First major flare up in 2 years

Hey, guys. Wanted to just fling this out into the void. I've been doing well with managing my OCD for the past 2 years. I haven't had a true flare up since 2023, when my OCD came in at full swing. But recently it reappeared. It just caught me off guard, and it's been making everything so much more hard to do. I can't stop ruminating, and it really isn't helping that I also have PTSD that my OCD mingles with. On top of that, I'm facing one of my hardest semesters in college right now. It's all just really overwhelming and frustrating, since I haven't felt this way in a while. It could definitely be worse, since rock bottom and I became close friends 2 years ago. I know what it's like to be controlled by my OCD. It's not that bad as of now, but it still sucks. Thanks for reading my rant, to whoever made it through <3

jossyy

Date posted: 23d

Although you are struggling again, you seem to have a much stronger sense of self compassion towards yourself now, which will help you get through this. I really commend you for being able to experience 2 years of no flare ups, that is incredible. I’m at my own rock bottom, and I’m just hoping for one day of peace to find me here soon. It’s inspiring to hear you have done the work to make it this far in your journey and I’m proud of you ❤️

aka_momo

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 23d

@jossyy Thank you, that really means a lot. You've got this, I totally know what that feels like. I remember sitting there and waiting for the dark cloud to pass and for OCD to leave. I know you can do this, your struggles are felt, and I'm proud of you as well for coming on here and starting your own journey. ❤️ Once again, thank you

OCDopus

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 23d

“I’m facing one of my hardest semesters in college right now.” Darn OCD for always showing its ugly face when we’re at our most stressed. You’ve got this, momo. Just put some extra time into doing some more maintenance for now. Don’t forget that you don’t need to stop the thoughts; just practice those response prevention phrases! I’m proud of you for conquering this before and don’t forget you’re still conquering it even if you don’t feel like you’re doing a good job of it right now. Think about how far you’ve come. You’re putting yourself out there and making your way through college and you’ve only got a couple of weeks left of this semester until you can give yourself some much needed rest. In the meantime, don’t be too hard on yourself

aka_momo

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 22d

@OCDopus Thank you so much for the kind words, the response prevention phrases have been helping ❤️

Mommomdd

Date posted: 20d

@aka_momo Not sure how much more I can take what is my purpose my rock bottom

Villandi

Date posted: 20d

Hey!!! I'm in the same boat. Have been doing amazing since my last full blow episode. Recently, as of a few days ago, I had been forgetting to take my medicine + anxiety plus my thoughts kinda came out of left field. I know it sucks and can be so scary and discouraging, but we got this ❤️❤️

aka_momo

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 20d

@Villandi Yep, we got this! I'm proud of you for getting through!

Mommomdd

Date posted: 20d

Do you mind sharing what was rock bottom for you if you don’t want to answer I understand

OCDopus

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 20d

@Mommomdd I wouldn’t bring it back up. Let them move on and definitely don’t share it with strangers if it’s not their decision to do so

Mommomdd

Date posted: 19d

@OCDopus Totally agree I’m not sure what is rock bottom it’s hard sorry just found out I was diagnosed and relieved because I can’t do it alone. It’s scary sorry if I stepped out of boundaries

OCDopus

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 19d

@Mommomdd You’re okay. Rock bottom is different for everyone, even changing through different parts of our lives as we experience more. Simply asking about another’s OCD might trigger theirs so it’s not a great idea to dig too deep. We want to support each other, not question each other about where we started. We’ve all been in a bad place at one point or another, and that’s why we’re here. You’re not alone. I don’t know if you’ve started therapy yet with NOCD but I recommend it. What your brain is doing is seeking reassurance. This is what fuels our OCD and is not good overall because it just continues the cycle. We try to “solve” our issues by checking then we inadvertently facilitate the issues because we start questioning why we checked in the first place. The ERP therapy here helps break the cycle.

Mommomdd

Date posted: 19d

@OCDopus I can’t thank you enough for your support and kindness. Yes I have a therapist 2 times a week but I have days where I need to talk about my mental illness and it’s understandable more now than ever. I just didn’t share my thoughts just thought I was losing my mind with all this information. I didn’t even know about erp. So I’m most definitely gonna keep reading n hoping that I have a better understanding thanks so much

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond