Life Changes questions

Good afternoon all; I’ve recently noticed when I have a change occur in my life that my anxiety and OCD goes off the chart. Do others have this happen to them? How do others deal with the situation in the moment and after? I’m currently laid up in bed, a stressful and anxious mess, taking a leave of absence from work due to changes that have been going on there that I’m overwhelmed with. Any coping strategies for now and at work would be appreciated.

Username: Emily CruceEmily Cruce

User type: Member advocate

Date posted: 1y ago

Hi there! It is very common for OCD symptoms to increase when we have big changes in our life. You are definitely not alone! I always make sure to give myself extra compassion when I am dealing with big changes. I used ERP therapy to treat the root of my OCD and it was very helpful for me. I am happy to say that I am in recovery now. Have you worked with a therapist before using ERP therapy?

Username: SilentlyBattlingSilentlyBatt...

Date posted: 1y ago

@Emily Cruce Hi Emily, yes. I have used ERP therapy before both within an out patient program and with a therapist. I know that my anxiety and stress are flaring up due to work, so by avoiding work I can only imagine I’m building up more stress and anxiety.

Username: Emily CruceEmily Cruce

User type: Member advocate

Date posted: 1y ago

@SilentlyBattling - Hi there! I am so happy to hear that you have done ERP therapy before. I understand how life changes can make OCD and anxiety worse. Keep practicing your ERP and know that there are better days ahead!

Username: AnonymousAnonymous

User type: Staff

Date posted: 1y ago

Personally, my OCD and anxiety typically increase whenever there is a big change in my life too! I would recommend that you continue to do ERP therapy with an ERP Specialist to help decrease your anxiety and OCD that have flared up. I also never let my OCD and anxiety make any decisions in my life. I always remind myself that I am in the driver's seat - not OCD. I hope that this helps you and please remember that you are not alone in this - we are here for you!

Username: SilentlyBattlingSilentlyBatt...

Date posted: 1y ago

I’d like to know what specific ERP tools one can use when in the heat of the moment. That’s the tricky part, that anxiety and stress that builds and then suddenly the OCD flares up. My ocd is very tame besides the usual intrusive thoughts when I’m not anxious or stressed and I can easily label those thoughts, but when anxiety and stress are high due to real life issues, the ocd is on a rocket ship and almost distracts me from the real life issues.

Username: Anonymous

Date posted: 3y ago

Has anyone had a breakup or a major life change that triggered an OCD episode? How did you cope?

Username: 361davidp

Date posted: 1y ago

New to OCD

So I recently learned from my psychiatrist that I could be suffering from OCD (irrational thoughts) and general anxiety. I guess what my concern or question would be is if anyone else deals with irrational thoughts and do they change from day to day. And if it changes on situations. Any advice would be helpful, I feel like I'm losing my mind most days and I haven't always been this way. I am a first responder and have been for about 11 years, this was never and issue before. Just very new to all of this. Thank you all for any input.

Username: jaceyc99

Date posted: 1y ago

Extreme intolerance for change?!

Hi everyone, I’m really struggling today and wanted to reach out to see if others can relate. Not sure if this is a symptom of OCD or is separate, but I’ve always had a big intolerance for change of any kind, big or small, positive or negative. Just got back from vacation which was super fun, but being in so many places & then back at home has me really shaken up. I also brought back my cat with me since she was at my mom’s & even though I LOVE my cat, having her back again after 8 months feels very uncomfortable & stressful. I’ll be moving to another apartment (same city) in a couple weeks & know in advance that it will be extremely hard on me mentally/emotionally to have a new space. It takes me longer than normal to adjust & I feel quite depressed with moving, the season changes… really anything that’s new. Does anyone else experience this & could share their coping strategies?

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