How Do You Cope With Existential OCD?

Key Takeaways:

• Existential OCD is a subtype of OCD where a person has intrusive thoughts about existential questions.
• The root causes of existential OCD are still being studied.
• Treatment options for existential OCD include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness therapy.
• Introduction

Existential OCD can be very intrusive and debilitating. It can cause a lot of anxiety and confusion as it revolves around the big questions in life: who am I, what is the meaning of life, and what happens when I die?

For people who suffer from existential OCD, these questions can be constant sources of worry and distress. The good news is that there are ways to cope with this type of OCD. In this blog, we'll discuss some of the best strategies for managing existential OCD.

What Is Existential OCD?

Existential OCD is a subtype of OCD where a person has intrusive thoughts about philosophical questions. It centres around the fear of death and the fear of not living a meaningful life. People who suffer from existential OCD often worry about what happens after death, and they struggle with thoughts like "What's the point of all this?"

For people who have existential OCD, these thoughts are a constant source of anxiety. They can't shake the feeling that there's something they're missing, some secret knowledge they need to uncover in order to make sense of it all. The fear of death can also be a major trigger. They obsess over the idea that life is just a brief flicker in the grand scope of existence, and that everything they've ever done is pointless. This can lead to a lot of self-doubt and feelings of hopelessness.

If you're coping with existential OCD, you're definitely not alone. A lot of people struggle with these same fears and doubts. But it's important to remember that you are not your thoughts, and you are not your fears.

What Causes Existential OCD

While the root causes of existential OCD are still being studied, experts believe that it could be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

For some people, existential OCD can be triggered by a life event that causes them to question their existence or purpose in life. Other times, it might be due to a fear of death or the unknown.

Some people might also be predisposed to existential OCD if they have a family history of mental health conditions. 

Symptoms of Existential OCD

Existential OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts that centre around the meaning and purpose of life.

People with existential OCD often worry that they're not living their lives in a way that is true to themselves, or that they're missing out on something important. They may also feel like they're the only ones who are seeing the world in a certain way, and that everyone else is living in a fake reality. Some common symptoms of Existential OCD are: 

• Obsessively thinking about the reason for their existence
• Derealization, or a feeling that the world isn’t real
• Inability to tolerate any uncertainty
• Feeling depressed and anxious because of repetitive thoughts about life and death
• Seeking reassurance, or constantly double-checking decisions with others out of fear of being on the wrong path
• Finding answers to philosophical questions but then doubting those answers

While everyone has existential thoughts at times, for people with Existential OCD, these thoughts can turn into obsessions that interfere with daily life. They can drive a person to compulsive rituals, like:

• Constantly seeking validation about one's path in life
• Obsessing over philosophical ideas for long periods of time

These intrusive thoughts can be incredibly distressing and can lead to panic attacks and other symptoms of OCD.

How to Treat Existential OCD

There are a few different treatment options available for people who suffer from existential OCD.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an approach which enables you to challenge your thoughts and gain a new perspective. CBT also helps one learn to manage emotions and reactions to daily life. Your psychiatrist may also recommend medication for your OCD, which can help with the reduction of anxiety and stabilise your moods.

Another recommended treatment for Existential OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), where your therapist will teach you to resist the urge to perform compulsions. ERP therapy also requires you to lean into uncomfortable thoughts without engaging in your compulsions. This enables one to learn how to tolerate uncertainty. The goal is that through repeated exposure to the feared thoughts, you will begin to develop a tolerance toward the negative feelings associated with those thoughts. 

Mindfulness is also a commonly used therapy. Your therapist can help you learn techniques which will allow you to live in the present without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. 

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for existential OCD, so it's important to work with a therapist who understands the condition and can help you to find the best treatment for you.

Conclusion

Existential OCD can be a difficult disorder to live with, but there are many ways to cope. Some people find relief with psychotherapy, either with a therapist who specialises in OCD or a psychiatrist, alongside medication. Alongside treatment, you can also join OCD community groups where you can interact with like-minded people and find support.

It's important to find what works best for you and stick with it. With time and patience, you can learn to manage your existential OCD and live a happy, productive life.