause of the rumination. I was diagnosed with OCD due to skin picking and in my brain I assumed "oh when they say I have OCD it's just cause of that" not realizing there was a whole mental side to this. I ruminate about constantly improving myself, self help, etc. I'll open tab after tab of videos on "how to improve this!" "how to fix your art!" and all this other stuff and completely overwhelm my brain and give it more to ruminate over. I'll google articles about self help or specific problems I have or obsess about if I'm bothering people or not or even create scenarios in my head where I did make someone upset and just sit there and play the scenario in my head and stay thinking about it for an extended period of time. I guess I just always thought that's just how I am, but discovering that this is all linked to my OCD has been so helpful. I've discovered KZbin is a huge trigger for me in itself and have been limiting my time on here and how many of these kinds of videos I watch a day.

[@zoeelizabeth4929]

I spend hours every night ruminating (which is exhausting tbh) and then I realize it’s 5 am and I’m like 😳

[@industryliaison]

Same

[@scottsprojects658]

Word

[@rybak908]

I feel your pain

[@amaanjamal7744]

Sameee😔 I can't focus on studies due to it

[@hackbattle4283]

Same! I can't turn my mind off

[@francescopennisi2741]

god this was a prime example of what these conversations sound like in my head, its insane cause even when you do the compulsion its not enough and it comes back. so true deff will subscribe

[@aryabeni244]

I'm getting all the help I can for my false memory ocd with therapy and medication. This video is very helpful and makes a lots sense . God Bless You 🙏🏼

[@mitchellshuster8563]

I feel majorly called out. Thanks for the info. This is helpful

[@AbbyElizabeth03]

I don’t know if I have OCD but I have anxiety and certainly OCD tendencies. I’m happy there’s a word for these thoughts that I have been having. I’ve been intensely thinking about if the thought I have is the right thought and I ask people about it. It’s absolutely a certainty thing. I need someone to assert me and I’m working on not constantly asking people to tell me that what I’m doing is good or okay. It’s a whole thing. The monkey mind is really a pain in the ass but I appreciate these tips so much.

[@christianolive769]

This described me to a T. I find that I ruminate about different topics that I don’t know much about, so I’ll study a lot on the topic to know more about it until I feel satisfied with myself, and this is one of the sneaky ones because I think that I’m doing something to help me when I’m just satisfying my compulsion. Thank you. Your videos are very validating for me.

[@munpkey6624]

Sending love to everyone out there with OCD. ❤️ This video reminds me of a topic I'm focusing on with my therapist right now: Acceptance. 🌅

[@nicoleurquhart3]

i will definitely be trying this, i never knew how to not give into these thoughts without trying to avoid them thus making the anxiety worse. maybe, maybe not.

[@nataliegarcia1765]

I'm really excited to see this video! I struggle with rumination alot and it just makes everything worse. I have to work now but I will see this later. Thank you so much for making these videos, I'm on a waitlist for ERP and have been waiting for several months.. but life doesn't wait. Thank you so much!

[@Jattmafia313]

If you are waiting to do ERP you should download NOCD they are quick

[@nataliegarcia1765]

@@Jattmafia313 yes! You just reminded me that someone else told me a little about NOCD too! I will definitely look into it, thank you!

[@kevinhermi9861]

My man you are seriously a great person your taking full advantage of world wide communication and you are using it in the most positive way possible, please never stop helping people

[@christie_quite_contrary1657]

Even if this one feels different, give it the same answer. Amazing.

[@ocdandanxiety]

Exactly!

[@vasilismarkides8245]

Thanks

[@ocdandanxiety]

Thanks so much my friend! I wish you the best!

[@johnmacward]

This is absolutely spot on - I'd suggest that even leaving the maybe / maybe not out is even better - complete disengagement from the thought is even more effective. Problematic thought > Zero engagement, just noticing it is there and letting it pass.

[@chadgarber]

Easier said than done during a massive ocd attack!

[@charliiryan4111]

Thank you so much for this video ❤ I have OCD and Anxiety and recently have been going through a really rough time but dealing with it. Then I decided to go and get a tattoo that means a lot and for some reason this pushed me over the edge and I keep ruminating about the tattoo and projecting my negativity onto it (btw I have other tattoos and have NEVER felt like this before even with one that I don't particularly like the design anymore it doesn't give me anxiety) I keep telling myself it's not about the tattoo but about everything else that's going on but I'm ruminating and regretting my decision for this really special meaningful tattoo and it's scary. It's keeping me up at night and giving me anxiety attacks all the time. Will be trying out the "maybe I do like it, maybe I don't" and "I don't have to figure it out" over the next couple of weeks and hoping that once everything else in my life sorts itself out a bit I will come out the other side and be able to settle with it ❤

[@christinecude]

How did it go? I had a bout of that with one of mine too. It’s still not my favorite but it’s part of my story.

[@Nicole-zt1cf]

Thank you so much for sharing this video I've never felt this understood

[@ocdandanxiety]

I am so glad I could be of help to you!

[@chrissanchez9510]

Basically just keep living life let every thought or memory come through but just continue moving forward.

[@catguy1471]

Omg I’m so happy! You saved my life. I legitimately was dying mentally inside cause I lose hours every night of sleep and I had some very traumatic stuff be remembered recently it I was severely triggered.!8 started spiraling and ruminating and for two days I’ve been so obsessed and scared and you’re helping me realize that I’m going to be ok and that it’s all just in my head and just a defense mechanism cause I’m triggered and scared and so I’m trying to figure out a way to be safe from the memory but it’s all in my head because I’m safe and I’m now. So for helping me relIze that it’s all in my head and helping me get more sleep and be in control of my own mind again thank you so much 😊

[@NekoNinja13]

i finally realized what "stop asking for assurance" actually means, it means to stop trying to reassure yourself using your ocd. it sounds so obvious but when you actually think about it, going through the rituals is giving yourself reassurance

[@Bastizilla]

So glad i found this channel. Thank you so much man.👍 Helps a lot! Best wishes from Germany!

