Understanding Harm OCD: When Fear Takes the Driver’s Seat

One of the most unbearable sub-types of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is the Harm OCD. Individuals who have it experience a lot of confusion, fear and shame with regard to the thoughts that they have. The thoughts are not desirable or desire to do: they are thoughts which are not wanted: intrusive, unwanted mental language or images which dictate to cause harm to oneself or others. It is necessary to understand that a person with Harm OCD is not dangerous. It implies that they have some form of OCD that can be dealt with.

There is no one at OCD and Anxiety Online who does not know the daily life of someone with this condition. This is the reason that we provide a formatted OCD Online Course where we can show you how to recover in a stepwise manner.

What is Harm OCD?

Harm OCD: Within OCD, harms OCD is a subcategory wherein the individual experiences repetitive intrusive thoughts or mental pictures of harming someone either physically or even spiritually, and all this despite the fact that the person does not wish to harm them. These are ego-dystonic thoughts since they are not in line with the actual nature. The person is not feared that they will hurt someone; they are feared because they will lose control and will do something horrible.

The mind seems to be alive with these thoughts, which are very terrifying such that the individual creates the habit of avoiding any objects, people or even situations that may arouse the thoughts. This can only worsen the anxiety in the long run.

Common Harm OCD Symptoms

The symptoms of OCD may vary among all humans but they share similar symptoms which are common in most individuals.

Among the significant symptoms is the development of thoughts that suddenly pop up in the brain and consequently become violent. These thoughts can be sentiments of hurting an individual such as kicking or stabbing although you do not desire.

Individuals with Harm OCD also exist under tremendous fear of being overcome by the thoughts and ruining the ideas. This fear remains with them despite them being in no position to harm any other person.

In a bid to feel safer, most of them begin to shun sharp objects, crowded areas or even alone time with their loved ones. They are doing so in order to ward off any probability of harm.

The other typical habit is the mental checking of their deeds. They can review anything that they have done so as to ensure that they did not harm somebody unintentionally.

A guilty feeling and shame normally occur because of these thoughts and actions. Although they do not do anything based on the thoughts, that is, they do not take any action, they still feel bad due to thinking so.

You Are Not Alone — These Thoughts Are OCD, Not Intentions

Fear of being judged is one of the most difficult aspects of the life of Harm OCD. Most individuals would conceal their problems due to fears that other people will misinterpret their rumination. However, such symptoms are an infamous feature of OCD. Individuals who have Harm OCD are the least likely to do harm to anyone. Actually, they are very caring and shocked by their thoughts.

The thing is: Harm OCD is not an identity; it is a thing that your brain is up to. And that is something that can be tolerated with the support.

Final Words

There is the feeling of fear and exhaustion in every-day life due to Harm OCD. You are not alone and, what is more important you are not dangerous. These are some of the thoughts that are associated with a treatable mental condition. The fear can be overcome with proper knowledge, treatment and the necessary instruments.