Rose Bretécher On How to Cope With Pure OCD

[@duskhorizon4791]

"Deep down a person going through pure O is incredibly strong, like seriously strong. You are currently going through something most people can't even fathom. Most people would fall at the first hurdle, you are fighting harder than anyone can imagine and you do it alone. You are strong. I know that because I go through the same thing and I know how hard it is. You can be kind to yourself. Knowing you go through this pain, I could never be mean to you and so you must not be mean to yourself."

[@dejavukun]

I also suffered from OCD(Religious and harm and probably some other theme which i don't know name of) of various intensities. I did have some symptoms of Pure- O back in the past. But I think my OCD was not as severe as of Rose. The key is to understand that we are not our thoughts and we are not are responsible for them. Although those images are something that we might have seen here and there somewhere. But we should treat ourselves with kindness and compassion. Well, mindfulness is the key to success once we manage our OCD a bit.

[@ryanbyrne259]

@@dejavukun wel said mate

[@ishanstuff]

When I get intrusive thoughts, I'd like to think I'm strong but I'm scared that I might enjoy my thoughts and I welcome them.

[@blazemordly9746]

Fetishan be mindful that you’re scared of welcoming or even the potential to enjoy such thoughts...this is nothing more than anxiety. Realize that & know without doubt you are not your thoughts in any way regardless of how bad anxiety might manifest itself in your mind, let it flow around you like water..a small harmless stream that you needn’t worry about.

[@ryanbyrne259]

Wel said mate

[@kw5961]

Pure O is like getting thrown into the ring with a demon. Everytime you try to flee the demon or fight it, it grows in strength. As someone whose suffered this way for many months and felt totally crazy and hopeless. I can say it was the worst experience of my life thus far. But on the other side of it, there can develop a wisdom infinitely humbling and a perspective few will understand.

[@j50wells]

Well said. I always likened it to those finger cuffs. The harder you pull, the tighter they grip your fingers. I've learned with Pure O to embrace it, know it's with you, and then own it. This lessens the intensity of the thoughts and impulses.

[@lelrica6883]

Beautifully said. I understand. I dealt with this for 4 years, I learned to cope.

[@nicksworld8940]

I’ve been suffering with the last 4 years on and off , and I’ve often said it feels like a demon or something evil is taking over my head. Thanks for sharing, just knowing there’s people out there experiencing something similar to me gives me a little sense of peace. I appreciate you

[@lelrica6883]

@@nicksworld8940 when my cases strike me, its always when I'm relaxed not doing anything. I had a difficult semester so I wasn't thinking about it and if it did pop into my head, I was too busy to go over it constantly and reiterate it in my head. I just learned that if I get an episode where its really bothering me, I will keep myself busy to relieve myself from it temporarily. But when I'm chilling nothing to do, that's where it gets me. The worst thing about it is the feeling so impending doom. I always get that feeling with it. Its a terrible feeling.

[@nicksworld8940]

Lelrica yea me as well and I try to keep myself as busy as I can , but my backs been killing me lately so I can’t work out like I usually do stopped eating healthy which helps me out tremendously.. I was actually feeling preety good the last few months until about a week ago when it came back hard. It’s the worst feeling having thoughts constantly in your head that disturb you and you just aren’t your own , I use to feel so strong mentally now I just feel so defeated .. I just feel so ashamed , embarrassed, that feeling of doom like something is terribly wrong wont go away. I feel so alone , I tell my girlfriend there’s something wrong with me but I’m to ashamed to tell her what’s actually going on in my head. I feel like a prisoner. I just want my life back. Thanks for responding , I got love for you all, be strong. Keep fighting.

[@caribbeantigress]

OCD is a horrendous monster, in order to beat that monster, starve it, don’t reason, fight or avoid it, that monster will get too strong. I was diagnosed 2 years ago after suffering silently for 18 years. I now have the necessary tools for starvation, if you have a relapse don’t feel like a failure, there’s always a new day to start over, just don’t run away from it.

[@11221jomey]

what's the difference between starving it and avoiding it?

[@TatyanaDLT]

@@11221jomey avoiding it causes your mind to want to give you more of it because avoiding is basically a compulsion, if you dont fight, avoid, or argue it it will eventually start to get more quiet. Its very disturbing to hear your thoughts and not do anything about it but this is what i have learned and am currently trying to practice, its very hard! but we can do it

[@taragallagher1536]

Could you help me cope with mine? Its terrible

[@alimoore589]

@@taragallagher1536 have you looked up mindfulness?

[@grandmajojo5211]

It’s a bully.

[@danielogorman2843]

I’ve suffered from this for years and it’s really tough. It isn’t just sexual and violent thoughts as well it’s thoughts about offending god ,fear of insanity and excessive rumination about bad things that happened to you in the past. It really makes you fear failure so much more and makes it hard for you to put yourself out there and really live.

[@wyattstevensonn9692]

Any chance you’d like to talk on instagram?

[@performancetesting1]

Dude, I relate exactly. Always thinking about the most horrible thoughts imaginable--that I feel so ashamed for having been forced to experience against my will--tears me up inside. It has exhausted me. I feel like there is no more "me" left. He has been crowded-out by this parasite in my mind.

[@kent4239]

Yup exactly

[@Alritealritealrite]

when i was younger i had no idea other people went through this. I had a time when things were better and little things came back and about two months ago it came back hard. im in my 40s now and its exhausting

[@ElizabethGonzalez-jt7ns]

@@Alritealritealrite ... I’m 39 years old and I’ve struggled with ocd since I was 5 years old. The longest I went without ocd was 10 years. Happiest time of my life. Then when it came back, it came with a vengeance. How are you doing now?

[@grayshus6706]

Thank you Rose. There is no torment like this condition. Bringing it into the public light is an enormous service for all who suffer.

[@GrootsieTheDog]

My heart feels that a big weight that was pressing down on it has lifted ever so slightly - enough to feel like a human being breathing again. Thank you.

[@grandmajojo5211]

Ocd is a bully. It pushes me around, calls me names, and says things I hate. It convinces me I’m lying to myself and I’m a horrible person. I get paranoid, thinking it’s gonna come back. I avoid it but it always manages to find me. It can honestly be a crippling bully.