[@simplyfit9256]

Thanks again. These videos hit the mark. You're literally saving lives on KZbin.

[@melissasamworth9195]

I've worked through 90% of my OCD using ERP, plus a few other modalities. However, there are some stubborn things that ERP seems it cannot address, and these still linger. For instance, when my ex partner got a new girlfriend, I ruminated every moment for 6 weeks on all the most painful thoughts one in that situation could imagine: her in the bed I used to sleep in with him, details of their sex lives such as him giving her an orgasm. These weren't thoughts that I could expose myself to and watch the anxiety go down, because they didn't exactly invoke anxiety, but rather a deep utterly profound world-shattering kind of heart break, that left me in a depressive state for 6 months. If you have any advice on this not-as-typical, non-exactly-anxiety-inducing kind of rumination, it would be much appreciated. ❤

[@PapaJoJ]

Best way to feel better about a situation like that is to stop caring. I know, easier said than done, but you can do it 👍

[@scoovadia9452]

You are literally a godsend.

[@ishakawade9100]

thanks nathan u are really the best no matter what we will keep supporting

[@OliviaDesantis-nw8io]

Thank u so much for making this video. Made me feel a lot lighter, not alone , and I am gonna be a lot easier on myself now.

[@CHEFMART]

I think you are totally correct about this I just had someone call me and tell me a whole bunch of crazy things that they are fixated on and go from 35 different subjects in less than a few seconds It’s amazing how the brain can play tricks on you and just make you fixated on some thing

[@stephanievs9169]

"Totally" hahahahaha, thanks! This is very relieving and puts things in perspective :)

[@Real_Iron_Smith]

When you mentioned special phrases, it reminded me of how I've started reacting to my weird thoughts or worries since doing more research. Generally these days, when I have a thought I think is just irrational or not me, I try to just say "whatever man" or just "I don't care," in my head. Thanks for all your help!

[@LikeTheVik]

Best method I've ever came across to get rid of ruminations. not just for OCD patients but for everyone. this should have much more views

[@silviesil1]

Very true

[@Tambrose0405]

I never knew there was a term for this. I keep playing this situation over and over in my head that happened the other day with a coworker. He was extremely rude to me & i know I didn't do anything wrong but my brain plays what happened over and over and its making me not want to talk to him anymore or even go into work on shifts he's working now. I feel like coworkers don't like me as it is despite being good at my job & it bothered me that he took his frustration out on me even though I did exactly as he asked....idk this is days later and im still dealing with it

[@miragunessee3568]

I could hug you for this video. Thank you so much. 🙂

[@achile8353]

I love your energy. You seem so nice and empathic !

[@scottyb385]

didn't realise the overthinking process i go through had a name! thank you for this vid

[@flipper7247]

This video described everything I'm going through to perfection. Living in a constant state of 'what if' is beyond exhausting. I donated blood earlier on today which I should have been proud of but instead I worked myself up that much I almost fainted and my brain spent the day going "what if the nurse had a disease or infected blood on them from the last patient they touched and what if now you have a horrific incurable disease that will kill you". Just absolutely ridiculous things that aren't true and even sound stupid when said out loud but I'll convince myself entirely that I'm the exception. Thank you for this video! I need to learn to ignore the rumination by not satisfying it. Reading the comments makes me feel like I'm not alone in dealing with this kind of thing either which is both comforting but also sad, it's an awful thing to constantly deal with but we'll get through it!

[@katiarobinowicz]

So unrelated, but the meditative background music helped bring my anxiety down a bit as i watched this. This vid was helpful. I just watched the more recent one on this topic right before. Those tips were also helpful

[@bencogan6847]

Hey Nathan, thanks to your videos I feel like I'm 95% free from my OCD. I get no anxiety or urges and I dont get distressed anymore. My main problem isnt so much rumination it's just that it is always present in my mind. I get irritated at the fact that it is still present and I'm thinking about it a lot even if I'm not ruminating. Do you have any advice on how to stop this "presence" is has in my mind? Thanks

[@chadgarber]

I can relate. It’s like a gnat, flying around in your face whether or not you think about it.

[@cerealis_5432]

Do you guys have any advice for dealing with this?? I feel like I’m losing my mind sometimes and I just want relief

[@tinax2216]

id like to know aswell 🙏🙏

[@justinmaddock3491]

You are thinking about it a lot even when you are not ruminating !! Sounds like rumination boy 😁

[@ashleyperalta2862]

Definitely you are still ruminating. Thoughts will pop up from time to time that’s what makes it intrusive thoughts but as soon as you engage it in any way like wanting to get rid of them or any analyzing behind it means you’re ruminating. Dr. Michael Greenberg has great articles about this on his site about to not ruminate 😊

[@maycowelding]

Thank you so much, I have server anxiety,but then it got worse, I was driving myself nuts, then I stumbled on this video ,now I have a name for what I feel like is going on, because of your video , I understand it’s RUMINATION.. So thank you 🙏

[@andeetate7356]

I worry that I’ve done things that are illegal or I’ve broken laws. So it’s very hard to say “maybe I did, maybe I didn’t” without wanting to really think and sort through. Even worse I drag my husband into it. I’ll think he’s cheating on taxes or that I’ve done this or that and I seek reassurance and fear that he’s lying to me. It’s exhausting. For us both.

[@Jadenmic]

The hardest part is feeling like you need to go through the thoughts and prove them wrong. I'm in the same boat my friend. I pray for both of us to come out the other end.