I've noticed my OCD flares up most over the holidays when people I haven't seen in a long time start asking personal life questions. What makes your OCD flare up the most over the holidays?
The feeling that I need to enjoy it. The fact that I don’t have much family or any friends.
@Matthew L. I’ve always felt that way, too Matthew. Like I NEED to enjoy the holidays or I have a “missed opportunity.” But the reality is, many of us just don’t have the highlight of many family or friends and I can honestly tell you I am one of those people!
Usually pre holiday I get issues because the holidays I have to face some situations that trigger ocd. When the actual holiday comes I usually enjoy the day without much problem. Anticipation of anxiety is alway worse than facing things that trigger anxiety.
@ivrec Excellent observation. That anticipatory anxiety is sometimes worse than the actual anxiety??!
@ Mine is definitely worse prior to or at the very beginning, then it's ok when I get into it...
There is so much activity and I get tired very easily and that usually triggers ocd.
@Jeffrey Such a good point. For me, I’ve found myself seeking isolation from the overstimulation because I feel so far from my thoughts, but then I realize maybe the distractions are good because I’m not AS focused on my OCD.
@ That is true for me as well. I don’t avoid.
Trying to make it perfect. Trying to not be triggered with contamination.
Perfectionism ugg. I have to practice being uncomfortable about not making it perfect. Just do maybe 3 things and call it a day. There will always be that nagging maybe I didn't do enough feeling.
For me it just doesn't feel like the holidays anymore even last year, it's odd idk 🤷♂️
@Schroder RIGHT??
thinking about the past, and how horrible it was as a child, taking me out of the moment that my current situation is so much more then most people have and makes me feel guilty but trying to remember i'm worthy!! and deserve the world 🙏
The holidays are a well-known trigger for anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and other mental health issues. This can be an excruciating time of year for so many people. I feel that canceling the NOCD the support groups for the holidays is understandable, but a huge missed opportunity for those that need all the support they can get at this time. Maybe there just weren't enough folks signed up, who knows, but I know I sure could have used support groups this weekend 🤷
@SuperTrouper I am sorry you are having a difficult time. Support is important and the groups will resume Tuesday.
Thank you so much for this valuable feedback - I will pass it on to the support group team.
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Hi there and WELCOME. I am so glad you are here with us. It's a monumental step to join an online community, as it can be daunting, but so very rewarding. Thank you for sharing and being so vulnerable. What you described in terms of the real life event and that bleeding over into other life events is so very common - but that doesn't make it any easier. Just out of curiosity, have you ever talked to an OCD Specialist about any of this?
For me it’s meals with family and friends cause I have somatic ocd related to eating/drinking
Just going back to the place where I grew up can trigger me. But ocd also flares up when being around certain people that have always triggered me as well. Happy Holidays? Bah humbug! :)
I completely get this! Just merely going back to the place where so much of your life has happened when you were in a different phase of your life can be so triggering.
I always feel pressurised to enjoy the holidays, but the build up always provides an OCD issue.
Im having a OCD specifically contamination OCD flare up all month and I don’t want to feel this way going into March, I’ve thrown out clothes, towels, stayed up for hours doing compulsions, washed my hands till they crack and bleed, I have washing pilling up cause I’m so overwhelmed by all the extra things I’ve added cause I thought it was contaminated. It’s completely draining me to the point where I’ve become sleep deprived and are avoiding part of my home because they are deemed contaminated to me…I only moved in a few months ago, I had a roach problem and using baits and insecticides really messed with my ocd too. anyone have any tips or tricks to make this easier? I wasn’t doing this bad in January :( thankyou in advance :)
OCD doesn't take a break just because you have work to do. What are some ways that OCD has popped up for you at your work?
As the Chief Clinical Officer at NOCD, I like to check in with our community when we enter a new season, especially knowing how OCD responds to change. The arrival of spring can bring many changes—longer days, increased activity, and breaks from school or work. These shifts from the pace of winter can be refreshing, but they can also affect our energy, emotions, and stress levels. As a result, OCD symptoms tend to ebb and flow during this season, just as they can during any time of change. I encourage you to pause and check in with yourself in these early days of spring. If you're noticing OCD feeling more intense, know that you're not alone. Instead of judging these feelings, try to focus on how you respond to them—because no matter how OCD is showing up, there are tools and support to help you through it. Here in the NOCD Community, you're surrounded by people who relate, who care, and who are rooting for you. I hope you'll lean on your support system and seek care if you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed. Therapy can be a powerful way to gain skills for navigating life's changes, and our team is always here when you're ready to take the next step. Have you noticed any changes in your OCD as we enter spring? How are you managing them?
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