Intrusive thoughts and somatic symptoms

Hello, everyone. This is my first time posting. I actually just downloaded the app half an hour ago. In conjunction with OCD, I suffer from moderate to severe Seasonal Affective Disorder. Does anyone struggle like crazy with change? I recently moved and am switching departments at my job. Where I live, temperatures drastically went from warm to cold with no gradual cooldown. My intrusive thoughts consist of not feeling strong enough, not feeling feeling independent, then when feeling anxious I obsess over whether I have eaten enough because sometimes I won’t eat as much due to feeling nauseous from my anxiety. And from there, the cycle repeats and then I go back and forth and end up spiraling. Does anyone else experience a similar pattern? Thank you so much in advance.

Username: TPD

Date posted: 76d ago

Only recently I was diagnosed with depression, anxiety, and OCD, the holy trifecta of being bad with change, especially in the wintertime. The spiraling is real. EVERYTHING you do is “wrong”, even when it’s just you trying to cope with the stuff your mind is throwing at you. I’m no expert, but I can give you tips. With OCD, I suggest shrugging all the thoughts off, because it’ll fade away when you don’t give it strength. It’s essentially a bully. And depression—or SAD—is going to weight you down, so take baby steps! Set a goal each day: today I’ll eat [blank] amount, no matter what. Tomorrow I’ll eat this much more. Really, it’s so much harder than it looks, but get yourself into a healthy pattern, and you’ll be set. And as for change… well, nothing we can do about that. The world is always changing, but we can keep ourselves stable. Reach out if you need help, and really, the best thing to do is know you’re not alone. Everyone on this app, including me, is cheering for you. Good luck! ❤️

Username: TrackStarNick

Date posted: 76d ago

@TPD Thank you so much for your insight! I am definitely a routine-type person, but you’re 100% correct when it comes to change. The obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors seem to be synonymous with change of any kind, big or small.

Username: Dee C

Date posted: 76d ago

Welcome. I’m no expert either. I change job title about a year ago and headed towards retirement. When it comes to changes one of the saying I came across in my journey is ‘We hate routine and we fear change.’ After a while routines become monotonous but we need to allow ourselves time to acclimate to change. So allow yourself some time to get use to the changes. And each time you allow yourself to accept the changes, give yourself a mental pat on the back and celebrate even the smallest accomplishments. Hope this helps you.

Username: TrackStarNick

Date posted: 76d ago

@Dee C Thank you! I really like the quote and appreciate how accurate it is. In many ways I love and appreciate change, but when it comes to my own personal life and things going on, I am very resistant and fearful.