I can’t do this. I feel like I’m never going to have a normal life. I feel like all my friends are being fake to me is this even part of OCD? I just feel like my life is a complete sham. I don’t think I’ll ever have a normal life to where I can be open and honest with people in my life; I’m almost just wanting to delete all social media and go ghost to the world 😢
Reaching out here is a good start, people here understand what you are going through. They’re here for you to help you. Getting help for how you feel is the first step in the right direction and you should be proud of yourself for that.
@MonicaLynn13 Thank you 🥲
Honestly OCD doesn't define who you are so I don't really share with people except my immediate family. Even then, they can't comprehend what we go through. That's why this support app is helpful because you can get help and meet people who understand you. I give non OCD people a break because it's impossible for them to understand unless they've experienced OCD themselves. So my suggestion is don't share with friends any details or obsessions you have concerning OCD as they won't be able to empathize. You could mention the basics like you're struggling, going to therapy, or general stuff like that. If you're afraid of doing compulsions in front of your friends then you could just simplify it as much as possible and just say it's my OCD.
@StoicGuy It’s so difficult because coming from a recovery based friend group (I’m a recovering addict)they always want to know the everything so they can help and find a solution it just becomes this huge weight as if I’m not sharing enough or being open enough with them I just feel like most of them would love to help but I’m so afraid for he handful of people who will judge me I just am struggling and I know this is a huge flare up right now but sometimes it’s hard to see that things eventually get better. I can accept certain thoughts but this fear of being rejected has completely isolated me from others the last 5 years of my life. Thank you for sharing I’m sorry for dumping I just feel alone and you’re right this app has an amazing group of people
@jazzy06 Don't feel sorry for dumping your feelings that's why we are here. Most of us feel the same way as you. I'm not saying you can't share with friends but just be honest and say you're embarrassed by your thoughts and that you would rather not share to your friends. Then tell your friends how they can help in a different way. Most people would understand especially if they are true friends. Also, it sounds like your fear of rejection has made your fear come true regardless because you've isolated yourself so people aren't involved in your life which is why you fear rejection to begin with, you're afraid people will judge and leave you. See our OCD fears don't really help us it just feels like they do but they actually hurt us and prevent us from living full lives if we allow them to.
Also, I've struggled like you and notice many red flags that CBT would help you. For example, you say "you can't do this" but you are doing this even though it's hard you can get through this challenge. You also tell yourself " I feel like I'm never going to have a normal life" but you can't predict the future so you may have a normal life again. You're just scared which is understandable but when we talk to ourselves this way it makes everything worse and depression will manifest. CBT therapy will help you to change these negative thoughts. I've had severe OCD for 25 years so I speak from experience. I was able to go to college and have worked the same job for 9 years now but when OCD first came it was so debilitating I had to leave my home and go to a treatment center as a teenager. I do still struggle sometimes, but as you will find out you will get back up and quickly recover because after you have the knowledge and tools to help. You are stronger than OCD but don't defeat yourself by self-defeating talk.
@StoicGuy 😭😭😭 You are so right!! thank you ♥️🥲
Just take it one step at a time. It's too overwhelming to think about everything at once. Start with working on being more positive with yourself and showing yourself compassion. Talk to yourself like you would someone you love. For OCD, start with easy small exposures. Set a schedule and do ERP each day. Have someone hold you accountable to doing this. Remind yourself you are stronger than OCD. Build a mindset of strength, unrelenting courage, and compassion for yourself. If you feel defeated, or weak by the way you talk to yourself then it makes recovering a lot harder. Celebrate the small exposure victories to get confidence and work your way up to the hardest ones last.
I don’t know who to turn to. I am majorly depressed. I just had a panic attack/breakdown, and my parents are blaming me, saying I can control it. I have lived with untreated OCD all 17 years of my life. I’m so overwhelmed. My parents say I’m being ridiculous, and am letting my anxiety define me, and using it as a crutch. I’m really not, it’s just gotten so out of hand because it’s been untreated my whole life. I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t see a way out of the darkness. I have no friends, and am homeschooled because I have Lyme disease, so I basically don’t leave the house. I feel like a crazy person. Any advice? I’ll probably delete this.
OCD makes me feel so alone. These last few months I feel like I’ve been unable to be honest or open fully with anyone. I’m so ashamed of what’s inside me and I’m scared. I feel like everything is my fault and I’m lonely despite having wonderful people and things in my life. I am alone and feel so fake and disingenuous.
i’m only 15 i cant. i cant. i don’t even know if it’s real event ocd. it feels like massive weights on me. i cant live just acting like everything’s normal. like i haven’t made mistakes. if people knew the mistakes i’ve made because i didn’t know they were wrong everyone would hate me. i don’t deserve my relationship. i don’t deserve my friendships. i don’t deserve anything. i just want to cry and hold friends and my partner but i’d feel guilty because i feel like the worst person i know. i don’t know how i can just “act normal” and “leave stuff in the past” and “not confess” “move forward and focus in present “ :(
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
