Bobby10

Date posted: 48w

OCD flair up and Anxiety attack

So I had a panic attack last week and I started to feel derealization which I was I knew was going to pass, later in the week I had to go on a road trip which I was already feeling uneasy about and then all at once I had the worse anxiety attack, ever since then I feel like I’m going crazy. My doctor scared me by saying I need to go on medication (family doctor) because I’m scared of going crazy and that’s my biggest fear right now. My psychiatrist said I won’t but just get on medication to reduce my anxiety. Any help would be amazing I’m so scared of going into psychosis. The racing thoughts seemed to slowed down but I feel very weird and disconnected. Any help would be amazing!

Mid-life adults with OCD

Amara

Date posted: 48w

It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed, especially when facing anxiety, panic attacks, and feelings of derealization. Derealization can be a common response to severe anxiety or panic attacks. It might feel unsettling, but it’s often a protective mechanism your brain uses to cope with stress. Remind yourself that while it feels uncomfortable, it is not harmful and is likely to pass. Since feelings of disconnection can be distressing, grounding techniques can help you reconnect with the present moment. Some methods include: 5-4-3-2-1 Technique: Identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell, and 1 thing you can taste. Practice deep breathing to help calm your nervous system. Try inhaling for a count of 4, holding for 4, and exhaling for 4, repeating this a few times. Maintaining a daily routine can provide structure during chaotic times. Try to incorporate regular sleep, meals, and some physical activity, as these can help stabilize your mood. Reduce or avoid caffeine, nicotine, and other stimulants that can increase anxiety levels. These can exacerbate feelings of racing thoughts and contribute to overall unease. Engaging in mindfulness practices, yoga, or meditation can help you develop greater awareness of your thoughts and feelings. Apps or online resources can guide you through these practices, making it easier to integrate them into your routine. Create a plan for what to do if you begin to feel overwhelmed again. This might include knowing who you can call for immediate support, having calming materials on hand, or identifying safe spaces where you can relax.

Bobby10

Date posted: 48w

@Anonymous - Thank you so much, just seems like this feeling of derealization feels different from last time and the thoughts are racing, just really scared my OCD will turn into psychosis :(

Amara

Date posted: 48w

@Bobby10 Of course 🙂. It’s completely understandable to feel scared when you’re experiencing derealization and racing thoughts, .Acknowledge that your fear of OCD turning into psychosis is a symptom of your anxiety. It's common for those with anxiety disorders to have intrusive thoughts that can be alarming. Just because you’re having these thoughts doesn’t mean they will come true. Consider writing down your fears and how likely you think they are to happen. Often, putting fears on paper can help clarify how realistic they actually are. You may realize that the thoughts, while distressing, are not indicators of actual risk. Try to redirect your focus when you find yourself ruminating on fears. Engage in activities that you enjoy or that require concentration to help break the cycle of racing thoughts. Sometimes learning more about OCD and anxiety can alleviate fears. Understanding that OCD is a recognized condition and that many people successfully manage their symptoms may help normalize your feelings.

Bobby10

Date posted: 48w

@Anonymous - Great way of looking at it, distraction definitely helps! Which tells me it’s not that serious! It was helpful that my psychiatrist said it won’t turn into psychosis. Are you a fan of medication? I started a new one today which has me more anxious unfortunately!

Amara

Date posted: 48w

I Personally, I don’t use medication because I can't bear side effects even if I get a cold,I use some medicine that doesn't have any drowsiness side effects and is based on herbal. But I heard many medication workers here for them.

Bobby10

Date posted: 48w

@Anonymous - Thank you, just seems when I’m in this state it’s so hard to get out of it. Literally feels like I’m going nuts along with thinking and fearing of going crazy

Amara

Date posted: 48w

@Bobby10 I know, but you have to be strong. You can overcome this anxiety and OCD. Anything is possible, as Dr. Joseph Murphy says in his book The Power of the Subconscious Mind. By practicing, But besides medication, I highly recommend following those tips I suggested. Even though they sound simple, mindfulness and meditation are so helpful during a time when you will see results. II know I mentioned it in other posts too, but it is so important.

Bobby10

Date posted: 48w

@Anonymous - Thank you I really appreciate your time and help, you’ve been very kind and helpful. Do you have any recommendations for mediation?

Amara

Date posted: 48w

@Bobby10 Of course. I personally used the 12-week program by Matt Codde, and his program included meditation as well. However, I read in an article in NOCD that they introduced a meditation app. I think that using an app makes meditation easier.

Bobby10

Date posted: 48w

@Anonymous - Amazing, thank you! I really appreciate your help!

