New here!

Hi, I am new here, and am grateful to meet you all. Reading your posts has been helpful for me as a newly diagnosed sufferer of OCD. I’ve had diagnosed panic disorder and anxiety for many years, but finally got a diagnosis of OCD- and it has actually brought me reassurance and validity. My most debilitating obsession is my health, and my compulsion is googling, checking my pulse, and going repeatedly to the doctor. This leads to daily panic attacks. I’d really love to hear from others here who suffer from health anxiety and OCD. I am grateful to be here

Health Concern OCD

LowellT

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

I’m 62 and I would say I had OCD since my 20’s. I have been getting counseling from NOCD for just over a year. It has been a huge help. I am effected by OCD with hit and run - did I offend someone etc. I would say the only weapon OCD has is doubt. The way to starve OCD is don’t give into the compulsion. I find it helpful to know OCD is just about doubt since that helps me take a more direct aim at it. I appreciate NOCD and the help I have gotten through them. it is good to to a community like this of folks who understand what we are going through. I know you you can resist your compulsions. It can be tough at times, but I know you can do it. The only difference between you and me is what triggers us. I know you can say “No” to your compulsions 👍.

AlexPG

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@LowellT Thank you so much for sharing your insights with me. This community seems amazing and although we share different compulsive behaviors and triggers, it’s validating to connect with so many other people who share in an overarching, similar struggle- and I especially love hearing about people overcoming their compulsions!

Amber R

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

Hi and welcome to NOCD! I’m happy you’ve found the app and feel it’s helpful. Before my OCD diagnosis I was also diagnosed with GAD + Panic Attacks. It was such a relief to learn about OCD and find out I wasn’t alone. Health anxiety is something I’ve always struggled with too. I used to go to my Doctor’s office so often that they nicknamed me the “Office baby” (lovingly, not as an insult) and they knew my voice when I called ha! But since going through therapy here with NOCD and utilizing ERP, I now only go to the doctor for scheduled appointments or when I’m sick. I think health themes can be so hard because our compulsions seem rational + it feels irresponsible not to check out our every symptom or odd feeling. But googling symptoms, checking our heart rate, and going repeatedly to the doctor don’t make us any more or less likely to have a health problem happen. In fact, those compulsions only keep us spinning in OCD’s hamster wheel. And focusing on how we’re breathing or feeling only makes us more hyper-aware + or concerned. But you can take your power back from that anxiety + OCD. Are you considering therapy here?

AlexPG

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@Amber R Thank you so much for this. It’s really helpful and validating to read that you’ve shared similar experiences! I completely agree about getting stuck on the hamster wheel- I actually am a healthcare provider and I think the more I know about what could happen, the worse my what-if thoughts become. The reality is,I am a healthy, young woman- but I am making myself sick with my obsessions and compulsions. I am going to consult with a therapist on here tomorrow and am so excited! I do have a therapist but not one specializing in OCD or ERP.

Amber R

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@AlexGeller I don’t work in the medical field but enjoy reading/learning about it for fun, outside of my anxiety/compulsions. So I totally know what you mean when you say the what-ifs sometimes feel worse/more severe! But even with all that knowledge you can still overcome your compulsions! Something to remember is that OCD doesn’t respond to logic/rational thinking. It will always wiggle it’s way out of any uncertainty you try to achieve with knowledge. That’s why accepting uncertainty and refraining from rumination is the key. So excited for you that you have a consult with an OCD specialist! It really changes the game to have someone who knows this disease and the best way to treat it. I’d had a therapist before who didn’t specialize in OCD, and it really got me nowhere. Best of luck on your journey and don’t hesitate to holler or post if you need anything!

AlexPG

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@Amber R Wow, so grateful for you and this community already. I resonate with OCD not responding to logic- I’ve read so many books geared towards panic disorder that utilize knowledge to convince yourself you shouldn’t be afraid, and it makes sense why that approach has never worked for me! I’ll definitely keep you updated on my journey!

Jeffrey

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@Amber R Welcome! I do not have health anxiety but have had ocd for over 40 years. And ERP therapy has changed my life. I would encourage you to sign to for erp therapy. It is the gold standard treatment and from my experience it is the first time in a long time I feel good. I am hopeful that I can maintain a recovery lifestyle. And you can too. It is hard work but with practice and time it get easier. Wishing you well.

Rainbow!!

Date posted: 25w

Hi! I’m new here!

A huge thank you to everyone. I am new to the app. I’m 28 years old and only recently discovered that my thoughts are a result of my OCD. It’s been so reassuring to hear other people managing the same thoughts I’ve been having.

fable1234

Date posted: 23w

Recently diagnosed with OCD

Hey everyone. I’m new to this app and have been recently diagnosed with OCD. My symptoms were something I had all my life but only recently took the step to seek therapy. Hoping to share my journey with y’all soon and recover together.

satoruwu

Date posted: 20w

New here

I’m irrationally terrified of being found somehow by someone who knows me but I’m trying to post anyway. Not sure if I qualify as young adult or mid-life at this point because I’m about to be 30. Hi, I’m new here and I’m in the process of getting a diagnosis. I’m already diagnosed with autism, GAD, and probable ADHD, and I believe I’ve had varying subtypes of OCD since childhood. My worst OCD-related issue right now has been constant reassurance seeking. I’ve fallen into a trap of constantly doing it and without reassurance I’m terrified to make decisions in my new job. It’s causing me to ask too many questions I already know the answers to which makes me not look competent. Even though I’m somewhat experienced in my field of work, starting this new job has me feeling like I’m starting in the field all over again because I’m so bad these days with working independently since I can’t reassure myself that what I’m doing is correct. I’ve been stressed out of my mind and have come close to losing my job because the stress has exacerbated my autistic struggles such as meltdowns and social issues and I’m also battling the ADHD and GAD on top of it. I’ve also been pushing away people who are close to me with my reassurance seeking because I have problems with not being satisfied with any piece of advice or reassurance given to me by friends and family. They can say things will be okay a thousand times and even though I’m the one who asked I will fight them on it and I’m getting tired of my own difficult behavior and obsessive thoughts. I finally got into therapy again to try and save my job and my relationships from the clutches of my various mental illnesses and I’m just looking for community here.

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