[@theaclouds2124]

I can't express how grateful I am for you writing that article for the Guardian. I have been struggling with Pure O for the past 11 years of my life and only found out recently from a short post written by the youtube channel The School Of Life, that Pure O is the mental illness that I have. Today I searched Pure OCD and found your article. It gave me a feeling hope for my future and state of being. I teared up (something that I don't often do) and felt such as sense of relief reading it. Thank-you, thank-you, thank-you. I wish you nothing but the best in life.

[@johnzito736]

theaclouds

[@Equipthepan]

dudeeee same

[@Batman-mg3dy]

Yes i got to know that after 8 yrs. Thanks to KZbin. I thought that it was normal what was happening to me. But when i saw the video, I didn't even need to listen the full sentence to understand. It was totally describing me. And now i am here searching for magic mushroom for 6 months and still no luck haha

[@Red-lw7xc]

Hey, how has it been after 4 years? I'm struggling with it right now.

[@theaclouds2124]

@@Red-lw7xc My intrusive thoughts are much more manageable and less frequent now. The thoughts still occasionally get triggered and I'm working through some Pure O thought patterns with the help of a therapist right now, but it got so much better when I learned to acknowledge the thoughts and let them be rather than ruminating and questioning them (which takes a lot of practice but you will get there)! I am so much happier than I was when I was in the thick of it! My advice is to read some articles and resources to get a better understanding of how to manage Pure O intrusive thoughts. If you are financially able to, a therapist who is familiar with Pure O can be very helpful as well. It takes time and perseverance, but it's worth it. Wishing you the best!

[@elise8197]

Thank you for talking about OCD so candidly and generously. So many people today feel OCD is just about "being clean" or "having things organized." But for others it can be so much more horrifying. I am so glad to hear your story and appreciate you sharing it! :)

[@JFP1988]

Exactly. I hate those "OCD" videos where people are shown eating food in an unorthodox way or making a mess etc. They just make like of a debilitating disease and its millions of sufferers and belittle their suffering. No OCD is not an interesting little quirk that turns you into a bit of a clean freak. It's a horrific disease and even OCD sufferers whose whose ritual is cleaning suffer immensely upsetting thoughts.

[@youngomzonline]

Thank you Rose for sharing your story regarding Pure O. I'm 26 and I've been experiencing intrusive thoughts on and of for a while now but these violent/sexual thoughts have been plaguing my mind constantly for the past year and it's been causing me a lot of distress. I try not to carry out mental rituals but the voices sometimes get loud and it's hard to ignore. Thank you for speaking out and letting people know that Pure OCD is a serious mental health condition that is far from funny. OCD is a monster!

[@Justin10439]

yes I go through the same thing its crazy its very hard to deal with all the time seeing this helps alot cause i know were not along we can get through this

[@engineerbot]

I have bad thoughts too, it all started from something a kid said to me THAT WAS NOT KID FRIENDLY AT ALL!!! And talking to others hasn’t been much help at all.

[@Justin10439]

Emerald Miner 299 do you think it might be from intrusive thoughts? What are the thoughts about if you dont mind sharing or giving a idea im here to help ❤ not judge your not alone

[@michaelcueva530]

A monster that we can all tame

[@Hinarushi]

@@engineerbot @engineerbot2970 I know this is a reply to a 4 year old comment but I want to say that my OCD tendencies, ruminations and depression got onset at around 13-14 years old (if I recall correctly). It all started with some very hurtful accusations and comments. I was never the same since then and throughout the years I would start questioning myself and my motives more and more. Today I am 27 years old, I had ignored for so long my OCD and Cyclothymia (which can co-occur, from what I understand, it is talked that this should be seen as a separate type of OCD). I even forgot that my OCD was a problem since my symptoms come and go and got mild throughout the years - when what was happening, I was just switching between OCD subtypes. No longer hand washing so excessively or performing rituals but nowadays I suffer mostly from Pure O and stay away from cleaning the house. I don't say I never had OCD tendencies before that age but I believe that conversation event triggered this in me.

[@luisdiaspires7618]

you know what? I have ocd since 11, I'm 18 now, of course these thoughts are terrible, but I realize that I'm not the only one over there, and I wouldn't trade this disease for nothing, because it pushed into becoming a writer, to produce and produce and produce. We are real fighters, we are the real heroes! This is the ocd everyone is afraid of talking about!

[@Internetarroganz]

I have tocd and hocd and Im afraid af of it

[@ayomidetejuoso3455]

Mine is so bad that it shuts down my life

[@IndieBassJA26]

@@ayomidetejuoso3455 I hope you’re well. How are you doing? Always remember, you’re a warrior and a fighter. The mightiest of all I’d say. And pat yourself on the back and love yourself for attempting to overcome this. More life

[@TheTerroux]

Yeah, it's possible to overcome this, i've seen many people , including myself, overcoming this disease.. it took me 2 years and some Help from a psychologist to recover from this. It goes away slowly once you start really realizing that these thoughts are not actually your thoughts and that you Will NEVER act on them, you will start recovering little by little.. you Will NEVER do those bad things, believe me, no One did and so you wont .. start accepting that the thoughts cross your mind BUT also start realizing that you definitely Will never act on them... It took me a lot of time to conquer these demons that made me lose 2 complete years of college.. but i assure that little by little, it IS possible to overcome it...

[@itsnicole8649]

ARGHLikeAPirate 🙏🏽

[@Equipthepan]

Hahaha I just found this and I'm in my second year of dropping out of college. Thanks dude

[@TheTerroux]

@@Equipthepan no problem, i just wanted to assure some ppl that this condition does disappear, i've been on that side for too long but it Will get better, trust me ! ^^ i wish you All the luck man and a good life

[@TheTerroux]

@Basha Inc oi ! Im glad the comments made u feel somehow better ! ^^ also yeah ofc we can chat ! Pm me :D

[@TheTerroux]

@Basha Inc did u find my profile ? ^^

[@laurened6505]

This video saved me from suicide a few years ago. I have the exact same condition as her since age 6 years old. This video pushed me to do therapy and take SSRIs. After 3 failed treatments, we found the right combination and today in 2023, after 4 years of on and off therapy my OCD has decreased from 12 hours a day of compulsions / rituals to less than an hour a day. I have a full time job, good earning and very supportive friends. I'm 31 years old. No matter how bad it gets , I know you will recover in your own way in your own time. If I made it. You can make it too.

