I've had OCD for a long time--it used to be pretty bad several years ago, and now it fluctuates between being really bad and sometimes almost disappearing for months. Back when my OCD was consistently bad, I listened to a handful of albums/songs almost exclusively and often used that music to distract myself from my thought loops. I now associate those specific songs/albums with my old intrusive thoughts/old OCD themes. This means that when I listen to that music now, I feel mentally transported back in time to when my OCD was severe, and sometimes my old OCD themes pop up again because the music triggers the memory of being stuck in a thought loop. I wish I could listen to this music without getting reminded of how I felt back then/what my intrusive thoughts were, but I don't know how I can listen to the music without that happening. Does anyone have any tips?
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How to not associate things I like with OCD intrusive thoughts?
- Thread starter silver-watercolors
- Start date
Heya @silver-watercolors
Quite familiar with OCD too - I've actually had a similar experience with this: During a heavy (verbal) fight on the phone with sister while I was listening to a specific album, I created this strange association. I basically can't often play that music album without it being linked to a horrendous time in life and it will also trigger some bad memories.
I think because it is OCD or at least trigger & trauma related, tackling specifically the negative expectations may be the best thing to do to prevent the loop bit by bit.
Example:
The negative expectation would be "If I listen to this album right now, I will have bad feelings and thoughts and my OCD will be activated again" or like "If I listen to this song, I'll become my old OCD self again".
- From Cognitive Behavioural Therapy I've had (and exposure training) to significantly reduce OCD symptoms, it's a way to understand the loop/cycle.
Is this negative expectation true 100% of the time? This can be tested for how real this is. Are these just thoughts? Identifying what the negative expectation is, is important I feel.
You may still feel anxiety or have stronger anxiety in this process - which will take some time, but you can regain control.
For some extra insight (I should update the thread!) : https://www.suicideforum.com/community/threads/ocd-exposure-therapy-cbt-and-experiences.176744/
Quite familiar with OCD too - I've actually had a similar experience with this: During a heavy (verbal) fight on the phone with sister while I was listening to a specific album, I created this strange association. I basically can't often play that music album without it being linked to a horrendous time in life and it will also trigger some bad memories.
I think because it is OCD or at least trigger & trauma related, tackling specifically the negative expectations may be the best thing to do to prevent the loop bit by bit.
Example:
The negative expectation would be "If I listen to this album right now, I will have bad feelings and thoughts and my OCD will be activated again" or like "If I listen to this song, I'll become my old OCD self again".
- From Cognitive Behavioural Therapy I've had (and exposure training) to significantly reduce OCD symptoms, it's a way to understand the loop/cycle.
Is this negative expectation true 100% of the time? This can be tested for how real this is. Are these just thoughts? Identifying what the negative expectation is, is important I feel.
You may still feel anxiety or have stronger anxiety in this process - which will take some time, but you can regain control.
For some extra insight (I should update the thread!) : https://www.suicideforum.com/community/threads/ocd-exposure-therapy-cbt-and-experiences.176744/
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Heya @silver-watercolors
Quite familiar with OCD too - I've actually had a similar experience with this: During a heavy (verbal) fight on the phone with sister while I was listening to a specific album, I created this strange association. I basically can't often play that music album without it being linked to a horrendous time in life and it will also trigger some bad memories.
I think because it is OCD or at least trigger & trauma related, tackling specifically the negative expectations may be the best thing to do to prevent the loop bit by bit.
Example:
The negative expectation would be "If I listen to this album right now, I will have bad feelings and thoughts and my OCD will be activated again" or like "If I listen to this song, I'll become my old OCD self again".
- From Cognitive Behavioural Therapy I've had (and exposure training) to significantly reduce OCD symptoms, it's a way to understand the loop/cycle.
Is this negative expectation true 100% of the time? This can be tested for how real this is. Are these just thoughts? Identifying what the negative expectation is, is important I feel.
You may still feel anxiety or have stronger anxiety in this process - which will take some time, but you can regain control.
For some extra insight (I should update the thread!) : https://www.suicideforum.com/community/threads/ocd-exposure-therapy-cbt-and-experiences.176744/
Quite familiar with OCD too - I've actually had a similar experience with this: During a heavy (verbal) fight on the phone with sister while I was listening to a specific album, I created this strange association. I basically can't often play that music album without it being linked to a horrendous time in life and it will also trigger some bad memories.
I think because it is OCD or at least trigger & trauma related, tackling specifically the negative expectations may be the best thing to do to prevent the loop bit by bit.
Example:
The negative expectation would be "If I listen to this album right now, I will have bad feelings and thoughts and my OCD will be activated again" or like "If I listen to this song, I'll become my old OCD self again".
- From Cognitive Behavioural Therapy I've had (and exposure training) to significantly reduce OCD symptoms, it's a way to understand the loop/cycle.
Is this negative expectation true 100% of the time? This can be tested for how real this is. Are these just thoughts? Identifying what the negative expectation is, is important I feel.
You may still feel anxiety or have stronger anxiety in this process - which will take some time, but you can regain control.
For some extra insight (I should update the thread!) : https://www.suicideforum.com/community/threads/ocd-exposure-therapy-cbt-and-experiences.176744/
Maybe if I try to slowly get myself to listen to more of that music while I'm doing something I enjoy, like drawing, the negative associations will be less of an issue
How's your current situation with regards to what you're experiencing with OCD & enjoyment of music? @silver-watercolors 