While Sally had developed psychological flexibility to respond to unpleasant thoughts and emotions, as discussed in June’s blog post, a few years later, she faced a resurgence of doubts about her religious beliefs.

Some of her friends had experienced similar doubts and decided to leave their shared faith. Despite her lifelong attachment to her faith, she found herself questioning: “Are my friends’ concerns valid? Am I being too gullible as they suggest? Do I truly believe or am I simply staying because it’s familiar?” These questions seemed endless. Despite her efforts to find answers found online, she only became more confused.

Uncertainty

Nobody enjoys uncertainty, and life would be much simpler without it. However, deep down, we understand that growth and the challenges that come with it wouldn’t be possible without uncertainty.

Whether we experience OCD or not, it seems that we all accept uncertainty in various aspects of our lives. Understanding that there are limited things we can control, our minds may sometimes trigger alarm within us, yet we have all adapted to coexist with uncertainty as part of our human nature. While we can make plans for the future, the reality remains that we cannot accurately predict or fully manage it.

However, it can indeed be distressing when OCD affects what is most important, such as your faith and religious convictions.

Doubts

Doubts are inquiries we might have regarding various subjects, occurrences, individuals, and more. When we lack certainty about something, we can take steps to acquire the information we desire or require at that time. For instance, if I have doubts about the weather forecast for Utah tomorrow, I can simply check my smartphone app and prepare accordingly.

Yet, the weather in Utah is known for its unpredictability, often shifting within minutes. One option is going outside and savor the sensation of the chilly breeze, listen to the rustling leaves, and observe the overcast sky, identifying it as a refreshing summer day with a temperature of 63 °F. At that moment, three of my senses provide the necessary information. It’s settled!

Reasonable Doubts

When we experience doubts about anything, we can seek information from trustworthy sources. After acquiring the relevant information, we can make informed decisions and proceed. A reasonable doubt can typically be resolved using our five senses within a reasonable timeframe.¹

Obsessional Doubts

OCD is often referred to as the doubting disease. When struggling with OCD, your mind is an amazing problem-solving machine.² It generates numerous “solutions” that seem logical to appease the constant need for reassurance, confidence, and certainty. However, these temporary “solutions” only offer short-time relief.

When triggered, an obsessional doubt arises as your mind weaves a narrative from your imagination, detached from tangible evidence in the present moment. ³ If you find yourself caught in this cycle, unable to ground yourself in the here and now, you may be ensnared in the OCD trap.

Yearning for Coherence

Seeking to understand the world around us and our inner selves is a fundamental human desire. ⁴  Our problem-solving mind often presents various options whenever our lives feel out of balance.

When our minds offer advice that resonates with us, we may perceive it as the solution we seek, even if it is not beneficial. For instance, if someone views themselves as unattractive and experiences a breakup, their mind might lead them to the hurtful and unhelpful conclusion, “I am unattractive!” Despite the negativity, they might embrace this thought as it aligns with their perception. Striving for balance in life is a common desire, yet the longing for coherence can sometimes lead to suffering.

When struggling with OCD and in this case, with religious scrupulosity OCD, remember the following:

1. Uncertainty is a natural part of life. Take a moment in your daily routine to notice how OCD actually “allows” you to be okay with having uncertainty in some areas of your life.
2. Doubts are a natural aspect of being human. When faced with a reasonable doubt, our five senses enable us to gather information or find a solution within a reasonable timeframe. Once we have the answer, we can then shift our focus to other important matters in the here and now.
3. When OCD is present, triggers can stem from anything that sparks initial doubt. While this doubt may appear valid, try to observe if you can sense immediate evidence to support it using your five senses. If you cannot, you are probably ensnared in the OCD cycle.
4. Notice if your avoidant and compulsive behaviors are providing short-term relief to the doubt and distress instead of long-term solutions.

There is a treatment available to help you break free from the OCD’s rigidity, allowing you to begin living a more meaningful life.

Stay hopeful!

References

1. Kieron O’Connor and Frederick Aardema, Clinician’s Handbook for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012).
2. Steven C. Hayes, Get Out of Your Mind and into Your Life (Oakland, CA: New Harbinger, 2005).
3. Kieron O’Connor and Frederick Aardema, Clinician’s Handbook for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (UK: Wiley-Blackwell, 2012).
4. Steven C. Hayes, A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters (New York: Avery, 2019).

Photo by Ben White on Unsplash