Harm OCD
What is Harm OCD?
Harm OCD can manifest in several different ways. For some people, it can manifest as the fear of hurting others, including strangers, loved ones, children, animals, the elderly, and even hurting themselves (subset Suicide OCD, harming self of committing suicide in some way). This is not to be confused with someone who is actually suicidal. These individuals feel they can’t trust themselves and may “snap” and be capable of harming self or others. This can manifest as thought’s, doubts, emotions and images.
Common Obsessions (fears and doubts)
- Fears about impulsively or inadvertently harming someone
- Fears about impulsively or inadvertently hurting themselves or committing suicide
- Worried they could be hiding their true nature and they are really a vicious or dangerous person
- Responsible for causing harm and they are unaware of it, such as hit and run
Common Compulsions (safety behaviors)
- Avoiding or hiding objects such as; kitchen knives, poisonous chemicals, ropes, razor blades, medications etc)
- Reviewing all of their actions to make sure they are not responsible for causing harm
- Avoidance of watching the news, violent shows or movies
- Researching violent traits of offenders to make sure they don’t have the same characteristics
- Gaining reassurance from others that they are not a person that could cause harm