Does anyone else wish there was a chat feature to speak with a coach or counselor on here? I guess they might worry that people will seek immediate reassurance, but sometimes being all alone is horrible. I have had non stop adrenaline since Friday and being alone like this feels 10x worse. I visited someone yesterday, and I’m trying to hold out to see my therapist tomorrow but it’s so difficult. I am so alone.
Yes, I think having a chat function could be awesome if implemented correctly. I know it'd likely be hard to professionals to be available for chat functions often, but I think peer support specialists would be awesome too! Especially if they could help people with more resources outside of therappy for those who can't receive it for whatever reason. I'm wishing you the best in your journey and I hope you get to feeling better!
@Anonymous Hi there, thank you 💜 I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, expecting the worst. And I feel I’ve let down those I care about so much. Yes, even if it were peer support it would be great. Just to help those who feel so alone, even if it’s to have a bit of company.
For what it's worth, if you see a NOCD therapist, you can send them chat messages on here.
@djflorio Thank you. Yes I messaged them yesterday, telling them I was feeling somewhat in a crisis (not in danger but just not feeling I can handle anything atm) but it said they won’t be available until Wednesday
@hestia - Sorry to hear you're struggling. The SOS feature can be handy in situations like this as well. If you're really feeling alone and on edge, and there's no one available to talk to, I can offer some advice if you're open to it (feel free to ignore if you're not looking for advice right now). You can try the "butterfly hug" technique to quickly sooth your nervous system. If you search it on Google you can see how to position your hands. You then slowly pat yourself with the fingers on each hand, alternating one then the other. Take notice the warmth of your hands while you do this, and breathe slowly. On a biological level, this stimulates your vagus nerve, which is what controls your parasympathetic nervous system. When this part of your nervous system is active, you feel more calm and at-ease. Another way to activate this system is by making sure your exhales last longer (ideally at least twice as long) as your inhales. So you can inhale for a count of 4, and exhale slowly for a count of 8. What this does is signal to the "anxious" parts of the brain that you are not in a dangerous situation, allowing the parasympathetic nervous system to activate. During this time you only have to focus on your physical sensations. Don't worry about what thoughts are going through your head. When you feel like you're in a relatively calm physical state, you can then try to visualize someone or something that makes you feel safe. It can be a parental figure, a friend, a made up friend, a religious figure, your favorite place to relax, etc. Bring the person or place to mind and simply notice how it makes you feel physically. Even if it's subtle, see if there is any difference you can spot. If you find any part of your body that relaxes more or feels good with this visualization, try keeping your attention on that feeling, and see if you can spread it further. Hope some of this helps!
Have you considered attending a support group? I had a really rough month and attended one last week. It was based on my theme, super comforting/uplifting and led by a therapist. They are free and there are many to choose from.
They are a part of this app btw.
@Lily Sh. I forgot about those. I might try joining more of them.
Anyone up and able to chat? Im struggling so much right now.
Does anyone want to chat with me? I’m not looking for reassurance, I’m just feeling really upset and anxious and would love some encouragement. 😢
I have insurance that NOCD will take (if that made sense ) but My mom doesn’t wanna get me therapy on this app for some reason… I haven’t ate in 2 days because I’m having all these scary intrusive thoughts 😔 I’m so alone n I have no one to talk to I went to the hospital yesterday and I told them abt my fear of drugs but they never gave any advice or things I could do to end this fear :(
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