OCD is a condition often misunderstood, particularly when it involves thoughts about harm. Importantly, in these cases, the intrusive thoughts about harming someone are egodystonic. This means they are not aligned with the individual's real intention and values.
Sofii Lewis described her experience, stating, "I knew I wasn't safe. But I didn't think I was out of control." This highlights the confusion many face with postpartum psychosis.
If you are like many parents who reach out to me, having an overthinking child can really be challenging. They are overthinking school, their peers' perceptions of them, and many things that have not yet occurred. Just the other day, James (fictitious name), age 11, ensnared in overthinking, shared with me, "My brain just doesn't let me be happy. I know bad things have not even happened yet, but I keep thinking they will."
This quote might sound like something you'd read on a coffee mug or an Instagram quote slide. But when your own mind is feeding you a 24/7 stream of terrifying, intrusive thoughts? That little phrase becomes a survival strategy. Sure, I have lots of strategies now. But they weren't born from a gentle spiritual awakening or a peaceful walk in the woods.
Her heart is huge and she is passionate about so many social causes, but sometimes her save the world ethos can be annoying. Case in point: she loves picking up litter that isn't hers. Maybe loves is too strong a word, but she can't help herself when it comes to picking up rubbish, and sometimes I feel it's unnecessary. If she sees a piece of rubbish on the pavement, she will pick it up.
