OCD sufferers typically exhibit high levels of empathy towards others while failing to extend that same kindness to themselves. This imbalance can lead to emotional distress and self-neglect. The concept of 'selfish empathy' encourages individuals to apply the same compassion they show to others to themselves. By cultivating self-compassion and self-advocacy, those with OCD can break free from negative patterns and foster healthier self-relationships, steering away from narcissistic behaviors. Ultimately, it’s about achieving a more balanced emotional state.
When your OCD is ramping up, it's because you're losing yourself not being full of yourself. You're so caught up in managing others' feelings or trying to be as good, moral, or pure as possible, there's no room for you.
This is the beginning of what one of my clients fantastically dubbed selfish empathy, the capacity to lend yourself the full amount of your empathy since you regularly lend out your full metaphorical bank account to others.
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