S1-E21 | Eleanor Overcame Intrusive Thoughts and Found Freedom Through Understanding She is not Her Thoughts or Emotions

The Crucible:Conversations for the Curious

Highlight

"Around the age of seven, every single night time, I used to be scared to go to bed because of the fear of me stabbing my parents. And it took a long, long time for me to really understand what that was. I used to cry, I didn't want to go to bed, and I couldn't tell my parents because, of course, if you tell your parents that, I mean, what's gonna happen?"

Summary

In this enlightening conversation, Eleanor shares her profound journey through the struggles of intrusive thoughts and OCD, beginning from her childhood experiences to the challenges faced during motherhood. She emphasises the importance of disidentifying from one's thoughts, understanding the role of meditation, and the power of communication in overcoming mental health challenges.
Eleanor discusses practical steps for self-discovery, the significance of cognitive behavioural therapy, and the journey towards empowerment and acceptance.
Her story is a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar issues, highlighting that happiness and self-love are attainable.

About Eleanor
Website - Wonderfully Mental
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/Wonderfullymental
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@Wonderfullymental
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@Wonderfullymental

Resources

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) - https://www.ocduk.org/ocd/
• Intrusive thoughts
  • https://www.intrusivethoughts.org/
  • https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/symptoms-of-ocd/#WhatAreIntrusiveThoughts

Takeaways

• Intrusive thoughts can start in childhood and evolve.
• Motherhood can intensify intrusive thoughts and fears.
• Dis-identifying from intrusive thoughts is crucial for mental health.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can provide valuable tools for managing thoughts.
• Communication and sharing experiences can alleviate feelings of shame.
• Understanding that thoughts are not reality is empowering.
• Finding your true self requires time and introspection.
• Reconnecting with the body through movement can aid emotional healing.
• Empowerment comes from accepting oneself and one's journey.

Sound Bites

• "You are not your thoughts."
• "Disidentifying from the mind is freedom."
• "We all deserve happiness."

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Eleanor's Experience with Intrusive Thoughts

10:39 -Understanding the Difference Between Thoughts and Identity

11:28 - Lack of Support and Coping Mechanisms as a Child

13:03 - Learning to Dis-identify from Thoughts and Trust the Heart

14:50 - Refining the Understanding of Thoughts and Imagination

20:45 - Strategies for Managing Intrusive Thoughts

22:41 - The Importance of Knowing Oneself

26:52 - Disidentifying with Intrusive Thoughts

28:10 - Knowing Oneself and Observing the Mind

30:02 - Spending Time Alone and Reconnecting with Self

32:43 - Gentleness and Non-Judgment in Self-Reflection

40:15 - Limiting Social Media and Escapism

41:45 - Choosing What to Experience and Setting Boundaries

47:01 - Acceptance and Self-Love: Wonderfully Mental

47:48 - Superpower: Empowerment and Shining