Harm OCD in Children: The Fear of Harming Yourself or Others

About this episode

This episode unpacks Harm OCD in children, focusing on the nature of intrusive thoughts and how parents can respond effectively.

Harm OCD is one of the most frightening and misunderstood themes of OCD, especially when it shows up in children. Intrusive thoughts about hurting oneself or someone else can feel shocking, confusing, and deeply distressing for both kids and parents. These thoughts often clash with a child’s true values, which is exactly why they feel so intense. In this episode, we gently unpack what harm OCD really is and what it is not. We talk about the difference between intrusive thoughts and intent, and why fear can so easily be mistaken for danger. When parents understand the OCD cycle and how it attaches to what matters most, they are better equipped to respond with clarity instead of panic. If you are a parent who has ever felt your heart drop after hearing your child share a scary thought, or if your child has ever been terrified of their own mind, this episode is for you. Resources Discussed in Episode: - Handout of this episode -Videos on Harm OCD: https://youtu.be/qQgTkIfUFDM?si=0c9wIFghIctn4BCT https://youtu.be/XR0anBw_NIY?si=ggHSaxbhkdlkvOjF https://youtu.be/hPOJW3iXRwU?si=lFAcTY7qMX7DMiXh - SPACE Study Course *** This podcast episode is sponsored by NOCD. NOCD provides online OCD…

People in this episode

Host: Natasha Daniels

Topics covered

• Harm OCD
• Intrusive thoughts
• Child anxiety
• Parenting
• Mental health

Keywords

• Harm OCD
• intrusive thoughts
• child anxiety
• mental health
• parenting
• OCD cycle
• fear of harm

Sponsors

NOCD

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Harm OCD, SPACE Study Course

Places: US, UK, Australia, Canada

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