- Username
- emilyx
- Date posted
- 5y ago
Hey. I used to do that! When I would be having a beauty treatment done I would put my keys in my bag, lie back and then start panicking I never put the keys in the bag, so would lie back up and check then get that same fear again and again. What can really be useful I found was being in the moment when you put the things in your bag. So practise mindfulness. Say it out loud and see it go into your bag and it will feel more realistic. Also, ERP was useful. I'd do the mindful visual of putting my keys in the bag and then I'd only allow myself 3 checks, then 2 then 1 after a while. I'd accept that it didnt matter how many times I checked I still had same anxiety each time of what if what if. You have to let go of the control of the fear.
Allow yourself to take the chance and then accept and say its your OCD making you check constantly and you did the best you could to ensure your stuff is in your bag, and no matter how many times you check, it's only going to make you more paranoid and worried in the long run. Easier said than done. But I overcame it by doing all that. Speak to a professional and see what they can say as well to make you feel better. Best of luck.
i’m not really sure how to reply back but if your reading this then thank you so much for the tips i really appreciate them. well done for overcoming your compulsions! :)
Locking and checking and rechecking the door
I always have to check that everything is perfect and in order. I am afraid that my things will be ruined. When I am out I have to check clothes, shoes, bags, when I get home I do the same thing. Then I check the cabinets, the drawers, I have to check if something is missing and ask for help because it all seems to me messed up. Does anyone do this?
Does anyone have any tricks or things they say to themselves to stop them going back to check something (in my case the oven, plugs, anything that can start a fire, plants that could leak water (!) Lamps etc) it's just so difficult to jot check multiple times when j can't trust my own brain!!! I stand at the door trying to resist, and it's like ocd just makes me check?!
Hello, I'm new here. I went through a really intense and traumatic breakup about a year ago and I'm currently working with my university for a SA/Title IX case against him as he was abusive in varying ways and very manipulative. I have the need to check and search the parking lots, the spaces around me, etc.. for him and his very distinct car frequently. It's been getting a lot better as I'm seeking therapy and back on medications. But some days I still have frequent urges to check, I feel like if I don't check, then something bad is going to happen. Aka, I'll run into him, and I fear he'll hurt me or say something to purposefully distress me. I get incredibly nauseous, panicked, obsessive overthinking if I don't which doesn't allow me to be present and learn in classes. Something that has helped me cope is having headphones and sticking to a strict routine and limiting my time on campus.
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