3 Tips for improving your confidence if you have OCD

People with OCD often have issues with confidence because they are constantly doubting themselves and their abilities. This can be extremely frustrating and debilitating, as it can prevent them from enjoying activities or participating in activities that they used to enjoy.

I have ocd and it really affects my confidence. I tend to second guess myself a lot and it really holds me back from taking on new challenges. I’m always worried about making mistakes and it really affects my ability to just go for it. I’m constantly doubting myself and my abilities, and it’s really frustrating. I know that I’m capable of so much more, but my ocd just gets in the way.

Mark Romanoff

Why people with OCD struggle with confidence?

There are 3 main reasons why people with OCD can have issues with self esteem and confidence:

1. People with OCD often have intrusive and unwanted thoughts that they cannot control. These thoughts can be very distressing and can make it difficult for them to feel confident in themselves.
2. People with OCD may also have compulsions that they feel they must do in order to reduce their anxiety. This can lead to them feeling like they are not in control of their own lives and can make it difficult to feel confident.
3. People with OCD may also avoid situations or activities that trigger their OCD symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to participate in activities that they enjoy or that could help them build confidence.

20 examples for common negative thoughts related to confidence

1. I’m not good enough.

2. I’m not smart enough.

3. I’m not pretty enough.

4. I’m not thin enough.

5. I don’t deserve to be happy.

6. I don’t deserve to be successful.

7. I’m not worth anyone’s time.

8. I’m not worth anyone’s love.

9. I’m not lovable.

10. I’m not good enough for anything.

11. I’m not talented enough.

12. I’m not special.

13. I’m not worth anything.

14. I’m not worth anyone’s attention.

15. I’m not worth anyone’s respect.

16. I’m not worth anyone’s love.

17. I’m not a good person.

18. I’m not a worthwhile person.

19. I’m not a lovable person.

20. I’m not a good enough person.

10 Examples for negative thoughts related to confidence that are specific for people with OCD

1. I will never be able to control my OCD.
2. I’m so ashamed of my OCD.
3. I’m disgusting because of my OCD.
4. I will never be able to lead a normal life because of my OCD.
5. I will always be alone because of my OCD.
6. I will never be able to have a successful career because of my OCD.
7. I will never be able to have a happy and fulfilling life because of my OCD.
8. I am a burden to everyone because of my OCD.
9. I am worthless because of my OCD.
10. I will never be able to be happy because of my OCD.

So what can I do to improve my confidence?

Cognitive behavioral methods are a way of increasing confidence by reducing negative thinking and self criticism. The way it works is by changing the way you think about yourself and your abilities. Instead of thinking negatively, you focus not just on your positive qualities and accomplishments, but more importantly, on supportive interpretations of situations. This change in thinking leads to improved self-esteem and confidence.

The first step is to become aware of your negative thoughts and self-criticism. Once you are aware of these thoughts, you can start to challenge and reframe them. For example, instead of thinking “I’m not good enough,” you can tell yourself “I am good enough.” Once you start to reframe your negative thoughts, you will start to see an increase in your confidence levels.

3 tips for building confidence

1. When you feel low confidence, write down your negative thoughts, so you get to better understand your challenges.
2. Challenge and reframe the negative thoughts. Try to find additional ways to approach a specific negative thought or situation.
3. Studies show that maintaining LOW self-esteem is actually a very laborious and consuming habit. Just by reducing your self-criticism, your confidence will increase.