Navigating Real Worries vs OCD: Understanding and Coping Techniques

Understanding the difference between real worries and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) thoughts is crucial for maintaining mental well-being. Both types of concerns can be unsettling, but they have distinct characteristics and solutions.

Real Worries vs OCD Thoughts

To simplify, all worries are ‘real.’ If something causes you concern, it is valid. Worries are uncomfortable, but they serve as a natural part of our Body's protective system. However, when these concerns interfere significantly with your daily life, relationships, or work, they can escalate into what we call is a key differentiator here. Issues with low risk of harm and low likelihood of occurrence are typically not significant challenges.

Common real worries often stem from external factors, such as financial concerns, health issues, or relationship challenges. On the other hand, OCD thoughts can arise from internal mechanisms and are not necessarily grounded in reality. Both can disrupt your peace, but it's important to distinguish between the two so that you can address them appropriately.

Understanding OCD as a Symptom

It is essential to understand that OCD is merely a symptom, much like the thoughts and worries it accompanies. The Disorder in OCD signifies a condition that significantly impacts daily functioning. If your concerns do not significantly disrupt your life, then you do not have OCD.

Embracing the Inner Voice

Our inner voice is not always us. Instead, it can be a reflection of unconscious thoughts and emotions. It is important to recognize that these thoughts can undermine our confidence and trigger moods and behaviors that we regret. However, by acknowledging and understanding these thoughts, we can take steps to manage them more effectively.

Listening to the audio book mentioned can help you gain a deeper peace of mind and perspective on your thoughts. Embracing the concept that we are energy beings can also be beneficial. Recognize that we are not inherently crazy or flawed. Disassociation, panic, anxiety, depression, and other coping mechanisms like shopping or going to the gym are ways we deal with our internal challenges.

Focusing on Spiritual Energy

Our spiritual energy, when flowing freely, can provide great strength and vitality. However, when this energy is disturbed or blocked, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, hopelessness, or burnout. Understanding that anger and rage are symptoms rather than the problem can help in identifying the root of these issues.

A spiritual disturbance can be healed, and by doing so, individuals can experience rebirth and renewed energy. This journey can be facilitated through various resources and techniques. My YouTube channel, Tierney Therapy, offers several resources to help individuals deal with their triggers, anxiety, stress, panic attacks, and more.

Healing Techniques and Resources

I have created a 4-step program to teach individuals how to process, heal, and release past trauma or memories in a safe and non-intrusive manner. This program is the foundation of a whole healing event, and embracing this first step is crucial:

Process any current thoughts or feelings. Heal the underlying emotional trauma. Release any unresolved emotional pain. Embrace the healing and positive changes.

Here are some specific resources from my channel:

Episodic Episodes from the 4-Step Process to Start Healing Triggers video for understanding and managing triggers Anxiety video for coping with anxiety Panic Attacks video for managing panic attacks Uncontrollable Tears video for dealing with uncontrollable emotions Healing Breathing techniques to calm the mind and body The 4 Part Healing and Releasing series to guide you through the process Understanding Your Condition video to gain insights and learn how to heal it

Embracing these techniques can lead to profound personal transformation. The only person who can truly heal you of a memory is you, and you can be shown how. Here are a few important affirmations and concepts:

We are spiritual immortal beings in physical mortal forms. The Picture Does Not Tell the Full Story—your experience is unique. Your story is no longer yours; perhaps your mental illness is misguided. Wishful thinking vs. the Power of Prayer—believe that you can heal. We are not mentally ill; we are divine creations with a purpose. Heal Thyself—understand that you have the power within you to heal. Become a worthy child of God, perfect as you are, with unique strengths.

Believe in Christ's healing through prayer and the power of the Holy Spirit. When you pray, ask God for the healing as written in the Good News, with heartfelt belief and without doubt.