I need encouragement (year since diagnosis)

I just feel a bit nervous. (Picture of us camping up north last year for reference) So I know this is kind of random. And a weird trigger. But it’s coming up on a year since my ocd/ROCD began. I remember feeling anxious and having intrusive thoughts for weeks leading up to my panic attack that caused a downward spiral of depression. Every year me and my boyfriend go camping with his family in the top of Michigan on a property they’ve had for years and years. I remember sitting on the property and getting that deep anxious pit feeling that made me sick, intrusive thoughts swirling, etc. coming back from the trip is when everything got worse for me. I ended up very mentally depressed from the undiagnosed ocd symptoms for weeks. We are packing to go up for our yearly trip today, and going to be there tonight. I’m excited but I am also nervous, because of the ocd symptoms starting there, it’s kind of a trigger there for me if that makes sense? Which sucks, because I’ve always loved the place. But I’m gonna knuckle down, go up north for our yearly camping trip, and try to stay in the moment and focus on the now. I’m scared. But we will see how it goes. I’m just so scared of ocd getting bad again, as If it will magically just sky rocket all over again and then I’ll become extremely depressed. It’s all still so fresh in my brain even though I’ve come a long way since the diagnoses and when it felt like my brain completely broke. I’m just afraid. It doesn’t help that I’ve had the biggest back door spike in a LONG TIME the last three days (today being okay but still)

https://res.cloudinary.com/nocdcloud/image/upload/v1688151573/image_post_mzchn2.jpg

https://res.cloudinary.com/nocdcloud/image/upload/v1688151573/image_post_g6gfjn.jpg

https://res.cloudinary.com/nocdcloud/image/upload/v1688151573/image_post_nbsmrk.jpg

https://res.cloudinary.com/nocdcloud/image/upload/v1688151574/image_post_xqdyqu.jpg

Ju6164

Date posted: 2y

You got this!! I know it’s so hard but try to accept the idea that it could get bad again. Maybe it will, maybe it won’t. Otherwise thinking about it and being scared of it will most likely turn into ruminating and trying to control the thoughts and situation. At least that’s what happens to me! It only ever makes it worse for me.

NODA

Date posted: 2y

You 2 are so beautiful together. No matter how it goes there, you will be fine. We are always here for you no matter where you go/are. Maybe try to visualize the best and worst scenarios there and how you wish to react if they happen. I know that the GOAT in tennis Đoković does that and it works for him. I have just thought of that and I will try it in such potential upsetting situations also. In any case, you are strong. You might not feel it right now, but remember, you've got a loving boyfriend and a lot of people here at NOCD who care for you and are rooting for you. I will keep you in my thoughts. You just go and have a great time there. Breathe. Try to stay in the moment. Observe, accept, don't react. Even if ocd decides to say hello. If you feel it starting, write to us, we will remind you that you are stronger than any type of ocd. I myself am so thankful for all the support I 've received from a lot of people here. And I will make sure, that I support others here. You are covered. Ocd doesn't stand a chance. Go enjoy yourself. Much love to you. 🤗❤️

Dj-is-living

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@NODA I’m speechless, thank you so much. Your words feel like a hug just wrapped around me. I’m so grateful for the nocd community. You guys are awesome and make me feel so much less alone. Even if it does get bad again, I know I have you guys. Last year I didn’t, and I was lost, undiagnosed and scared. I’m so grateful. Thank you ♥️

NODA

Date posted: 2y

@Dj-is-trying You are so welcome. I meant every word. You have us. You have me. There is no way ocd can hurt you this time. And to make this even stronger against ocd, your loving sweet boyfriend is right there next to you. We all got this. 😊. Sending you both many hugs and much love. Enjoy your adventure. Keep in touch. It will be so great to hear you had the best time ever there. And you will, because even if ocd wakes up, it will be surprised. It can win when you are fighting it alone, but no way when you have all of us at any minute of each day. Thank you for the kind words. 😇🤗♥️

Dj-is-living

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

It’s so hard to accept that it could get hard again; but I’m trying to sit with it. I’ve forgotten my tools and that’s where this back door spike came in this week. Thank you ♥️♥️

NODA

Date posted: 2y

Try to focus on your breathing, staying in the moment. Observing. Don't focus on the fear what if... Visualize your fear and then your reaction to it. The reaction you wish to apply if any. That will give you the initial strength if sth happens. Then contact us and we will give you the strength to continue. Don't focus on it, if it happens it happens. But you will be ready. Through visualization, meditation, breathing and our support. It will be fine. Do visualizations for a few minutes. Then look forward to being there with your boyfriend. I am sure it will be just fine, no matter what. ♥️♥️♥️♥️🤗🤗🤗🤗

Dj-is-living

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y

@NODA I can feel the anxiety rising on the drive but it’s also tolerable if that makes sense? I just am trying to sit with it.

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond