One of the symptoms of existential OCD, sometimes referred to as philosophical or ontological OCD, is persistent, deeply troubling thoughts. Intrusive doubts about the meaning of life, the essence of existence, and even death are common among those who suffer from this disorder. Most people from time to time think about such matters, but those with this specific OCD subtype find these thoughts overwhelming and almost impossible to control. Such relentless fixation is bound to cause considerable discomfort because, in reality, such people do not regard these thoughts as mere idle fancies, but rather as seriously alarming and disturbing phenomena that severely undermine their emotional balance.
Although existential OCD has no known cure, there are several treatment options that can significantly lessen symptoms and help manage the disorder. The most common and effective approach is cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), which is commonly combined with prescription medications. Reducing the frequency and impact of obsessive thoughts is the aim of these therapies. In addition to professional therapy, regular self-care and mindfulness exercises may also be helpful. Deep breathing, meditation, and spending time in nature are examples of activities that support emotional balance and relaxation. These practices can enhance mental health generally and calm the mind during periods of intense existential reflection.
Existential OCD symptoms
People with existential OCD often suffer from a range of distressing symptoms, many of which are rooted in deep, philosophical fears and uncertainties. Among the indicators that set them apart are:
- • Repeated and intrusive ideas about one’s own insignificance or death anxiety. This could manifest as a recurring worry about questions like how or when one might die, what happens after death, or whether life has any actual meaning or worth.
- Constantly discussing and overanalysing significant life issues, such as “Am I missing something essential in my life?” or “What is the purpose of life? Emotional exhaustion and significant internal conflict can result from these thoughts.
- Instincts or desires linked to existential fears, such as the notion of nonexistence or death. These cravings may lead to behaviours such as obsessively checking in on loved ones to feel reassured, seeking out evidence of life’s value constantly, or going to extreme measures to feel safe.
• Extreme paralysis or fear when confronted with choices that seem risky or uncertain. For instance, the idea of driving or travelling may make someone extremely anxious due to perceived risks to their safety or life.
• A severe emotional distress that is often accompanied by dread, guilt, or hopelessness. This emotional burden can lead to depressive symptoms such as sadness, loneliness, low self-esteem, or the belief that life has no meaning or purpose.
Existential OCD Obsessions
People with existential OCD frequently have disturbing thoughts about life, death, and their place in it. These thoughts can be overwhelming, persistent, and hard to ignore. The following are examples of common obsessions:
- Fear of meaninglessness: a pervasive worry that one’s life is pointless or empty. This can lead to pressure to find a meaningful purpose or take on a meaningful task in order to feel that life matters.
Fear of dying: Unlike most people, they might be thinking about dying all the time, including how it will happen, what will happen after, and when it will happen to them. People are often very afraid of such thoughts.
- Fear of not making a difference: They might be concerned about their significance or the impact of their actions. As a result, they might work very hard to feel important or to prove their worth to other people.
Fear of the unknown: Not knowing what the future holds can cause severe anxiety and a strong need to feel in control. - • Fear of abandonment or lack of love: They may be deeply worried that people will reject them or be uninterested in them. To feel valued, this could lead someone to constantly seek attention or approval.
In an attempt to manage their anxiety or make sense of their thoughts, people with existential OCD often develop compulsions, which are habits or behaviours. Despite their frequent use, these measures only offer short-term respite. Here are some common instances:
- Constantly looking for clarification: Many individuals with this illness feel driven to discover a conclusive response to their fears. This might mean conducting ongoing research on topics like religion, life’s purpose, or intricate philosophical ideas in an effort to find a conclusive answer that will stop the thoughts.
- Avoiding danger or the unknown: People frequently steer clear of situations they believe to be risky out of fear of dying or uncertainty. For example, they might spend a lot of time at home or take extreme safety measures, like never leaving the house or always checking the locks.
- Overanalysing and overthinking: Compulsive self-examination can result from a fear of not understanding life or one’s own thoughts. In an attempt to find some sort of truth, people may spend a lot of time attempting to decipher hidden meanings in their feelings, thoughts, or past experiences.
- Pursuing certainty: An intense desire to be certain about life, choices, or convictions can become debilitating. Despite the fact that many important questions lack definitive answers, people with existential OCD may become trapped in their quest for absolute certainty. This can result in hours being wasted on trivial details or worrying about issues for which there isn’t a clear answer.
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