Does anyone have any helpful vitamins or routines that seem to help reduce anxiety? I have been trying to get more sleep & read more (which sounds silly but is a great distraction from all of my thoughts) which seems to help so far. I just wondered if anyone has found things that seem to anchor them & help to reduce the spiral of ocd! Also do routines tend to help those with ocd or discourage the breaking of compulsions??? I feel like they help me but maybe they only give me comfort and reassurance which might actually worsen my ocd in the future??? I’m not sure lol if anyone has any suggestions please reply! :)

i am nearly constantly extremely anxious and i don't want to live like this. my family and friends are so done dealing with me to the point that i feel that i'd be better off completely alone. every small twinge or pain in my body sends me into a panic, and if it's not that it's something else i manage to be worrying over. i'm fairly certain my stress has caused an ulcer to form. i try to sit with myself and not seek reassurance/check myself for issues but it is genuinely agonizing at times. most days i sleep 12-14 hours a day because it gets to a point that i cannot deal with it anymore and i take something to sleep. sometimes i do feel that i would be better off just not around so i wouldn't have to feel this any longer. i do a lot of unhealthy things to cope (drinking, smoking, and otc sleeping pills being the main culprits) and those habits end up hurting me in the long run and making me more anxious. i do have a counselor and she is great but i'm having a really hard time finding a medication provider under my insurance. i really really do want to get better because this is the most miserable i have ever been and i hate being like this and exhausting myself and the people around me. i've been told a big part of the healing process is to make yourself sit with your thoughts and deal with the uncertainty and fear as it comes, but it feels torturous to do that. sometimes reading through these posts does make me feel better knowing that i'm not alone but lately i have been unable to pull myself out of this frantic state. what are some healthier ways to cope/distract yourself that you guys find to be at least semi-effective? i am genuinely willing to try anything to make this terrible feeling go away

I wanted to share with you guys some of the things that have helped me in the past few weeks! If you’re open to it, maybe try a few and see how you feel! First I would really recommend leaning on God. If you’re not a believer you may be skeptical but if you’ve never tried to read the Bible, prayer or even just talking with God, I would recommend so much! My relationship with God has gotten so much better through this terrible illness and in turn I have noticed a lot of positivity, I feel substantially better since I’ve been trying to bring this to God instead of worry about it myself. If you can give your worries to God and learn to have faith that he is with you, loves and forgives you. You have a great step towards recovery and even just a more positive life. Next, try going outside! I know it sounds kinda dumb but I mean it! Some of my best days started with just going outside, reading a book and or listening to music. I went out and tanned, ate some fruit with some lemonade and read “Girl Wash Your Face” it was a great book! I would spend HOURS and it helped me so much! Take a walk, hike, etc.! This leads into the next thing…READING! I recently bought the new book “don’t believe everything you think” and the workbook and it is amazing! This also applies to reading your Bible and other books, specially ones targeting self help and things like that! Another thing is fitness! Try out the gym, I know there is days that you just can’t bring yourself to get up but in those days, make yourself go to the gym! Even if you just go walk on the treadmill or bike! Anything is better than nothing! Keep yourself active, I promise it will make you feel better! Find a good podcast! I have been listening to (The OCD Stories on Spotify), sometimes I’ve even listened while I was going to sleep and let it play through the night! Go on YouTube and follow Chrissie Hodges, NOCD and look for other people who help! Go on instagram and follow Chrissie Hodges, NOCD, iocdf, sincerelyocd, recoverocd, letstalk.ocd, my lovely ocd and there are so many more! Find good music! Again I’m going to bring up worship music some of my favs being ( I Thank God, Move of God, Hard fought Hallelujah, The Truth, Made for more, Thy Will, and there is so many more!) if you would like I can share my playlist! But overall music is so helpful and if you are not a believer or want something different I would recommend songs by Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Kesha, Rihanna, Demi Lovato, Kelly Clarkson, even Billy Joel, Queen, Beck, and things of that nature that are gonna get you PUMPED UP! Lastly, hang out with PEOPLE! Don’t let OCD rule your life, put your ocd in a box best you can and go live your life! Get lunch with a friend, join a bible study, go get a massage, even just meet up with a friend and talk in a parking lot while shoving your face with fast food! You NEED interaction as much as you don’t want to! I know some of these are hard, some is triggering or you’re nervous that you’re gonna spiral, but step out of your comfort zone! That’s the way to get better! Do things that make you feel uncomfortable, the things that are unknown, the things you used to do before this! You can still live and love your life you don’t have to keep just “surviving”! And this isn’t a fix all, trust me I still have my days where I’m like nope I’m staying in bed and crying, but you need to push yourself! No one is coming to hold your hand and walk you out of this, you have to want to help yourself too! And you can do that! I know it’s scary and uncomfortable but you got this! We’re gonna kick some OCD butt! I hope you find this helpful and I wish you the most luck! Comment if you have questions and whatnot! 🫶

