I currently am having a mild headache and of course, I am spiraling about aneurysms, stroke, tumor, etc. I am trying really hard to distract myself but the more I do, the worse intense things are starting to feel. I feel more pressure, more anxiety, sweating, and it doesn't help that I have been googling non-stop. Does anyone else notice the worsening of sensations/symptoms when their brain starts going?
Google is the worst for us!! I’m still learning to not check it as frequently as I do… because ur right, the more we look into our “symptoms” the worse they get…. I can even read something from google and start feeling it and convince myself I have it. It is awful!! But you are not alone. OCD has a way of needing to be seen and felt, you can overcome this! Take a step back, breathe, reassess, you got this!
Thank you so much!! You are so right! Its a really hard habit for me to break but I know that consciously searching will only make me spiral more! Thank you again so much for the advice! 💕
I agree with Gerribee. Google is a wormhole that keeps the OCD spiral rolling. I know it’s difficult to think about other things. I know, I’ve been there many times. By consistently searching on Google, we think that we are solving a problem. When the biggest issue with Ocd is that trying to solve the problem keeps the cycling going. It also makes it stronger. Trust me when I say this, it takes time, but if you practice CONSISTENTLY on not trying to solve the problem. Your brain starts to become familiar with the feeling of letting go. Google searching is not letting go. From my experience, searching on Google for solutions attaches me more to the problem. Worst of all, even if I find something that would appear to be good news; I need to get 10 other references to back it up. The hardest thing about Ocd is letting things go. But trust me, it’s like going to the gym and working out your muscles. Your brain functions like a muscle in the same way the key is to change the way that we think. Don’t underestimate mental strength because it is not a physical attribute. It’s a lot of hard work, but worth it and often see progress quicker than you think when you’re consistent.
You are absolutely right!! Google is our worst enemy besides ourselves at times, especially when you are a hypochondriac like myself! 😭😭😭I appreciate you helping me out with that and thanks a lot for your advice!! 💕💕💕🙏
What helps me is to distance myself from the thought/feeling, not necessarily try to push it away, still recognize it but identify it as a thought / feeling. So instead of "I feel anxious" you could say "I am noticing anxiety". Instead of "I am having a stroke" it could be "I am having the thought I could have a stroke" And of course easier said than done but recognizing that it is an uncomfortable feeling but you can handle the discomfort without pushing it away or trying to ignore it. Like I said easier said than done. Hope this helps
Thank you so much! I'm sorry I am so late to responding but i really appreciate this!! It definitely helps a lot! 💖💖💖
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