just putting this out here because ive been seeing a lot of confusion on the subject

intrusive thoughts are not specific to OCD, or any disorder for that matter. anyone can have intrusive thoughts. HOWEVER!! intrusive thoughts are NOT random fun impulses, they are ego-dystonic (meaning they don't correspond your actual values) and often distressing. the distinction is important, and here is why:

intrusive thoughts and feelings are at the root of obsessive-compulsive disorder; where the thought emerges and is significantly more difficult to get rid of for those with OCD. the obsessive nature of OCD includes the thought distortion and prevalence of the thoughts, the compulsions are the actions or rumination that follows which the sufferer performs to alleviate the discomfort. think of it this way. OCD is like having constant itches you feel the need to scratch. lets say everyone has itches, and for most, they come and go. but for some people, the itch demands to be scratched, and while there is temporary relief, it keeps coming back until it debilitates the person.

intrusive thoughts affect everyone - but they don't affect everyone equally. some bare the brunt of them to a life-altering extent. unwanted thoughts are a natural part of the human experience, but for many people they can consume them and develop into obsessions or "themes." someone with harm ocd might deal with constant recurring thoughts of hurting people and have time-consuming rituals to "prove" otherwise. some people may have a similar thought but it will likely end there with minimal distress. while it is still an intrusive thought, and they may be distressing to you, they are certainly not a joke.

joking about intrusive thoughts "winning" and snapping as a result only further perpetuates the stigma surrounding OCD and tells people intrusive thoughts DO correspond to one's actual urges or values, when this is NOT the case and can only hurt people with OCD even more. please be respectful and try to be mindful of the degree of which OCD symptoms are minimized and dismissed. we need advocates and people willing to understand us.

also adding this: OCD cannot be reduced to intrusive thoughts. it is so much more, and people may be debilitated by any number of symptoms besides intrusive thoughts. for many people obsessional themes may begin as a singular thought, and ruminating and ritualizing may be what they struggle with the most. it's not a monolithic experience. let people with OCD have a voice.

adding this also: intrusive thoughts aren't necessarily gory or excessively violent! that's another mischaracterization. no matter the content, they are distressing to the person having it. it can be something like "what if i'm always focused on my breathing" or even "what if i'm actually a different mbti type from what i think i am" (yes ive actually ruminated over this one before lol)

I’m in love with this new pendant made with 5 raw Ethiopian welo opals 😍New Years sale, 15% off the entire shop! 💕 . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #opal #handmadejewelry #magick #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #wirewrappedjewelry #pendantsofig #mindfulness #loveandlight #heady #gemstones #wearableart #meditation #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #jewelryaddict https://etsy.me/2Ew90tv https://www.instagram.com/p/Br6h5YfAora/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=cwq1uyw3i3oa

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! Just wanted to share these two custom pendants I sent out the other day 😍 also, I’m having a New Years sale, 15% off the entire shop! 💕 . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #opal #handmadejewelry #ruby #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #wirewrappedjewelry #pendantsofig #mindfulness #loveandlight #heady #gemstones #wearableart #meditation #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #jewelryaddict https://etsy.me/2Ew90tv https://www.instagram.com/p/Br3EqNIA_9D/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=tc5f51ht216

I’ve added lots of new listings to the sale section of my Etsy :) Last minute Christmas sale! Enjoy 20% off your purchase of $30 or more, now through December 25th. . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #oceanjasper #handmadejewelry #druzy #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #wirewrappedjewelry #pendantsofig #mindfulness #loveandlight #heady #gemstones #wearableart #meditation #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #giftsforhim https://etsy.me/2Ew90tv https://www.instagram.com/p/Brnc1hGA4Cv/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12uvtpsewnto0

Last minute Christmas sale! Enjoy 20% off your purchase of $30 or more, now through December 25th. Please note, in order to receive by Christmas please order by 12/18/18 . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #celestite #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #wirewrappedjewelry #pendantsofig #mindfulness #loveandlight #heady #gemstones #wearableart #meditation #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #giftsforher https://etsy.me/2Ew90tv https://www.instagram.com/p/BrgMRXDACfZ/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1f4gypc9e4ax0

