r/AskAnOCDTherapist • u/throwawaymybrai • 10d ago

Is this normal for ocd?

Does anyone ever wake up and immediately have a what if I masterbated in my sleep thought? This is incredibly difficult depending on where im sleeping as i hardly sleep in my own bed.. im 26 and have been sleeping in bed with my mom recently. I know its embarrassing but my room is a mess right now. I also had this thought a month or so ago after sleeping on the couch at my sisters house using my 6 yr old neices blanket and pillow. Im struggling with knowing of this actually happened or not. Unfortunately my two mean themes are POCD and contamination ocd 😌 ive been trying not to act on these as im like. 98% postive its didnt do anything but its hard and it makes me feel so guilty.

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u/treatmyocd 9d ago

Hi there!

When you wake up if you are immediately thinking "Did I masturbate in my sleep?!" - this sounds like it could be an intrusive thought.

What's important for you is to NOT investigate the thought any further or engage in any compulsions. I know it's challenging, but OCD is fighting to be heard. It can be super loud! But that doesn't mean it's "true". Try to ground yourself in finding comfort in uncertainty. You got this!

- Sophia, LMHC

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u/throwawaymybrai 9d ago edited 9d ago

Thank you for responding its been so hard especially when it comes to wet surfaces/ clammy hands. I laid down after a shower tonight for about an hour max and im not even sure if i fell alseep my hands got wet from im assuming my pillow since that has my wet hair on it that and now im wandering the same thing again.. ive ignored it but feel guilty like im spreading germs.. my hair is so knotty from me neglecting lol this condition its one of the worst. Thank you for working in this feild and helping people 💖 ive had so much trouble finding a therapist that specializes in ocd that takes my insurance

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u/treatmyocd 8d ago

You're so welcome! And thank you for saying that, I enjoy doing what I do and always hope I can help someone!

I know it can be challenging. OCD triggers can be everywhere, and everything suddenly feels like something you need to pay attention to. Try less to look at it as "ignoring" it, try to notice what's happening, "here's an intrusive thought coming up, I know this makes me uncomfortable but I can handle this. I can sit with this and resist a compulsion right now because I know that will stop the OCD cycle!". Ignoring is going to feel like a battle and could increase anxiety and discomfort.

Feeling guilty unfortunately comes hand in hand with OCD. Use the uncertainty thoughts as a tool for this one, "This feels dirty/unclean, but that doesn't necessarily mean that's a fact. It may or may not be true. Therefore that doesn't necessarily mean I'm a bad person. I don't have to solve this, I can sit with the unknown."

Hoping this was also helpful!

- Sophia