Hi,
Has anyone ever gone through reading, talking, or just watching tv about something and then you obsess about it and you develop those symptoms??

Candi

Yes. That's the nature of OCD, Candi. Be selective of what you watch. Also, when you do watch something that bothers you use your tools. Breathe in. Count 4. Breathe out slowly through pursed lips. It will help to calm you down and get you out of your head.

but the only thing is most of the time when I get a thought it does not just go away, it is there for a while. Yes the breathing does help but it does not make it go away. Any advice?

Allow the thoughts to come and go, Candi. We place way too much importance on getting rid of them. It's OK that they are there. You can't really get rid of the thoughts with TRYING to get rid of them. But....they will pass if you stop reacting to them. They will pass if you allow them to come and go. Let go of the resistance. Be patient with this. You will soon see what I am saying.

What has helped for me is to recognize it has an obessive thought and say to yourself it's just a thought, no more. I then do what I call my reality check. I focus on the present moment. I practice my breathing and I become aware of what's around me. If I standing- Feeling my feet on the ground, my shoes on my feet etc. If I'm driving, the cushion of the seat.Etc. It definitely helps to redirct me back to the here and now. I then follow up with soothing self talk and getting busy with distraction.
Take care and God Bless.

Thanks to all of you who responded to my question. I am going to try to stay positive and work towards the light at the end of the tunnel.. Thanks again...

Candi

This something I've been dealing with too. I really like the advice about realizing it's just a thought and we don't "have to" get rid of it. Glad to have seen this topic.