I made the very difficult decision of getting back on my meds. My original symptoms of OCD resurfaced bad and I can’t deal with it when it doesn’t let me eat or when it attacks my feelings for my husband. I feel like I have failed once again. But I think I may have failed worse if I hadn’t made the decision to get back on them ?

My OCD attacks my feelings for my husband too. It's horrible. He is so important to me and I treasure my marriage. I know what you mean. Did meds work for you before? I'm on 60 mg fluoxetine and it helped with depression, but not really anything else.

I’m the same, OCD centred around my husband, I was breaking our marriage of 25 years up with my anxiety and irrational thoughts about my husband. Sertraline 100mg for 3 months now, I have my life and relationship back

@R/G/P sertraline has stopped my anxiety which was crippling before meds. I lost half a stone and found day to day living very difficult. Although I still have the thoughts, now they are not coupled with anxiety so I usually just end up forgetting what I was thinking anyway. It kind of numbs you but I think I have the right balance, I’m not numb of everything and I’d rather be like this than the way I was before. I’ve also had ERP therapy which helped initially, I don’t need it now. But beware, thoughts and anxiety got worse to begin with on sertraline. I needed diazipam to stave off my anxiety until sertraline started working. Took about 8 weeks before my anxiety lessened, it’s virtually zero now. This medication takes longer to help anxiety than it does depression. Worth staying on it though, I lead a normal life now. Sometimes my thoughts break through but if I don’t forget them first, I can now rationalise them.

That's good. I have learned through ERP to manage things decently myself. I too still have my bouts but CBT and ERP helped tremendously.

That’s true, sertraline I feel has lowered my anxiety until something triggers it but to has made me so tired and the feeling of just not wanting to do anything, but has not helped with the intrusive thoughts! I’m really hoping the ERP helps and CBT

Sertraline is good for improving your mood which leads to feeling more positive and the intrusive thoughts aren’t as hurtful and they do eventually subside a LOT.

I understand. Remember thoughts and urges only have power if you give it to them.

ElaineP how did you find the sertraline to work for your thoughts?

From a guys point of view. When I'm triggered it seems to me that my wife would definetly rather do something else rather than be my support. Also when I'm like that I'm definitely not the strong rock she needs. I understand this she has been through alot with me. But in my opinion when you get married, you get married for better or worse. Also the OCD does subside. Also because of therapy my spells are few and far between.

Thoughts are another thing. Drugs alone do not make your thoughts go away. You have to learn to accept and live with your thoughts. When you learn that thoughts are just thoughts and mean nothing until you give them meaning. It makes them easier to accept. I still have my boots of anxiety but because of therapy I live a relatively normal life.

I don't think one drug works for everyone. Way back when I tried multiple SSRI'S. I found some that worked for me and others that didn't.

Having strong urges yes. Acting on them most of the time no. But they can feel very real.

This is your brains fight or flight response putting cortisol in your system

Were the urges something you wanted to do? Were they harmful urges?

Your welcome

ElaineP- it's interesting that you've been married and experienced this after 25 years! I have been married about 9 years and together almost 15. Most of the people who post on this seem very young. I'm sorry you've had to deal with this setback but I feel less alone and am encouraged by your success!!!

Lol! I'm not far behind you! I was a spinster bride! It's nice taking to someone in similar circumstances. I'm so happy for your recovery success! Don't be a stranger. We may be there only over 40s on this app!

Yea I would be in that group as well

Nice!! Welcome- I'm sorry you have OCD but I'm glad to meet you!

Thank you all for sharing your stories. I’m much more stable on meds than I am off. I get impulsive and have made horrible decisions in the past. Has Anyone else experienced being very impulsive and making horrible decisions when they’re off the meds?

Oh good to know

@jec4568 I’ve acted on some urges before and I want to make sure I NEVER do that again

Yes and no. A little of both at the time but I regret them very much now

That’s very true. Thank u. I needed to hear that.

DogMomAF - Well I was a child bride hehe. I’m 48 so I don’t feel so old! Thank you for your kind wishes, things are so much better for me right now. I wish you well and glad I’ve made you feel less alone. You can do this.... Good luck x