[@stormchaser419]

Good for you! I also suffer from pure OCD at times and it's horrible!

[@onlineslotmaster]

Rose, I hope you see this: 2 weeks ago I read your article which finally answered the question as to what has been wrong with me. I’ve lived with POCD for nearly 30 years without realising. It has destroyed my life and landed me in a whole load of debt. But now I know what’s wrong, I can talk about it with professionals and it’s all thanks to you. You have quite literally saved my life. Thank you so much.

[@viciousdrop1992]

You are strong ❤️ love you

[@elarchivodealessia]

literally how I'm feeling right now, I can't stop crying knowing that I'm not alone

[@ElizabethGonzalez-jt7ns]

I’ve had ALL pure ocds you can think of. All. Anything I watch on tv or the news will trigger it then it’s a never ending rabbit hole afterwards. Ugh 🤦🏻‍♀️ I can’t even tell my family about it because I’m afraid they’ll reject me.

[@melo7825]

I have the same problem relized it just today and it feels surreal. i’m 18.

[@melo7825]

@@ElizabethGonzalez-jt7ns just ask them to take you to a therapist for whatever reason, tell the therapist ab it. you don’t have to tell them.

[@suzanneallen6212]

she is literally the most beautiful person i have ever seen✨✨

[@soufianebakka1424]

u too suzan 😄

[@J89943]

You are too

[@suzanneallen6212]

Omg Gary sorry for calling her beautiful after her words resonated with me. I should have realized that was such a superficial thing to say!! :0

[@mkmllrc]

you fine too🥵

[@5552-d8b]

I ask any of you to pray for me that I live my life a good person that’s all I ask for in life please pray for me for that. I deal with evil thinking all the time. There’s a part of me that thinks messed up

[@chattykatie6890]

The key is not to ruminate. Don't think about the instrusive thought u just had... Don't worry or fuss about the thought. They won't harm you or anyone cuz they are just useless unnecessary thoughts... Just distract yourself at the next moment..keep doing this they will soon fade away

[@anabelfontanella7000]

But distraction and avoidance are forms are compulsions.

[@CHRW6]

@@anabelfontanella7000 yes you are right. The right way should be to master Mindfulness. Learn to observe your own thoughts. Some thoughts do define you and come from you. But some are just random and they come and go. What we must learn to do is to just let them go. But to fully recover from OCD, we also need to do ERP (exposure with response prevention) to provoke our intrusive thoughts and get used to it via habituation. That's how I almost recovered from my pure O OCD.

[@anabelfontanella7000]

@ateb3 very well said

[@robertmccready505]

Excellent chatty katie . These thoughts arnt true and everytime you get 1 always remember its not you its the OCD

[@nycinstyle]

Just let the spike, the bothersome thought, be there and don't argue with it. When you re not ruminating you can even tell yourself the bad thought is true. The key is to negate the power of the bothersome thought. The way you do that is to not argue with it, just let it be there. When your brain gets used to the troublesome thought and it no longer has such a sense of urgency in "proving" the spike (intrusive, bothersome thought) is not true, your brain does not seek to "prove" it is not real. Trust me. The reason you have the spike and pure o is because your true, inner self, is the opposite of the bothersome thought. Thing is, certainty does not exist in real life. There is no need to "prove" it. After a while, the intrusive thought bothers you less and less. Eventually, YES, pure O goes away. I saw Dr, Philipson in NYC and he and his staff told me things like this to help me. It is true. It can go away, completely. Accept all thoughts in regards to the "spike" if/when they come into your mind, and don't engage in the debate.

[@opulenceluxury8548]

Good for her. I'm convinced she will have helped thousands with her honesty and openness.

[@sojujoseph8235]

Hlooo can you sent me you cats picture you have there at in your profile

[@ulisesbernales5969]

I have suffered from OCD for 18 years, its been blasphemous thoughts its been a nightmare but i can say that God is so merciful and kind and loving because i know that he hasn't let me be broken, praise Jehovah God and his beloved Son Jesus Christ!

[@chelseateoni2242]

Ulises Bernales wow I also am a Jehovah’s witness and I suffer from hocd unfortunately. I agree, I wouldn’t be able to get through this without Jehovah and his wonderful organisation.

[@zain4019]

Ulises Bernales I know you mean well, but I also know that those with blasphemous OCD find relief in praising and reaffirming their love for God as a way to reassure themselves that they are not hateful or unloved by God. You may be sincerely expressing these thoughts, but it may also be OCD compelling you to reassure yourself of your faith underneath a video based on OCD. The truth is what you have said- you are always loved and always will be. But you MUST stop partaking in the need to reassure yourself or others of your love for God or Gods love for you, it simply feeds the fear by creating a need for certainty. We can believe, and that is the best we can do. And that is enough, it’s more than enough. We can’t, however, fight the thoughts. Thoughts come and go. Don’t raise your sword, don’t hold on to them, don’t move around them. Move through them. They will disappear as soon as you stop fighting. For anyone with OCD, you can get through this. It will involve letting go of the need to run from your fears. I know it’s hard, I know it hurts, but you are strong. You can heal. You deserve to. Everyone you love is cheering you on, including yourself. All you need to do is be. Be as water, let yourself free. It’s hard, but it’s something you deserve. Best of luck all of you. I believe in you:)

[@candidcamera9324]

Hi ladies. I am one of Jehovah’s Witnesses as well and just started dealing with this, it is definitely a horrible thing to deal with! Can't wait to the time when Jehovah will get rid if all sickness, including Mental Illness

[@simonebernacchia5724]

That makes me wonder: do God might punish us for not being able to control our thoughts? Hope not, that would be darn unfair

[@strawberryjpeg6000]

I actually want to destroy my ocd

[@luchilds]

I think that having that attitude fuels it. For me it helps to just let the disturbing thought or feeling occur and be indifferent towards it even though it's kind of like standing in front of your house while it's aflame and choosing to respond by saying 'whatever' rather than caring about it and becoming distressed.

[@darrenwilliams6536]

Luisa is right that will unfortunately make it worse

[@jomac8660]

Try AMare GLOBEL. It will get rid of OCD. It's a all natural mental wellness supplement company. Buy the AMare fundamental pack plus

[@mooneymagic4521]

@@jomac8660 have you tried this? How can you be sure it works?

