Somatic Symptoms

I’m currently doing ERP for somatic symptoms. I’m not sure if that’s exactly what it is. I’m very aware of myself,like just existing, and my voice. It’s hard. It’s lead to some scary existential thoughts at times. I also fear I’m developing some kinda psychosis. I know I’m not but it’s a hard feeling to shake. I’m taking lexapro and I think it’s helping? I’ve deal with this without meds and it wasn’t this intense at all. Has anyone dealt with this? Any tips? Any ERP exercises I could do?

Username: ashleyb206

Date posted: 81d ago

Hi! I have experienced everything you mentioned in this post. It’s a scary feeling. I mainly focus on my heart beat and breathing. Before I started taking citalopram I could literally feel every single heart beat and every breath I took. I was scared that I would just drop dead at any moment. The saying that has helped me so many times is “it’s okay that I’m thinking this, but my thoughts are not facts” and I will repeat this to myself. We get so wrapped up in the intrusive thoughts that we forget that they’re just thoughts and that they don’t have to have any real power over us. It does get better ❤️

Username: Anonymous

Date posted: 81d ago

Hey there, I also have terrible existential thoughts, sometimes more often than others and also hocd- i just started Zoloft and so far its making it worse it seems, I hope it changes soon for the better.. but I’ve also feared I was going through psychosis and my psychiatrist keeps telling me he doesn’t think it is, im not seeing things or hearing things, just my terrible thoughts of things like nothing is real etc. I usually hangout with my mom or go get her when i feel no hope and this helps me a little, even though she doesn’t know what I’m going through fully i can trust her. Maybe if you have anyone near you that you trust you can call or be near them when you’re having intense thoughts ?💜 we’ll all be okay💪