
“I wish my life was different.”
“I wish it were easier for me to give up washing my hands.”
“I wish I didn’t have incest OCD.”
“I wish things were easier for me.”
The act of spending time thinking about these wishes can also be distortions that lead to rumination, which in essence is a compulsion.
What’s more useful than wishing away the difficulties is engaging in intentional, structured exposure. Rather than longing for a different life, it’s important to practice acceptance and to acknowledge your pain with self-compassion.
Letting go of wishing is key!
Has OCD ever led you to make wishes?