[@kw5961]

Definitely get that.

[@hustler212]

I being a 20 year old ...have discovered in this lockdown that what i have been going through since past 5 years unknowingly is an anxiety disorder namely pure o. And it feels so relaxing that i am not alone in this world having these thoughts... Everyday is a challenge , every normal work which other people can do easily ,is not so easy for a person with ocd...there appears no such difference on the outside...but it is so distressing inside...but you know what is driving me ahead ...my passion , my dreams ...i have come to know that these thoughts are just an illusion, as they come i say to myself that these are just waste ,no connection with me...and they go away...

[@Kirbybaby]

I have to thank her so much because I literally thought I was the only one with this I just figured it out in 2021. I already feel a little better knowing that it's something other people go through and Im not just a disgusting person.

[@eladie717]

I’m tired. So so tired. I wish my brain would just give it up. I wish I’d be able to forget everything. I’m so tired of these thoughts. So. So. TIRED

[@aarondaniel2380]

Of all the things ive heard about ocd, the thing that never gets made clear is how painful simply existing is. I used to be so confused as to why it was so much harder for me to function at a basic level than everyone else. Then I realized that because of this beast I have on my shoulders, I'm not on a level playing field with everyone else.

[@JohnSmith-oh5zp]

Is it me or can you hear her heart beating through the mic

[@yellowflower9193]

I thought it was my own through the headphones haha

[@jeane1598]

Is that her heart?

[@knowledgeableeducation658]

She may be anixous

[@zain4019]

Knowledgeable Education Or she may, indeed, have a functioning heart:)

[@joshualeon3223]

Could be her tapping her foot. I know when I was younger and undiagnosed I had a really bad habit of tapping my foot for every syllable in any word spoken. Didn't know it was OCD. Could be her heart too. I dunno.

[@TheMJKnight]

I have had OCD & Intrusive thoughts for as long as I can remember. Some days are good, some are a chore to get through. But reading through others' comments in here knowing that these intrusive thoughts that sweep through our mind are not our own and we will never act upon these thoughts gives me a lot of comfort. I questioned at one stage what kind of person am I for thinking negative thoughts on a variety of subjects and then realising that these thoughts weren't my own, was a relief. I hope one day, like many others, myself and so many can be cured and recover our lives.

[@laurapittman7452]

I dont think no one can truly understand this disorder unless they've gone through it themselves. Like this lady has. I've been like this since I was 14 years of age I'm 49 years old now. All i can say is you are not a alone and I guess you already know this You seem well edicated to know this.... God bless 🙏 you

[@SpidermanInLondon]

THANK YOU, ROSE! Keeping shining a light on intrusive thoughts! I'm 26, from England (Suffolk/ Cambridge), have blonde hair, and was struck by Pure-O in my early teens-brought to near suicide, too. Your book is an excellent exposé on OCD. And what's astonishing, it's at the same time a brilliant piece of literature. Please know how appreciated you and your work are!

[@tmac8892]

Everything Changes what does blonde hair have to do with it

[@samuelsnell9474]

I have serve ocd and live in Norfolk are u in recovery

[@luchilds]

Yeah, saying you both have blonde hair is weird. People with dark hair like me have it too.

[@solafide6647]

I have overcome addiction, homelessness and whole host of other things but OCD has been my biggest fight. It's tough, it's tiring, it's a lonely place but one thing I've learned over the years is to never ever give up!!!

[@mayas2225]

OCD IS THE WORST MENTAL CONDITION

[@latehare111]

There is lots of information out there about OCD but I think Pure OCD needs to be talked about more. It would be a relief to so many people. Take care everyone!

[@mariakai]

Pure O makes me feel like I'm not myself. I feel like an absolute monster when I have a thought and it's an absolute nightmare. I had a bad day yesterday when I made the mistake of ruminating, going over a memory over and over again until it brought on one of my worst panic attacks. I'm currently getting the help that I need and, besides my slip up yesterday, I am getting better. I've learned that just because I have these obsessive thoughts doesn't mean that I'm a bad person.

[@chelzyramirez3663]

How are you doing now?

[@mariakai]

@@chelzyramirez3663 I'm doing better. Have been seeing a therapist who's helped me get my head on straight.

[@sixip3561]

I’m 21 and have had this for a couple years now. Today I can finally put a name to what I’ve been going through, that is the prison I’ve been living in. It’s an altogether maddening feeling to be trapped in your own mind, and at times I’ve felt like the intrusive thoughts may trigger a mental break down, or psychic split. It is very sobering and also encouraging to finally discover the road to healing. Thank-you for sharing your story !

[@lockie8566]

fantastic talk, as someone with Pure O its so reassuring to hear this

[@nostalgia-mj1ni]

Such a brave and beautiful person. 💔

[@ujjwalreal]

As many people have said here already, I found out about my condition first through your article. Once I found out, it really really really helped me overcome it, and I think I have managed to get through the worst of it. I still cannot read or consume much media related to OCD, maybe for the fear of reactivating it in some way, but I will try my best to read your book. Thank you for having the courage to write that article and doing what you are doing.

[@mog6667]

Media is so hard. But when you start to face those anxieties it becomes easier, little by little but it does. Sometimes something on the media triggers me but I remind myself that recovery is not a straight line and anxiety is inevitable when facing your impulsions :)

[@dio780]

I cant begin to explain how horrible obsessive thoughts are, and the worst thing is, people around you dlnt realise how bad it is

[@15minoflame]

I hear people with ocd are so strong And I feel so week sometimes I’m so glad that KZbin exists cause when I got diagnosed by my amazing Psychiatrist who has ocd and really knows how to identify it - I went strait to KZbin to find vloggers and videos about how to overcome. Remember always that we are not alone which is the best ! We are strong 💪 I love this community ! We can use this strength for greatness ! -love

[@richardgrassby6351]

I suffered from this condition for years since about 1975. It took me years to discover what it was . The energy required to block your intrusive thoughts drains you and can make your life very unhappy. I read a book on OCD which mentioned piece which I cant remember now which helped me to realise that the key to curing yourself is to stop trying to block fight or control your frightening thoughts and to accept they are just thoughts and mean nothing a nd certainly dont represent you or your personality. Once the penny dropped and I accepted that I was quite sane and stopped trying to sort these thoughts out the problem seem to go away. In a nutshell just let the thoughts however distressing flow over you , without trying to stop them. It takes practice but that really is the key. Its the process of trying to stop for control them that keeps them coming. What you reist persists . Hope this helps someone .

