S1-E21 | Eleanor Overcame Intrusive Thoughts and Found Freedom Through Understanding She is not Her Thoughts or Emotions
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"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?"
"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.
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
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
Creators and Guests
Guest
Eleanor Ward
As a mother of five with many life experiences from abuse, Pure-O, OCD & ADHD leading to awakenings to oneself, multidimensionality and consciousness have brought me ways to find beauty and empowerment from pain. The journey to self awareness, acceptance and adjusting my own perspective has brought light into my life enabling me to create on purpose and not be blinded by the illusions the mind can create. I love sharing this and hope others will benefit from feeling understood.
