Going through a really stressful time right now. I am looking for a job, dealing with financial stress, I was in a minor car accident a week ago (no one was hurt), and I really haven’t been doing great emotionally or mentally since my grandpa passed away the end of last year. Does anyone have any tips for managing stress when you are dealing with a lot of life changes? I feel like it is sending my OCD into hyper drive, I fixate on every little thing, think about all the what ifs, and worry about every perceived mistake I make and how it is going to affect my situation. I feel like this is caused by all the stress and pressure that is on me right now. If anyone has any tips or forms of stress relief they find particularly effective that would be amazing.

I’m younger and still in school, so I don’t know how much help I could be but I will try. I want to help people as much as I can. I find distracting myself is one of the better methods to managing my OCD. Doing things that you love, talking to friends or family, and exercising work wonders. When I’m having a difficult time managing I usually listen to some of my favorite songs or doodle. Hang in there :3 You’ll win this battle.

Thanks for the advice! I think I am going to try and exercise more and take time for myself. Thanks for the support.

Stress is well known for causing OCD flares. Sounds like you need to invest in yourself in the form of self care activities. Try to invest one hour a day into “me time” - exercise, doing something you enjoy, socializing, learning something new, meditating, yoga, etc. Cut out anything that is not 100% necessary. Ask yourself, is this helping or hurting my mental health before taking on any new activities? Sounds like you might also benefit from counseling

@melissarose No problem! You aren’t alone. I’ve been through similar experiences, a loss of a close family member being the official trigger of my OCD. Stress does awful things to our minds, especially those already suffering ? Take care