Existential OCD: Breaking the Cycle of Uncertainty

Existential OCD can leave you feeling trapped in a maze of overwhelming philosophical and existential questions. These questions might be about life, death, meaning, or the fear of losing your sense of self. The anxiety comes from an intense need to find definitive answers to these questions, even though, deep down, you know that the answers don’t necessarily exist.

What is Existential OCD?

Existential OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts about big life questions, such as “What’s the meaning of life?” or “What if I’m living my life the wrong way?” People with this subtype of OCD may struggle with the fear of losing their sense of self or their connection to reality. These thoughts can feel endless, and the anxiety that comes with them can make it hard to live in the present.

One client of ours in our OCD Coaching Program was consumed by questions like, “What if I’m living a lie? What if I’m not truly myself?” No matter how much reassurance he got, the uncertainty would always creep back in. It wasn’t until we used ERP to expose him to the uncertainty and applied the Letting Go technique that he was able to start accepting that some things in life just don’t have clear-cut answers. Through consistent practice, he learned how to let go of the need for certainty and found a sense of peace.

Common Thoughts People with Existential OCD Experience:“What if life has no meaning? What’s the point?”“What if I’m not really myself? Am I just a ‘role’ in life?”“How do I know I’m living authentically?”“What if I lose my connection to reality?”“What if I’m living in a way that’s completely wrong?”Common Compulsions in Existential OCD

The compulsions in Existential OCD are usually mental and often involve attempting to solve or find an answer to the existential questions. Here are some common compulsions:

Mental Reassurance: Constantly reviewing past experiences or beliefs to try and find answers to the existential questions.Seeking Answers: Looking for information or discussing your existential worries with others in an attempt to find peace.Avoidance: Avoiding certain topics, conversations, or situations that might trigger existential questions or fears.Ritualistic Thinking: Engaging in mental rituals to “neutralize” the fears, like repeating certain thoughts or phrases.ERP and Letting Go: The Tools for Recovery

The most effective treatment for Existential OCD is ERP and the Letting Go technique. By exposing yourself to the uncertainty that comes with these existential thoughts and resisting the urge to perform compulsions, you train your brain to tolerate the discomfort of not having all the answers. Over time, the anxiety diminishes, and you learn to live with the uncertainty instead of being controlled by it.

The Letting Go technique is a powerful tool that allows you to release the grip that these existential thoughts have on you. When you practice letting go, you stop engaging with the thoughts and stop giving them meaning. This brings about a deep sense of peace and allows you to live in the present.

This is why our OCD coaching program has a 97% success rate. We guide our clients through the process of facing their fears, resisting compulsions, and using the Letting Go technique to reclaim their lives from OCD. This holistic approach—combining ERP with acceptance and letting go—creates a solid foundation for long-term recovery.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

If you’re struggling with Existential OCD, know that there is hope. The key to recovery is learning how to live with uncertainty and not being defined by the constant need for answers. If you’re ready to take control of your life and overcome the anxiety of these intrusive thoughts, I invite you to apply for my hands-on OCD coaching program. We’ll work together to break the cycle of uncertainty and get you back to living a meaningful life.

Click here to apply now and start your journey to freedom from OCD.

Take care,

Zach W.

Founder, OCD Coaching Services