What are some coping skills you use?

with OCD i get stuck in these cycles so bad, and i also have ADHD so it gets really exacerbated 😂😭 so i feel you! some things i like to do to disconnect from whatever cycle im stuck in are: - sit outside for a few minutes! i feel like when i walk out the door and then come back in, just that quick physical change of location can help jog my brain into resetting a little - petting or bothering my cats! they are so silly and they love me so keeping my hands and brain busy with how much i love them is a great way to pull me away from whatever distressing thing im doing - ask for support. im lucky enough that my partner and best friends are aware and supportive of some of my OCD struggles. sometimes if i can, i tell my partner/a loved one what trouble im having and ill even ask them to tell me something specific, "can you tell me this isnt helpful?" "can you ask me to stop?" "i need a little extra support right now, can you sit with me?" - picking up a hobby or craft. reaching for yarn or a video game is an effective way to redirect my attention. 😆 sometimes whatever rut im stuck in is much harder to get out of than others. sometimes things like this arent always immediately helpful! sometimes (tbh most times) pulling myself out of the behavior or thought long enough to DO anything else is so difficult and exhausting and takes the most time 😧 but you are loved, and the people who love you know that you are worth the effort and time it takes to find comfort/stability. even if it takes hours or days to get there. i know youre worth it! take care, and great job reaching out for advice 🌈🌸✨

Sorry you’re having a rough time friend, I like to try this specific mindfulness exercise when I’m overwhelmed with OCD. If it’s sunny where you are, sit outside and imagine yourself photosynthesizing like a cute lil plant in the sun. Picture the warmth of the sun touching your skin and filling you with energy and light. Picture it seeping through each of your body parts, your heart, your stomach, your mind. Try to focus in on this and not let your mind drift elsewhere. Sending you strength!!

I know some of these things feel like this is the last thing you want to do when it's attacking you but these all help - do nothing. this is huge. when we are triggered it's not good to do exposures because the exposures could be sneakily being used as compulsions. just sit, let the thoughts ride, do not do your compulsion, and do nothing. go about your day as your normally would if it wasn't affecting you. - yoga and pranayama. breath control helps a lot turn off the mind, same with yoga. i know it can feel like a lot of effort to show up to your mat, but it can help a lot and i always feel better in my body after. - spending time with people you love/that don't further trigger your OCD. I love my boyfriend but I have ROCD, so I need to talk to other people outside of my relationship.