OCD and PTSD

A lot of my problems are tied to massive instances of childhood abuse, especially emotional/psychological abuse where I was flat out being told that I was ugly, unlovable, worthless, lazy, etc. I don't really believe those specific things, but I think I feel those emotions stronger than other people because of the fact that I wanted to prove that those things were lies. Like when someone I'm dating loses interest, I go from 0 to 100 in my emotions. I also convince myself that my childhood wasn't actually that bad and I'm being overdramatic and I feel silly talking about it. Yet, at the same time, I want people to recognize my struggles and feel like I'm sophocating from holding it all in. Being lazy probably hits the hardest, because I never feel like I'm doing enough and I'm so exhausted and unmotivated but I tell myself I'm making excuses. I can be so unmotivated and depressed that I don't shower for a couple weeks and there is trash on my floor and even if I'm genuinely embarrassed by people seeing that...I just can't do it. But even typing this I feel dumb for asking for validation in that instead of doing something productive with my time.

Andrea Wells

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 41w

Hey there. I am in recovery from both c-PTSD and OCD. I experienced similar abuse and degradation as a child about my physical appearance and overall cleanliness. It affects me well into adulthood. OCD and trauma can play into eachother too for sure and overlap. Doing a combination of talk therapy and specialized therapy has helped me a lot. I have my trauma therapist and then my OCD specialist. Learning self compassion and kindness has helped a lot through recovering from both of these things. You aren't doing anything wrong by asking for support, and it's okay to struggle with motivation. You are exhausted and depressed, that is all valid. That's a lot to carry. Please stay strong and know you are not alone! I am here to chat if you need it.

Bruce M

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 41w

OCD and trauma can certainly work together. Contact NOCD and see if they can help you. You can ask for a therapist who can work a little with both. There are also lost of good tips on the Patrick McGrath Wednesday night webinar on the NOCD page on YouTube. Or really any NOCD webinar can be helpful. Go ahead and check out some of the videos. In addition you can contact NOCD for a free 15 minute call to discuss further. They can offer more detail than I can here. https://www.treatmyocd.com/about-us/contact-us

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