When OCD Thoughts Turn into Actions

My OCD is primarily compulsions and intrusive thoughts. I definitely have some OCD thoughts that turn into actions. I used to pull out my little toe nails because it made me uncomfortable there being nails on those toes. I also used to have tonsil stones and I would get so obsessed with getting them out, that one day I took scissors and cut half my tonsil off and then had to go to the ER 😬

My intrusive thoughts are intrusive specifically because I don’t want to do them. It is scary to think that I could do it, but I will not because I don’t want to, it’s just my OCD telling me to. If you have true intent to act on a horrible thought, it’s not an impulsive thought

Also, it affects how I view myself in my faith. Which isn’t the best feeling at all and I think sometimes limits my relationship with God.

My impulsive actions are usually more connected with my ADHD and then I can’t stop thinking about it because of my OCD. it’s really a vicious cycle whether I am embarrassed, ashamed, etc.

Personally, I view acting on impulsive thoughts as more of a compulsion to calm the anxiety of those intrusive thoughts. Just be forgiving of yourself and understand that there are methods to reduce intrusive thoughts. I don’t usually act on most of the intrusive thoughts but I definitely have in the past.