[@samuelsnell9474]

Have u got ocd how do u get to recovery

[@richardgrassby6351]

@@samuelsnell9474the key is not to be frightened of any thoughts that enter your head. I know it's difficult but try not to get rid of the thoughts. Let them wash over you. They don't mean that you are going to act on any of your nasty thoughts. They are just thoughts , nothing else. It's trying to control them that causes an you anxiety. Most people who develop bthis condition get it because they are gentle and sensitive

[@TheTerroux]

@@samuelsnell9474 Yeah, it's possible to overcome this, i've seen many people , including myself, overcoming this disease.. it took me 2 years and some Help from a psychologist to recover from this. It goes away slowly once you start really realizing that these thoughts are not actually your thoughts and that you Will NEVER act on them, you will start recovering little by little.. you Will NEVER do those bad things, believe me, no One did and so you wont .. start accepting that the thoughts cross your mind BUT also start realizing that you definitely Will never act on them... It took me a lot of time to conquer these demons that made me lose 2 complete years of college.. but i assure that little by little, it IS possible to overcome it...

[@samuelsnell9474]

ARGHLikeAPirate what else do I do..mental compulsion s mental solving thoughts and physical compulsion s are so hard to stop ? everyone says stop these you be in recovery

[@TheTerroux]

@@samuelsnell9474 Unfortunately i cant give you the exact solution for the problem because it depends on the individual but i'll try to say how some people are generally able to overcome it, from what I read and from personal experience. The recovery doesnt happen in one day, it'll take months but you will be able, little by little, to overcome when you start realizing that these thoughts are independent of your true self.. you will NEVER act on them and you are not starting to become insane. When the thoughts pop up in your head, just try to watch them pass by , dont get me wrong, Im not telling you to ignore them, you have to acknowledge that they come but you have to realize that those are not yours and u will not act on them. There's more to it, it's a slow fight but you can do it. Im not a psychologist so im not the best person to tell you what you have to do. The only thing that i want you to understand is that it's possible to overcome it, be strong and go talk to a professional. ^^ i hope it helped! If you need someone to talk to, because i know how important it is for someone suffering from this, PM me !

[@fortifyjoy]

did this actually answer how to cope with pure O? all I gathered was that she helped make more people aware of it

[@johnt.wolfbanger5731]

My 18 year old son has this. Dropped out of high school halfway through Junior year. He hardly ever leaves the house. His intrusive thoughts are delusional. For example, he thinks light is not reaching his retina, which explains why he would sit in from of the bathroom mirror flicking the light on and off. He also thinks he has lost all his memories from the year he turned 15 to the present, so he leaves post it notes around the house as reminders of what had happened there. He repeats all the time, asking his mother "what did you say?" dozens of times even though she has answered. He would have violent meltdowns in the middle of the night until he was put on risperidone, I hope he can overcome this.

[@igod8054]

after many many failed theraphy sessions the only thing that actually helped me was taking fluoxcetin. Im not cured but I can live a normal life

[@Prod-lv9jn]

John T. Wolfbanger how’s your son now?

[@elamorhacialaeternidad2904]

Listen to closely, if you want your son to come back to his senses you can't tell him it's not real you have to ask it , "do you think that's real? And why is that possible " these two questions what they do is question the questions if you have noticed all Ocd is , is actually reocurant perturbations it's not an obsession because there is no pleasure , obsessions cause pleasure , ocd does not it actually causes fear and anxiety it's a worry , it's a question OCD is all about questioning the self what your son has is greatly terrifying and if not treated in the correct manner could be fatal the last thing you want to do is harm his self esteem because that's what's going to help him get better it's actually the cure to this, do not bring up stuff about the past do not tell him he's a failure because he stays home all the time instead if you must say something create consciousness in him that's the only way to snap someone's back into reality you can't tell them it's not real the sickness will make them think it is more , basically you have to make him realise it's not real or it's insanity without him realising you are , be one step ahead of the ocd , if he says light doesn't come into his retina ask him well how do you know that he won't be able to answer that or he'll tell you why he thinks that way it's a win win he'll ethier feel relieved to have someone hear him or he'll think maybe it's not real and snap out of it worth a shot , * do not replace this for medical opinion just speaking from personal experience * you also have to learn about this so you can help him right now it sounds he needs help bad I was similar in a way that too almost went nuts , had to do this on my own it's what the mentally have to learn to do become adaptive beings

[@elamorhacialaeternidad2904]

@@igod8054 take your phone put 15 minutes on the timer go somewhere private and be 100% open with the intrusive thoughts talk about them what they make you feel and then describe them what Ocd does is just cause insecurity in you * do not replace this for medical help just speaking from experience *

[@woof6292]

Ask Jesus to help, trust me it will work.

[@jacobkline6146]

You can hear her heartbeat through the majority of her talk.

[@789quicky]

Well done Rose. Great book 👏🏼.. There needs to be more awareness and knowledge of all aspects of OCD, especially intrusive thoughts and pure O. I was shocked by the lack of help out there..

[@rhiannax5149]

More people need to see this!!

[@lucianielsen706]

Hey everyone. Just wanted to leave a comment here. For years I struggled with pure OCD, so much so, that I was unable to go to school, have any friends or even talk to my family. I would spent most of my time in my room, being too scared of the outside World, ruminating and obsessing over all my OCD thoughts. I went to a lot of different psychotherapist and psychologists, but nothing helped, and I almost gave up, thinking that it would be like that forever. But somehow I was lucky enough to get a psychologist at last that really helped. I learned to face my intrusive thoughts and slowly, step by step, thought by thought I stopped being frightened by them, and then they started to disappear over time. They still come from time to time, and sometimes I relapse harder than other times, but I let the thoughts come and sit with me, until they decide to leave again - try to let them have all the space they need to. I haven’t been sick for the last 3 years, I am getting an education, have a lot of friends, go to parties sometimes, and spend a lot of time with my family. I want to become a journalist and tell people’s stories, and I think that I’ll be able to do it! Just wanted to write this, because I know how exhausting and devastating it can be. I thought it would last forever, but it didn’t, and the whole process has taught me so much and made me a lot more mature than many of my peers. I just wanted to let you know, that I believe in you, and maybe my story could give a little hope. And just remember how brave you are, and be kind to your self. You deserve it.

