Musical Performance Somatic OCD

Hello to all! I’ve been a professional musician for 20 years. I’ve worked with and through various levels of anxiety and panic, but lately something different is going on—somatic OCD. It feels like another person is playing through me, and I obsess on each hand and finger movement to where it can cause major distress. This has never happened before until just several months ago. Does this make sense?

Username: Redrover

Date posted: 102d ago

Yes! I feel like I know exactly what you’re talking about. I have even had dreams about it.

Username: CEH1984

Date posted: 102d ago

@Anonymous I wonder if it all has to do with fear of losing control

Username: Anonymous

Date posted: 102d ago

Definitely makes sense. I’m A very avid runner and hiker, and I have somatic OCD surrounding the movement of my legs. OCD affects the things you care about the most. A few tips: 1) Don’t avoid triggering situations, continue to play just as much as you normally would 2) Don’t try and push the thoughts or sensations away, just accept them 3) Don’t actively analyze or ruminate.

Username: CEH1984

Date posted: 102d ago

@Anonymous Thank you!!!