Just wanted to vent a little bit. My OCD has come back terribly in the past few days. I feel like whenever I start talking to a girl I like, my HOCD and ROCD ramps up. I’m getting to the point where I don’t even want to talk to anyone, female or male. I don’t know what to do. Nobody around me even understands what I’m going through or treats it like it’s not a big deal. I have a young daughter and I feel like I can’t take care of her. I can’t hold a job, a relationship, friendship or anything else of value. I can’t afford a therapist and I’m slowly starting to lose my drive to live and I don’t know what to do. Any advice ?

Check and see if there's a community mental health center near you. They have low-cost therapy options and other mental health resources that are usually covered by Medicaid. If you live near a college, see if they have a program where therapists-in-training offer affordable help. You could also try to figure out if there are any mental health support groups near you. Those are usually either free or very cheap. Also, if you belong to a church, see if they offer biblical counseling, or simply schedule a meeting with your pastor to talk about your OCD. Your church may be able to help you pay for therapy. Don't give up, Kurt. I know it's hard to believe this right now, but there IS hope! Resist the urge to isolate yourself. There is strength in reaching out for help.

Yes, that’s my name. I appreciate the advice. I have to get better at that because I can’t even lay in bed with my girlfriend without my anxiety going crazy.

I’m so sorry this is something you’re struggling with, Kurt—is that your name, by the way? I definitely understand how this is preventing you from talking to others, whether that be a male or a female, because of your R/HOCD. It’s hard, isn’t it? But remember, your avoidance is just another compulsion regarding this sort of thing, and my advice is that you should try confronting that. For example: - You’re talking to a girl, and your mind creeps up on you with the intrusive thoughts. You’re getting anxious, and you are getting an impulse to leave or to avoid the situation because of the R/HOCD. - Instead of leaving or avoiding that girl, you recognise your thinking patterns and recognise that this is just your OCD; it’s not going to hurt you, and you’re not doing anything wrong.

Please don’t give up yet.

Thank you! I will get on that ASAP