Difficulty finding happiness again.

I’ve experienced OCD since I was 11 years old (I am 29 now), and was diagnosed with it in 2021. So, I’ve lived more than half of my life dealing with this disorder in silence. I’ve recently been feeling like I’m no longer a good person. That all of the things I’ve held close to my heart and loved, no longer matter to me. As much as I try to go back to those things, it sometimes feels so foreign and makes me feel anxious. Has anybody else experienced this before? If so, what are some things you’ve done to help you find happiness and joy in the things you’ve cherished?

Username: EmilyNicholeEmilyNichole

Date posted: 40w ago

I am in that boat right now. That's depression for you. Depression robs the joy in anything you do, especially hobbies. I love to go out and shop, and depression and OCD have robbed the joy of being out of the house from me. Of course, I still go anyway. I've learned to do the hobby anyway, despite what OCD/depression says. Make those plans, go out, live your life. I will admit this that's been heavy on my mind. Recently, I've turned my life to Christ and left behind my old life. My old life, however, had all the hobbies I loved to do such as walk cemeteries, ghost hunt, go to haunted historical sites and towns, etc. I feel lost but don't want to turn my back on Christ at all. I'm stuck.

Username: cyc1017 cyc1017

Date posted: 40w ago

I'm so sorry 😞 I can certainly relate. OCD steals one's joy because it keeps us in our own personal, lonely prison. I'm 40 years older than you (69) and the OCD is unrelenting -- themes change occasionally, but depression and anxiety never goes away for me. I've been taking Anafranil since 1990; I'm grateful for the help it has provided as it makes life tolerable. I long to experience true happiness and joy, but I've kind of learned to enjoy "moments" of pleasure here and there. I wish there was a magic wand we could wave to make OCD go away!! Im grateful to have found this group where we can share the truth of how we deal with this disorder in silence. I hope more awareness about OCD is brought forth for the rest of the population because they really don't get it! At least OCD has a name now because ai was misdiagnosed as Schizophrenic in 1975. Only one more comment -- YOU ARE A GOOD PERSON (that's the truth; OCD is a liar). Keep pushing through ... better days ahead 😘🙏

Username: Tee10

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 2y ago

Feelings

It’s so weird how OCD just comes about with no explanation, out of nowhere. My issue has been feelings. I have moments of hyper focusing on feelings, trying to figure them out, and it’s exhausting. Logically, I know that what I’m going through with the things happening in my life (relationship ending that was abusive, my father just getting diagnosed with dementia, etc) would make anyone feel the way I do. But I keep trying to fight my feelings. “Normally, old me” would embrace them and let them be. Ever since my OCD returned, I can’t help but fixate on them and stress even more. It’s almost like my emotions and the way we are as humans in my mind has become even more of a problem than the problems themselves. Can anyone relate? I am doing my best with ERP. I definitely helps. But I’m still waking up not feeling like myself and it hurts.

"Pure" OCD

Username: a.non2

Date posted: 1y ago

numbness

I got diagnosed with OCD a few months ago after getting plagued with intrusive thoughts last November. It’s been present in my life since I was younger but didn’t become truly debilitating until last November. I’ve been in therapy since May, and I started an SSRI. I’m a Christian, and I’ve struggled a lot with my faith since this started. I’ve had a hard time with ERP because I fear it’s not going to help and actually make things worse. I have also had a lot of emotional turmoil from family trauma and marriage issues. I’ve become so hopeless and numb and desensitized that I don’t know how to continue forward. I don’t feel like I’m able to talk to anyone about it because it’s taboo, so I feel like a fraud and like I don’t deserve to do things I enjoy or hang out with people I love. I do want to get better but I also have a fear that I don’t actually want to. I feel like my whole life is ruined and that I’ll never enjoy living again.

Username: scatcat01

Date posted: 23w ago

Anyone else?

Does anyone else feel like OCD has completely taken their life away? I used to be so full of joy, so hopeful for the future. Sure, I had some anxieties and intrusive thoughts here and there but ever since my triggering event a few months ago I have completely spiraled. I honestly don't even know who I am anymore, all I can think about is my thoughts and my brain tells me to be afraid of everything i do. Daily activities that I used to not give a second thought about have now become a struggle. I feel like I can't even go to the store or work because of the constant fight against my thoughts. I miss the person I used to be and I feel every second of my life being wasted because of this debilitating disorder. I feel so stuck, I can't even live life anymore. The depression and anxiety makes me feel like I can barely get through the day. I can't stop thinking how I was a normal person just earlier this year. If anyone is going through this or has advice please comment🤍

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Difficulty finding happiness again.

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