Amara

Date posted: 48w

@Bobby10 Of course 🙂

Amara

Date posted: 48w

I heard from some guys here*

Amara

Date posted: 48w

Medication can be a helpful tool for many people, but it can also come with side effects, especially when starting something new. It’s not uncommon for anxiety to increase initially as your body adjusts to a new medication.I mean you shouldn't worry about it.

Bobby10

Date posted: 48w

@Anonymous - Yeah exactly I have this medication just for anxiety, I use to take medication just for OCD but has a lot of side effects

Amara

Date posted: 48w

@Bobby10 Perhaps later you found a way without medication or help from a specialist on OCD to manage this anxiety.

Amara

Date posted: 48w

Focus on your breath and bring your attention to the present moment. If your mind wanders, gently guide it back to your breath. This practice can help ground you and reduce feelings of derealization. Lie down comfortably and close your eyes. Slowly bring your awareness to different parts of your body, starting from your toes up to your head. Notice any sensations or tension and consciously relax each part. Use apps like Headspace, Calm, or Insight Timer that offer guided meditations specifically for anxiety and relaxation. These can provide structure and support during your practice. Picture a peaceful scene, such as a beach or a forest. Engage all your senses by imagining the sounds, smells, and feelings associated with that place. Allow yourself to spend time in this calming environment. Practice deep breathing techniques, such as the 4-7-8 method: inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7 counts, and exhale for 8 counts. This can help regulate your nervous system and reduce anxiety. Choose a practice that resonates with you and try to incorporate it into your daily routine, even if it's just for a few minutes at a time. Consistency can help enhance its effectiveness.

Amara

Date posted: 47w

Hi. https://nocd.page.link/jC3dUWGK1VkLVe1a9 Maybe this will help you for find the right medicine with fewer side effects. I saw some guys talking about this

Bobby10

Date posted: 47w

@Anonymous - Hey thank you! I think I may have found one, so far no side effects! But I really appreciate this!

Amara

Date posted: 47w

@Bobby10 Anytime. Glad to hear that.wish you the best

Bobby10

Date posted: 47w

@Anonymous - Still have the racing intrusive thoughts and feel very detached but it will pass feels like I’m going nuts, the lack of appetite is the worst just makes me want to stay inside until it’s over. I’ve had similar anxiety attacks or OCD attacks where it took weeks to come out of it

Amara

Date posted: 47w

@Bobby10 I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way, but it's not a one-night job. You should practice mindfulness and learn how to be an observer of your thoughts. Also, you should remind yourself that these are symptoms of OCD. It's not easy, but it is possible. Remind yourself that you are not going nuts and these are just thoughts and meaningless. If possible, try to identify and minimize sources of stress or anxiety in your life. This might mean taking breaks from social media or avoiding news that triggers anxiety. Physical activity can help improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Even a short walk can be beneficial. Although you may have a lack of appetite, try to keep your nutrition as balanced as possible. Small, nutritious snacks can help to maintain energy levels.Drink some juice, take vitamins. For some people, reducing caffeine and sugar intake can help lessen anxiety and stabilize mood. It might be helpful to remind yourself that this feeling will pass. It can be comforting to acknowledge that your current situation is not permanent.

Bobby10

Date posted: 47w

@Anonymous - Thank you I really needed to hear that, the fact that this will pass helps a lot, I’m working on mediation with an app that seems to help as well! Thank you again!

Amara

Date posted: 47w

@Bobby10 Anytime 🙂. Definitely, it will pass; remember, nothing bad lasts forever. Any storm eventually will end, no matter how hard it is. Always be positive and strong,believe in yourself, you can do it.

Amara

Date posted: 47w

Let me say something you understand better how to observe your thoughts. When we watch a movie, we sometimes lose ourselves in it and think we are in the movie. Even our bodies react to the sensations, and if it's scary, we get scared. But we are not the movie,we are just watching it. We are awareness. We observe the one who watches the movie. Even though we know it's a movie, our bodies react to the scary sensations. Now, when you are watching those thoughts or hearing those intrusive thoughts, you are not those thoughts. You are different. You are just aware of those thoughts. Because you are lost in your thoughts, you think you are the thoughts, but that's not true. You can't in a same time talk and listening to in your mind, one who talks its your mind who is listening is you. Real you that means who doesn't want this thoughts or some call it soul or whatever you can call doesn't matter it's different than those thoughts. The mind is part of the subconscious body, something like the heart. You can't tell your heart to stop beating, just as you can't tell your mind to be quiet. However, with enough practice, you can teach your mind to produce less intrusive thoughts. As Dr. Joseph Murphy says in his book The Power of Your Subconscious Mind, we are creatures of habit, and anything you've learned in your life was through practice, The same as driving or playing music or sports or whatever you are good at now. You can, by practicing enough, teach your mind to produce fewer thoughts. All you have to do is practice awareness and mindfulness and do meditation.