[@springdaydimple1006]

I’m so happy to hear this! My journey with this just started and I was already feeling defeated.:( But reading these comments, and seeing people uplift each other help so much. I’m so glad you found a psychologist that helped you.:) I’m wishing you and everyone here good luck. We’ll get through this, it’s very tough but it can be done.

[@birfatehsingh2090]

I am 17 and having pure ocd…at first I had intrusive thoughts Bt later they would just wane with time Bt now they are so stuck up with me that I cant even lead a normal day without thinking abt them, they have become a must for me everyday Bt after reading the comments here I feel that I’m not alone and all of us are different from this world we are the fighters we are the people who have to deal with this that no one can imagine about. God bless everyone. I wish we could go back to being normal

[@bamalam21]

We will push through friend. :)

[@Lizardtidings]

I have pure-O as well and it manifests in so many different ways and sometimes very insidiously and with varying intensities. When it got exacerbated in a previous relationship, she did not understand and even made me feel worse for it. I left the relationship, because of other things, but I am so happy that I can feel my sense of self again. I know who I am and I know what the OCD thoughts feel like, but sometimes yeah they can get under your skin and you start to question again. But I know now with the help of therapists and loved ones that I am not what I fear. I am love :)

[@viciousdrop1992]

My friends, I know what you're going through, you are so strong and I love you. Living with it is not easy and I'm on my journey to accept it but it gets better. Keep fighting.

[@musicmusic130]

I think there is a level beyond Pure O, this comes from my experience where ritualistic OCD turned into disturbing thoughts, to later being based upon the situations in your life where the OCD-pure O is harder to detect because it is not so obvious. You are not checking locks or thinking about driving your car into a church but worrying about things closer to home which the same mechanisms and misery in place.

[@Thisisnttravis]

This is me! Thank you

[@eve6029]

Rose has been the MOST influential person in the key to recovery for me thank you endlessly ❤️

[@evanm4682]

Apparently OCD is a very biological illness and as such can be treated effectively with certain medications. My doctor told me of a patient who couldn't stop thinking racist thoughts all the time, once he reached a certain dosage on his meds the thoughts stopped.

[@jimnewt2138]

The problem with meds is that you need them all your life..if you stop them ocd comes back its better to let your brain heal narurally with ERP,CBT etc etc

[@tromboneman4517]

Or supplements. They can be as effective or better than meds, without the side effects.

[@sebastianninzatti]

I have had it since i was 13. And it was first when i was about 24 i knew it was pure O. It is still hard to live with, but i know it is not me, my thoughts Are not me. My actions is. Great video! 🙂

[@niveditagupta6068]

I have been suffering from OCD since a decade, going through lots of ups and downs. It's really such a thing that no one understands, instead the one who goes through but now, finally, My time is also about to change... WE ALL WILL WIN💯✌️

[@GgGg-su8nq]

Pure Ocd is the craziest thing that ever happened to me it destroyed my daily life

[@christianporter6357]

OCD works like a Twitter algorithm in the same way that the Twitter algorithm finds the most aggravating things and runs them on your feed so you stay addicted but instead the OCD finds the most terrible thoughts in your mind and place and over and over again to torment you.

[@emilybella1629]

I've been diagnosed with OCD, but it is more of a pure O form. While I do suffer from intrusive thoughts, I have repetitive words and phrases that are on repeat all day long in my head. The same words, over and over again. It's made me hate those words and I feel like I can never escape my head and live in the real world :( Ugh I feel crazy and all alone...

[@jong8876]

Same

[@beauiapel]

How you doing now? Hopefully better

[@divinescorpioo]

This is exactly how mine is as well. Mine started off as health anxiety then the thoughts took over.

[@melo7825]

I had no idea i was suffering and can't wait to start getting better and start my life

[@xxsamlovexx]

Bawling my eyes out today as this is the first time I’ve ever heard “pure OCD”. Have felt so much shame for so many years and so much exhaustion battling these thoughts convinced that I’m a horrible depraved person when the very thought of acting on anything sexual or violent abhors me to the point where I don’t want to engage in intimacy altogether and I have often resorted to drugs, alcohol, and eating disorders to cope with these horrible thoughts. Don’t get me wrong, they still plague me to this very day. But I feel so much better not feeling alone

[@mentalhelp8474]

Just started my own channel and its taken a lot of guts as I have suffered all my life with OCD but your site is amazing and really encourages me and others to challenge OCD. thank you so much for spending the time to help people like me.

[@yetundedisu3872]

Just by knowing that I’m not the only one who feels this way, is a big relief

[@justmeemi6350]

I read her book and it's really REALLY good!! It helped me a great deal :)

[@samuelsnell9474]

How did help

[@sofi-bluestoons7356]

I don’t think most people can understand the RELIvE I felt when I heard of this disorder and that I had it and that I wasn’t really the so disgusting person I thought I am for the thoughts I have. It like a summer of hope out of a never ending cave

[@eloahadonai1480]

Well I was on the edge of ending it all because of this. After actually performing on the idea of ending life because of the horrific thoughts, I got rescued and then woke up with people around my hospital bed working for social programs designed to help teenagers. After a while I was told about OCD and I felt like a normal human again. Now these thoughts don’t bother me too much.

[@sofi-bluestoons7356]

@@eloahadonai1480 yes, I relate to you so much I was thinking about suicide all the time and planned until I saw a video and learned about ocd I think it’s one of the best things that has happened in my life! I’m very happy for you and hope your doing good.🤗

[@hannahmiller5515]

My OCD is about beating myself up about negative events and circumstances I've been in. The environment I grew up in made me I'll equipped to be a person the world values and a person I value. I believe my OCD thoughts wouldn't have cemented if I had been in supportive environments, and I wouldn't obsess about justice if I wasn't in placed in harms way in the first place. I do wonder if OCD thoughts is the more peaceful alternative to lashing out at people for the gross injustice and depravity in the world

[@kornelious1]

I deal with severe OCD that my local treatment center thinks I need to be hospitalized but who can just turn off life and go to a hospital for 6 months to a year for round the clock treatment... The American mental health system sucks severely...

