A lot of times I will get OCD attacks before something I’m looking forward to. For example, if the family is going out to a restaurant, or a good movie is coming on, anything to look forward to really. Just prior to it obsessive thoughts come up. It is like they are trying to sabotage me enjoying myself. I read somewhere that the brain can’t tell the difference when an emotion is felt and may label it with worrisome thoughts. Also, I imagine it is the amygdala’s way of not letting you relax. Maybe a leap back to early times when you were at your most vulnerable when you were enjoying something such as eating, intimacy, etc. Has or does anyone experience this?

I actually experienced this when I was going to a concert. The whole day leading up to it, I was fighting off thoughts fearfully. I didn’t want anything to ruin it for me, which in turn only made it worse because I was trying NOT to let it get in the way. I still had a good time, but I had to go around so many obstacles just to be normal. Sigh. Anyway, you might be right about that brain thing.

But yes, when you are excited or nervous about an event, your anxiety increases and your rational mind turns off. This is when OCD attacks. Then you analyze every thought and begin to dig deeper into that hole. Your irrational mind is never going to leave you feeling content. OCD aside, I encourage you to try and be very open minded with events, holidays etc. It’s a great time to practice letting thoughts come and go. The better you get at that, well from personal experience they go away.

Yep, that’s it. I’ve also had it before important meetings, but the actual concentration in the meeting seems to negate the thoughts. After the meeting, I sometimes revisit the thoughts, but they have lost a lot of their punch.

Yeah I have a holiday coming up with my new partner and I CANNOT relax and look forward to it completely. I started convincing myself I have STDs even though I’m clean and therefore I can’t afford to relax because my partner will leave me and the holiday photos and memories will kill me when he does Although my previous relationship DID end immediately after returning from a first holiday so maybe it’s that triggering me

Yup I have this. I’m dreading my birthday and Christmas because I feel so undeserving of kindness from anyone. So fuckin shit.

Yeah, I have been battling OCD for a long time now, but these exact circumstances were very prevalent for me in the past. I feel that now with practice, maturity, and the help of a specialist that I have tackled that era of OCD. Unfortunately, OCD seems to morph rather than disappear.

Hey you guys. I’ve been away for a work conference the entire weekend. So I’ve only read your post and comments now... The last two(!!!) weeks leading up to the conference, I was a nervous wreck... had to take time of from work, couldn’t concentrate and so on... it felt like my head melted ?? The thought of being alone, not having my kids and my partner with me, not having the control over anything.. everyone told me to just relax, enjoy the free food, comfy bed and all the exciting speakers... if they only could see all the obsessions inside my head...