Bobby10

Date posted: 47w

@Anonymous - Great way to put it, I have a habit of reacting to every thought and leaves me scared, especially in the state I feel like a get random intrusive thought every minute, this with feeling disconnected just makes it even worse

Amara

Date posted: 47w

@Bobby10 Our mind thinks these are threats when we react to intrusive thoughts by terrifying. We should change the programming by practicing not to react, and it is possible by practicing. Don't worry; during the time, you will learn and, step by step, you can get out of this fear and anxiety. Just trust yourself and believe in yourself.

Bobby10

Date posted: 47w

@Anonymous - Thank you, I know it will pass soon! Just going through an anxious state! I bet I’ll feel better in a couple days, thank you again!

Amara

Date posted: 47w

@Bobby10 Of course. Additionally prior to sleep use positive affirmations it helps a lot

Catlove9

Date posted: 23w

I need guidance or to feel like I am not alone

I was doing so much better with my OCD. I thought I finally figured it out. However, the last two weeks have been a nightmare. It’s like I went from 0-100 all over again. And it’s become scarier than it ever has been. Every other thought is either causing me anxiety or turning into an intrusive thought. Any headache or feeling of derealization, and I start to spiral. My thoughts are becoming more gruesome and feeling more real. The intrusive urges are so bad it feels like at any moment I could actually just snap. It feels like I am about to go crazy. Another hard aspect is when I’m getting these intrusive urges it feels like I want to do it or I don’t care if I do it. I don’t feel like myself. I feel like this disgusting monster who is just going to lose it and I want it to be over. Why is this happening when I was finally better? It makes me feel like it’s not OCD and I’m actually this person and I’m just holding my true self back. I’m sick to my stomach.

Anonymous

Date posted: 23w

Ocd/going crazy

Hi about a week ago I found out I have ocd and chronic anxiety! I tried zoloft and it was terrible for me. I also started therapy and I take hydroxyzine but I will discuss further medication with my doctor. My question is I have a huge fear that I'm going crazy, I am crazy, or schizophrenic to the point I'm so hyper aware of my surrounding ill look out the corner of my eye to make sure I'm nit seeing anything ill make sure to double check what I'm hearing and it's so draining! I get really scared and go into a panic and cry 😅 I need some reassurance has anyone felt this way my doctor and therapist explained it to me but I'm still very scared. I feel like one day I'll have a break and I won't be the same! I tried the grounding exercise and breathing it helps temporarily. I also cut out smoking weed and none of my family has this but I feel like I have it or ill develope it even though it's rare!

Lena1998

Date posted: 22w

Harm OCD made worse by psychiatrist visit

I went to talk to a psychiatrist based off my Nocd therapists recommendation. I had a very hard week beforehand where I had anxiety so bad I couldn't leave my bed. It seems like once I get my period my anxiety and everything dissipated some so I talked to the psychiatrist. Anyways, I was immediately put off by her because she told me she didn't have any information on me included in the referral for one reason or another. So I had to basically "fill her in" on my life story. I have anxiety disorder, panic disorder, OCD and PTSD. I told her these things and how hard the last week had been. She started asking questions like I had bipolar disorder, which I don't have. She then wanted me to take buspar and Zoloft TOGETHER daily. I know for a fact you never start two medications daily at once. You don't know which one is causing symptoms if you do. So I immediately didn't like that. I asked her about Zoloft specifically daily because it is an SSRI what I should do if it gave me thoughts of harm for myself. She told me "just go to the hospital".... Now, I don't wanna say that was the worst possible thing she could have said to me, but it was. Because now my OCD is spiraling that just my general harm OCD thoughts are enough to mean I need to go to the hospital. It had been 2 days and I cannot stop obsessing that maybe I'm depressed or suicidal because of this. I know I don't want anything to happen to me. I love my family and my friends. I am scared of death. But the thought is sticky and it's been so, so frustrating. My anxiety has been so frustrating. I feel so lost and like nothing I'm trying to fix my issues is working very well. NOCD therapy has been one of the only things to help in the long term, but I still get terrified of certain obsessions like suicide. I don't really know what to do, if anyone has any advice or any personal experience that may help, anything would be nice right now. I've felt so lost trying to figure it all out.

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OCD flair up and Anxiety attack

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