[@cerinsaji4069]

to know that what you're going through has a name and that people know how difficult it is is my first biggest step towards recovery, and I'm thankful for everybody who has spoken out on this topic and about their experiences.

[@MrBecksy2]

Just watching this video has helped me. Thanks.

[@thomasskelsey4132]

First of all I want to say thank you and I cannot wait for the television show tonight on Channel 4 at 10 anyway my name is Tom since I was 9 year old I've been having violent thoughts and now I'm 51 I got dinos with pure o 8 years ago this condition has broke my relationship with a beautiful woman I was with 4 24 year in Mr Bean very hard for her to put up with me in them days I have two beautiful children and thankfully they are ok mentally I done the fall of thing is turning to drink to block these away that's how I lost everything for my advice don't do that go and see somebody professionally and don't be embarrassed to tell them how you feel inside thanks again for putting this video on and writing the book and putting the TV Show on tonight all the best and God bless.Tom

[@ax99sound]

mental torture, i’m struggling with it right now but hope i can get through it because some days it’s unbearable

[@laurened6505]

You are the most amazing person in the world. How much selfless and humble and true you have to be to do this. I have been through the exact same thing. Thank you so so much.

[@johnsguideserviceandwildou5235]

Yep. I am diagnosed with Pure O. Had a slip up for a couple of hours. This video brought me back :)

[@jpp6139]

Thank you very much for your courage !! Conscient pure OCDs like us should talk about it and possibly help others to know that there are more people around with this terrible condition ! You are not your toughts !

[@MrKelso85]

I don’t even know if I have this or if you experience it - but it’s a repetitive thought strain that is provably wrong - but it’s like a background Fuzz my brain is like “but it must be true you keep thinking it” and therefore the spiral begins of searching for meaning and solutions to it 😔 13 years later despite some periods of even years without it as stress levels raise it reappears - if it’s even close to this I’d be curious to know

[@newlangchannel3291]

Man, I can't diagnose you ofc, but the fact that you spend a whole day trying to figure out a solution to a problem (which may be of whatever sort), analyse it from million points of view... Thinking that you finally came up with the answer just to find yourself that few time later analysing the same situation... Thus, you end up with a such stress levels that your head aches and you actually didn't do your shores just to calm your mind...This is a possible symptom of Pure OCD. Besides, you say it's been happening for 13 years, and it goes then it comes... It's well known that OCD patients, always seek help or find out there's something more going on after many years... So you definitely will be wise if you find a doctor and finally, figure out whether you have any type of OCD! That feeling of "but it must be true, you keep thinking it". God, that's the straight entry to the spiral. :(

[@MrKelso85]

Newlang Channel thanks for your message 😊 it’s articulately and interestingly I just saw your message as I was experiencing an OCD memory. I saw a Clinical psychologist and interestingly I show know signs of regular OCD but I have complex PTSD which causes excessive rumination over ostensibly pointless and often imaginary or amalgamated thoughts / memories - the human brain is just incredibly complex and I wonder if we will every get to the bottom, or like some cures found in the 20th century will it be as simple as in 2048 they say ahh wow- so this part of the Brain was responsible for all these random mental disorders SOLVED 🤷🏻‍♂️... meditation as helped for the most part. Thanks again for reading and replying 🙏

[@leinprince9077]

When I get intrusive thoughts I take a step back and really ask myself if this is what I really want. And it's never a yes.

[@Parttimetravellingmanc]

So comforting knowing I’m not alone, but I feel so bad for everyone else because I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.

[@NIUtee]

At a certain point in our lives, we seem to either pass a test or fail it. If you fail it, is the punishment intrusive thoughts until you dismiss them. Eventually it seems the intrusive thoughts go away. It seems to revolve around perceived sexual faults and personality traits. Rose seems to appear a healthy beautiful woman that speaks very well. I would never suspect she would be a person that would experience Pure OCD. Surrounding yourself with friends and family seems to help. I'm currently doing fine, but earlier, and the other day, I have had bad anxiety. Still working on myself I guess?

[@ryanbyrne259]

Wel said rose

[@atmedia9882]

I don’t agree with this. I have never done anything close to what my intrusive thoughts suggest I’ve done and I would never do those things.

[@KY-rr6wc]

I deal with this everyday, along with Depression and GAD.

[@livmalmstrom7408]

Omg I recognize myself so much in this, thank you!!!

[@nicolabutcher5661]

I think that people associate Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with physical behaviours. Sadly, 'OCD' has become an offhand expression. I don't doubt that physical OCD must be incomprehensibly debilitating. I was diagnosed with OCD some 10 years ago. But people, including medical physicians, don't know enough about it. It's only through strong sufferers, like Rose Bretcher and Bryony Gordon that the Pure O form of OCD is finally being discussed. Immensely appreciative.

[@AA-cy9ib]

My OCD is bit complex. I had physical OCD since childhood but when I was 16 years old my physical OCD changed into pure OCD

[@jimnewt2138]

It is quite common!It happens to a lot of people!

[@Veryniice_0310]

Im so glad people are speaking up about intrusive thoughts like this. Its a scary thing to discuss because you dont know how others may react and even at times doctors and some psychologist dont take it serious or understand how bad of an effect it can have on ones life internally and externally despite not being very obvious. Worse yet growing up with it since a young young age and never getting the help you need until something serious happens... im really glad theres help for this mental health disorder

[@yelyahfan88x94]

It's so hard because I've become aware of all this now but I've been dealing with it for decades and it's so hard to believe it's OCD even when I show tons of signs my brain still tells me I'm in denial and lying and that I like it and that nothing I do is enough to make me a good person and when I try to work on the techniques on to make it easier, when I don't react I freak out that it's true. It's an endless loop

[@kluse.2329]

I got pure ocd and scitzophrenia, the last 12 years have been rough , but i have had some blessings.

[@lilymason1614]

YOU ARE AN INSPIRATION. I aspire to be like you, your positivity and enlightening message gives me reassurance that everything will be ok. I can overcome these intrusive thoughts! I'll be spending my Christmas reading your book, I'm so beyond excited!

