Hey all! I just joined this app and wanted to ask for your thoughts and encouragement on something I’ve been experiencing lately. (long post ahead) I’ve had an OCD diagnosis for about 2 years now, along with generalized anxiety, depersonalization symptoms, and depression diagnoses since my teens (I’m 24). Been lucky to have great family and healthcare that have helped me get out of some very dark places. I’m currently on a very high dose of Prozac, a smaller dose of Wellbutrin, and have been in therapy pretty consistently since my late teens. Life is pretty good....I’m in grad school and am doing well socially and academically. I am moving out to another part of the country to do an internship for 10 weeks, starting this Friday. But with all of this great and wonderful stuff in life, I have definitely noticed my OCD getting worse, despite my meds and self care. I’ve been having more obsessive fears and doing the rituals and compulsions to soothe those fears. It’s taking up much more of my mental space than it had for the past 2 years or so. I think part of it is the big change of moving to a new place temporarily, finishing my first year of grad school, and going from being insanely busy to having a month of downtime that is just now wrapping up. I’m getting scared that things are going to get really bad again — so far I’ve been managing with mindfulness and acceptance, and reading up on tactics for managing intrusive thoughts and accompanying compulsions. But I am so afraid that things will get to be into the dark and horrible place they were in 2 years ago. My OCD has been really mild the past few years, since I started the meds, and to feel it flare up again is really REALLY distressing. It makes me scared that the meds aren’t working, or that all the thoughts and fears are real. I know this isn’t the truth, logically, but my OCD and anxiety are running with it. I’m just wondering if anyone else has experienced this (change-related flare ups and the fears accompanied by them) and has tools to manage relapse or flare ups. Thanks in advance :) :)

JennyJ

Date posted: 6y

Hello there! I totally get you. My OCD hit me at its worst after I graduated and got a job. Basically, it hit me when everything was fine and going up, and after two major accomplishments. It is really sad and unfair, now that I look back. But oh well, that's how it happened. To help me I try to keep myself busy, doing meaningful things, connecting with family, yoga has helped a lot. And acting as though what OCD tells me is not important.

Stephen Smith

Date posted: 6y

Know that no matter where you move, we won’t move. We will always be here

Anonymous

Date posted: 6y

Yes, I get flare ups of ocd when I habe major life chages like moving or changing jobs. Sometimes worse the others. Probably stress related combined with all thebuncertainty that goea into a big decision. It sounds quite normal shat you describe (for ocd). Its somewhat expected to some relapses to happen throughout life especially during times of increased stress. Dont be afraid to get some professional help even if you think your symptoms arent that bad yet. Ive found this useful during relapse period. At least after treatment you have more tools in toolkit to deal with relapses.

juj20

Date posted: 6y

Definitely! Thank you! I’m still in treatment while in school, but haven’t found something short term for the summer. I will look into that :)

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