Last minute Christmas sale! Enjoy 20% off your purchase of $30 or more, now through December 25th. Please note, in order to receive by Christmas please order by 12/18/18 . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #beadednecklace #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #treeagate #mindfulness #loveandlight #heady #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #mandala #yoga #giftsforher #jewelrybyrobyn #etsygifts https://etsy.me/2Ew90tv https://www.instagram.com/p/Brc_p6ggCxw/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1qewz1veeuhkp

Lots of new listings are up on my Etsy, like this ocean jasper wire wrap. Enjoy 10% the whole shop now through the 14th 💕🎄 . . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #oceanjasper #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://etsy.me/2TsxAzw https://www.instagram.com/p/BrTWAgvgGHU/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=5hc4yvoba8so

Lots of new listings are up on my Etsy, like this crazy lace agate wire wrap. Enjoy 10% the whole shop now through the 14th 💕🎄 . . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #crazylaceagate #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://etsy.me/2TsxAzw https://www.instagram.com/p/BrOWwpTgvDh/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1l9bdjob2xe51

Polychrome jasper pendant is available on my Etsy. Enjoy 10% the whole shop now through the 14th 💕🎄 . . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #polychromejasper #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://etsy.me/2TsxAzw https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq6ETiYABNE/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kc3pd45yfahk

20% off everything on my Etsy ends tonight! How beautiful is this ocean jasper beaded necklace with a wire wrapped pendant? 😍 . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #oceanjasper #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #artisanjewelry #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://etsy.me/2TsxAzw https://www.instagram.com/p/Bqm9EolgwMN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=kauv18wsevtc

It’s time for my BIGGEST sale of the year! Enjoy 20% off and free shipping on my Etsy! . . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #lapislazuli #bohemian #blackfriday #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://etsy.me/2TsxAzw https://www.instagram.com/p/BqcsKxvgckl/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1cke1lvio7e45

Sale time! Check my Etsy shop to see what’s on sale for Etsy’s Cyber Sales Weekend. See shop for details. #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #celestite #bohemian #blackfriday #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://etsy.me/2TsxAzw https://www.instagram.com/p/BqbLCCGgXAR/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=oveepeksm9nv

Sale time! Check my Etsy shop to see what’s on sale for Etsy’s Cyber Sales Weekend. See shop for details. #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #moonstone #bohemian #beadedjewelry #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://etsy.me/2TsxAzw https://www.instagram.com/p/BqaoUTJAmAu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=83a08c0mfd34

Lots of new listings are available on my Etsy shop, like this African turquoise wrapped in antique copper! Check out my pre Black Friday sale and enjoy 15% off! . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #africanturquoise #bohemian #copperjewelry #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://www.instagram.com/p/BqGbI8CAZnj/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1xs7g5pz5hy0

I’m in love with this gold sheen obsidian pendant 😍Tomorrow is the last day of my Halloween sale! Enjoy 10% off everything in my Etsy shop, now through October 31st! 🖤☠️🌕🎃 . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #goldsheenobsidian #bohemian #obsidian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://www.instagram.com/p/BplAfe9HMo8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=2uujb7uw08o

My Halloween sale ends Wednesday! Enjoy 10% off everything in my Etsy shop, now through October 31st! 🖤☠️🌕🎃 . . . #etsyfinds #shopsmall #etsysale #crystaljewelry #etsyjewelry #handmadejewelry #lepidolite #bohemian #crystalhealing #chakra #gypsysoul #artisan #bohojewelry #spiritual #wirewrap #mindfulness #loveandlight #wirewrappedjewelry #gemstones #wearableart #raiseyourvibration #gemporn #gemstonejewelry #spiritjunkie #metaphysical #yoga #pendantsofig #heady #freespirit #meditation http://etsy.me/2Dv89ZW https://www.instagram.com/p/Bph8HAjHWkH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y9qs17ubchhb