For the past month and a half I’ve been getting horrible thoughts that I’m going to die soon and I keep seeing things on the news about 18 year olds dying and I’m scared it’s a sign because I’m 17 and my head keeps telling me somethings going to happen before I turn 18 or when I turn 18. I’ve also got a constant feeling in my gut that something bad is going to happen to me and it never goes away it’s a horrible feeling and I don’t know what to do. My head also keeps telling me I’m ready to die which I’m not I don’t want to, I’m living my life in fear and I’m really scared it’s not anxiety. Could this just be my mind daring me to think these things like the feeling I’m ready to die etc or is it my gut trying to tell me something and it’s sending me signs. I’m really scared. Please help.

Hi charliexo — I think right now you’re seeking reassurance. I’ve seen you post the same type message many times now, so I know plenty of people have already extended empathy and understanding and even reassurance before on this as well as advice. I hope you’re noticing the pattern that always happens with reassurance: it lasts for a little while and then we need it again, and eventually we need more of it to feel better. Rather than seeking reassurance, I would take this opportunity to sit with the fear, feed it uncertainty, and refrain from compulsions. Maybe the world is sending you signs that you’re going to die, but maybe (probably) not. Uncertainty doesn’t have to mean there’s a 50/50 chance your fear is true, it can be a really small chance. How about you sit with the .1% chance the world is intent on killing you before you turn 18. There’s still a 99.9% chance it won’t. You’ll also need to resist compulsions which in your case seem like reading about and looking for sign and premonitions about death. When you get the urge to seek out and confirm your fear, resist. Acknowledge it (“hey brain, I get that you want me to look for signs right now, but I’m not going to”) and then sit with the anxiety until it naturally subsides. Unfortunately there’s nothing any of us can do to 100% disprove your fear. But I think you’re seeing patterns that don’t exist because your OCD has primed your brain to seek them out and catalogue them as your compulsion. It’s called confirmation bias, and no matter what, your brain can prove something it wants to believe / fears enough. But belief isn’t truth. No matter how much your thoughts may make you believe you’re going to die, that does not make it real.

You’re going to be just fine . I’ve gone through this phase before I’m a hypochondriac .

Thank you this has really helped me I’m really sorry for posting the same thing all the time. I try not to until it gets bad and my head is telling me I need to look/ask for reassurance and because I don’t have anyone to talk to about this in real life, I turn to this app which I know I shouldn’t so I’m going to take your advice and try and resist the urge to look for reassurance and hopefully the thoughts will start to slowly fade. Thank you for taking your time out to reply.

don’t apologise for posting the same thing all the time, there’s no need to. you’re cared for and supported here, even (and especially) when things are hard. keep your head up, okay?

also if you ever need someone to talk to, my tumblr is @fleurisez

Please do not apologize! I am simply pointing it out to hopefully help you get some more insight into your OCD. Insight with OCD is so crucial for recovery. I hope you understand that me and everyone on here know the urge to seek reassurance all too well. You are NOT alone here. But it’s always important to try to recognize it so we can do what we can to stop seeking it. If reassurance would actually make you get better, I’d give you tons of it! But studies show it only makes our condition worse. Thats why I’m not providing it. You should still use the app! Ask for tips and advice and encouragement whenever you need. Just try to avoid reassurance seeking as much as you can. Good luck!