Coping with Intrusive Thoughts: Ball in a Pool Metaphor

Our Worst Enemy

When it comes to OCD, uncertainty is our worst enemy. We deal with our intrusive thoughts by worrying and performing rituals to reduce the uncertainty.

If my intrusive thought is that my house might burn down because I might have left the stove on, then the ritual might be checking the stove again and again. This is an attempt to gain control, but it ends up making our OCD stronger and debilitating us even more.

Ball in a Pool

What you’re doing with those intrusive thoughts is like fighting with a ball in a pool. These thoughts make you feel awful, so you try to push the ball underwater and out of your consciousness. The ball keeps popping back up to the surface, so you have to keep pushing it down or holding it under the water. Struggling with the ball in this way keeps it close to you and it’s exhausting and futile.

If you were to let go of the ball, it would pop back up and float next to you. You wouldn’t like that at first, but if you let it float there for a while without grabbing it, it could eventually drift to the other side of the pool. And even if it didn’t, you could at least use your hands and enjoy your swim, rather than spend that time fighting.

Acceptance as an Alternative

This metaphor conveys the counter-productiveness of trying to control your thoughts and feelings. But more importantly, it depicts acceptance and willingness as healthy alternatives.

Try thinking of the ball in the pool the next time you face intrusive thoughts.

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Good Question

What better way to get to know each other than with a good question? Every Friday, I’ll include one of those questions and if you’d like, you can answer by replying to this email or by using the comment button below. Then, I’ll send you my answer. I look forward to getting to know you better!

What’s an OCD victory you’ve had recently? Whatever the size, a win is a win!

Until next time

Thanks for reading this week! And remember, if you ever have any questions, or suggestions, or want to chat, you can email me or DM me on Instagram or Twitter @orchardjournal.

See you,

Corey