bittenhounds

Date posted: 2y

Managing fulltime job with OCD?

Hi everyone. I just started a fulltime position at work, and I'm terrified of my OCD causing problems. I've had days where I cannot stop myself from just straight up going home from work because my thoughts are taking over every ounce of my focus and I'm terrified. I don't want this to interfere with my new job, as it's more of a supervisory thing and I can't exactly just up and leave. I was wondering if anyone had any solid advice for how to manage attacks in the middle of a work shift? Or managing this with a fulltime job in general? I can give more specifics if need be. Thanks y'all. First post here, newly diagnosed, really struggling. Glad this platform exists.

Estrid

Date posted: 2y

Attentiontraining and mindfulness has been so important to me, like "ok here comes the thought, I notice them, but now I chose to focus on my work, I can deal with you later..." again and again...it needs practice, much practice.

Nowweeee

Date posted: 2y

Hey there, it seems like going home from work because of your anxious thoughts would be more of a compulsion! This is something I would avoid as it will only strengthen the idea that you can’t manage it. Is this going to be easy on top of learning a new job? Absolutely not. But just know we are all going through it too so you aren’t alone. Nothing worth doing in life is easy! Stay strong.

bittenhounds

Date posted: 2y

@Anonymous Yeah, I definitely came to the "ah geez, I'm compulsively going home" realization last time this happened haha. It's such a headache. Thank you, even just knowing I'm not alone with this is a help.

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

I’ve been doing the same thing for a year or so Lately it’s been loosening the grip a lil. Hang on it’ll get better

bittenhounds

Date posted: 2y

@Anonymous Thank you, friend

Erin P

Date posted: 2y

Even though you are busy getting help from an ERP therapist will ultimately give you more time at work because you’ll learn how to deal with the thoughts without becoming overwhelmed.

bittenhounds

Date posted: 2y

@Erin P I hear good things about ERP. I'll do my best to find one. It helps to hear so many people encourage it. Thank you!

Erin P

Date posted: 2y

@bittenhounds IOCDF has a search function on their website for finding people who do ERP - they don’t review them so you’d have to look elsewhere for if they are good or bad. You can also go to your insurance website and search for anxiety/ OCD therapists and then check their websites to see if they do ERP. Good luck.

bittenhounds

Date posted: 2y

@Erin P I appreciate it!

Norman12!

Date posted: 2y

Are you on medication?

bittenhounds

Date posted: 2y

@Norman12! I am, two different types. It is helping, but not when I get severe spikes.

Norman12!

Date posted: 2y

@bittenhounds What kind are you on, I think my medication has helped a lot I’m a full time manager 43 hours a week I missed work when it first happens for 2 months , it spiked up with the whole Lindsey case and we increased my dosage! I’ve been doing good so far I’ve had ocd my entire life but didn’t realize it until I had harm strangling thoughts towards my daughter! Do you get Xanax or anything I do take a low dosage of that when I get anxious and helps a lot

bittenhounds

Date posted: 2y

@Norman12! I'm on fluvoxamine and abilify, still low dosage but it's definitely taken me down from 24/7 losing my marbles haha. I didn't know I had OCD until about 5 months ago so things have been slow. I just started an as-needed anxiety med too.

wiki_xo

Date posted: 24w

A nurse with OCD

I just started my new job maybe a couple months ago and I’m officially off orientation. I had a couple shifts by myself but the anxiety I feel being alone is honestly beastly. I keep getting scared that I’ll end up giving my patients someone else’s medications, keep having thoughts of “what if I give patient A medications to patient C.” My hair keeps falling out, I get such bad pre work and post work anxiety. On my days off all I think about is work. It’s taking a toll on my mental health and my relationship with my boyfriend. I am mad and stressed all the time. I’m just so tired and I honestly feel like I’m getting depressed. I want to stick it out a couple more months so I can get a job somewhere that’s not in a hospital. I just feel so stuck and scared all the time. If anyone else is a nurse with OCD what did you do to help with your anxiety and OCD?

Young adults with OCD

Deborah Ward

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 22w

OCD and Work

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?

Anonymous

Date posted: 21w

Advice on getting by?

Hi! I’m new to the NOCD community, but I’ve been dealing with OCD since I was 12. I’m almost 29 now, and my biggest issue is health anxiety. It’s gotten to the point where getting work done is nearly impossible because i can’t stop spiraling. I’m lucky that i work remotely, but also makes it easier to be in my own head… Asking for advice - how do you all deal with the intense anxiety and are able to make it through a 9-5 work day? Any suggestions on how I can actually be productive? Thank you!

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