[@asn413]

Thanks for this. only when i understood that this pattern happens to others and was treated did the monster that dogged me for untold years get a name, and that what it accused me of was without base and that the thoughts were not intentionally mine and that i had been beliving false accusations. Its ability of trying to convince me otherwisebhas been in check for a few years. its nice to be able to live. a little late in the game, but better late than never :)

[@jimnewt2138]

I feel you i dont know what theme you are suffering from but know this, this illness will spend every moment try to f you over and make you believe its bias! It will attack even when you not expect it in insidious ways! Its really crazy how your own brain can be your worst enemy its like a virus or a parasite has entered your system and is trying to f with you

[@jannacoyote4246]

Sounds like part of what my husband has been dealing with for years now. He was starting to think he was some sort of “monster”. He has frequently been afraid that he was going to end up acting on some of those unbidden thoughts & images, by lashing out at some innocent person on the street. It has often been extremely difficult to convince him otherwise. He never has done anything like that though, so I guess I was right. He’s still perfectly human after all. 😉💜🌈🌦💜

[@dannydan5665]

Is he ok

[@tommychappell6359]

I know this might seem overlooked but the internet could be responsible for intrusive thoughts, like I dont know about anyone else but I used to cross dress (compulsion) in secret and sometimes I would go on sites on the internet and I must have put junk into my mind because I was feeling rly depressed at the time... Yes. I was trying to look for a form of release, or emotional relief.. I guess I just felt worthless at the time... During the time I had a weight issue and was struggling and I guess that's what drove me to do what I did even though I knew it was wrong... I was trying to seek a feeling i didn't get previously due to my weight disorder or binge addiction to food which affected my self esteem and vice versa. I'm ashamed of what I did.. but shame won't help, it'll only perpetuate the cycle. Now that I mention it, it does make sense... I feel dissapointed by the outcome and I know that my actions were wrong.. there's nothing I can do about that now, all I can do is what I do now, right now in this moment.

[@nikkig3799]

Love you Tommy I'm here for you

[@zain4019]

Tommy Chappell There is nothing to be ashamed of by cross-dressing. You were simply exploring different facets of humanity and sexuality. You are not at all bad. You are worthy of love. By your words, I know inside you you believe this too, and it’s the truth.

[@luchilds]

No, I developed OCD pre internet.

[@tomleadbetter4422]

She's so pretty! From what I've read this condition reflects what you love the most, I've had this for only a couple months and I already hate it :(

[@isabellawillberg3872]

How r u now?

[@tomleadbetter4422]

@@isabellawillberg3872 a bit better! Found some medication that works and doing therapy, thanks for asking

[@isabellawillberg3872]

@@tomleadbetter4422 that’s great! If you don’t mind me asking what kind of meds? I’m on Prozac

[@tomleadbetter4422]

@@isabellawillberg3872 I'm on lithium atm and it's the first med that's actually worked, did prozac help a lot?

[@tomleadbetter4422]

@Jim Newt yeah mate the medication doesn't have too bad of a side effect and it has reduced them down a lot, thanks for asking

[@maazkalim]

Guess number of comments are failing to realise the very point the figure featured in the video is trying to make! The distinction between "OCD" in general and "pure O". Guess given how they've grown accustomed to: Shedding retroactivity, they ought to watch the drama based on her memoir on UK's Channel 4® titled ‘Pure™’.

[@rowenlohmann1625]

Thank you so much for sharing openly and displaying something that represents what ive been dealing with lately- i was helped by your work, thank you 💙

[@tango-bravo]

Is anyone else hearing a heartbeat in this audio!?!?!?

[@justmadeit2]

It is a truly horrific thing to suffer. Your own mind turns against you and you even question if it is ocd or if you are just bad or a terrible person. It can create big depression and insomnia. Fear and anxiety is high and you don’t ever really feel any peace

[@stephentreanor5044]

I struggle so badly with this, I’ve even learnt how to cover up the words with other words/rituals now because I feel ashamed to say the words peadophile

[@darrenwilliams6536]

I would like to help you. Please watch this video, my email is in the description - kzbin.info/www/bejne/en-ypIZuqdKDjbM - there is a part 2 and 3 with insights and techniques

[@elarchivodealessia]

THANK YOU SO MUCH, I feel relieved. I now know that I'm not alone and this is possible to overcome. I cannot thank enough

[@Mobtheboss-]

What a gorgeous women, just proves that it happens to the best of us

[@luchilds]

So you equate beauty with being superior?

[@4168kid]

Its gotten to the point where I can't tell what I think is true or not anf i have to tell my girlfriend everything because I feel like a horrible person

[@tommychappell6359]

Distractions is by far the best strategy for ocd... That and not adding to your suffering.. instead of fighting, let it go. It could be a control issue or overthinking. What your suppose to do. A lot of people dpnt understand is that when you use exposure Therapy you shouldn't not feel anxiety. Instead you should feel the anxiety.. focus on it.. ride it out... The thing to bear in mind is that although things in your head aren't impossible of happening, it is very unlikely to happen. Either way anxiety or not. It won't change the situation. Think about it. Anxiety won't change what's happening from happening. let go of the grip, float. Let go.. nothings going to happen.

[@samuelsnell9474]

Have u got ocd

[@gbh101]

this is totally counter productive for ocd

[@gbh101]

Unless you are using mainstream medication ( SSRI's ) then could work. I'm assuming you are on them since you are speaking this way. However, with CBT, which is most effective, that's not how it goes. And hey, for everyone, here's a gift for free CBT, go to Katie d'ath's youtube channel ( write Katie d'ath on youtube ) and you will find free CBT there for OCD, it is currently changing my life and my attitude towards OCD upside down.

[@the10thdoctor21]

@@gbh101 ERP is known to work best for Ocd

[@hamerugumiandthevocaloidfa8654]

You cannot distract yourself forever.

[@chelzyramirez3663]

It’s very possible to overcome this I promise ❤️

[@GeraltOfRivia99]

i have this i get disturbing thoughts and its on loop. it is hell. but i read up that a potential reason for this error processing of the brain a glutamate issue inside the brain. i hope there becomes better and better treatments

[@lu8201]

Meditating I feel helps and rest. Creative expression too. Xo

[@angelaaleman7787]

Thank you so much for sharing your story and helpful resources for those suffering from OCD

[@collingarlanger2436]

Bruh ots like constantly multitasking in your mind between your intrusive thoughts your compulsions and like whatever you need to be thinking about like school work, its exhausting