The foods we consume can impact our mental well-being. Certain nutrients are essential for brain health and can influence the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood and anxiety levels. By making mindful food choices, individuals can support their mental health and manage symptoms more effectively. Key Nutrients for Anxiety and OCD ManagementOmega-3 Fatty Acids What it is: Essential fats found in fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts. Why it helps: Omega-3s are known to reduce inflammation and support brain health, which can help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and OCD. How to incorporate it: Include fatty fish like salmon and sardines in your diet, or use flaxseed oil in salads and smoothies. MagnesiumWhat it is: A mineral found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Why it helps: Magnesium is known for its calming effects on the nervous system and can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. How to incorporate it: Eat foods like spinach, almonds, and black beans regularly. Probiotics What it is: Beneficial bacteria found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi. Why it helps: Probiotics support gut health, which is closely linked to mental health through the gut-brain axis. How to incorporate it: Include a variety of fermented foods in your diet to maintain a healthy gut microbiome. B Vitamins What it is: A group of vitamins found in whole grains, eggs, dairy products, and leafy greens. Why it helps: B vitamins, especially B12 and folate, are crucial for brain function and the production of neurotransmitters that regulate mood. How to incorporate it: Consume foods like eggs, fortified cereals, and leafy greens like kale and spinach. Antioxidants What it is: Compounds found in fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Why it helps: Antioxidants protect the brain from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can improve mental health. How to incorporate it: Eat a colorful variety of fruits and vegetables, such as berries, oranges, and bell peppers. Practical Diet and Nutrition TipsMaintain a Balanced Diet: Ensure your diet includes a variety of nutrient-dense foods from all food groups. Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, whole grains, and healthy fats. Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated, as dehydration can affect mood and cognitive function. Limit Caffeine and Sugar: Reduce the intake of caffeine and sugary foods, as they can exacerbate anxiety and cause energy crashes. Eat Regular Meals: Avoid skipping meals to maintain stable blood sugar levels, which can help regulate mood and energy. Practice Mindful Eating: Pay attention to what and how you eat. Eating mindfully can help you make healthier food choices and enjoy your meals more. Foods to AvoidProcessed Foods: Processed foods often contain high levels of sugar, unhealthy fats, and additives that can negatively impact mental health. Opt for whole, unprocessed foods whenever possible. High-Sugar Foods: Foods and beverages high in sugar can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leading to mood swings and increased anxiety. Choose natural sweeteners like honey or fruit instead. Excessive Caffeine: High caffeine intake can increase anxiety and interfere with sleep. Limit consumption of coffee, tea, and energy drinks, especially in the afternoon and evening. Tips for Creating a Healthy Eating Plan: Your Meals: Plan and prepare your meals in advance to ensure you have healthy options available. Create a shopping list based on your meal plan to avoid impulse buys. Cook at Home: Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes, making it easier to eat healthily. Experiment with Recipes: Try new recipes that incorporate nutrient-dense foods to keep your meals interesting and enjoyable. Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how different foods affect your mood and energy levels, and adjust your diet accordingly. Incorporating these diet and nutrition tips into your daily routine can help manage anxiety and OCD symptoms, supporting overall mental health and well-being. Remember, small changes can make a big difference over time. 💖🥰