constant threat

https://youtube.com/@ocdrecovery?si=orDE1zBMJDEoQEqu These guys n’ gals and NOCD videos of people talking about it has helped me kind of orient myself around what OCD is and is not. After educating yourself as much as possible by listening to other peoples stories, i think time old wisdom of “you are what you eat” comes into play for food, internet/media, exercise, everything. Eat real food, talk to real people, try and have fun with the things you enjoy, radically accepting that this your reality forever, and apparently it starts to subside. Theres a difference between acceptance and agreeing. The Chinese finger trap of wriggling around in your own skins is what OCD feels like sometimes. Theres a delicate firmness you have to maintain in your day to day attention.

I believe the brain's amygdala plays a role in this. I think they've linked an overactive amygdala, among other things, as causing a feeling of constant "fight or flight". The amygdala is responsible for alerting us to threats. I've always held the believe that OCD effects overly sensitive people and I don't mean just emotionally sensitive. Sensitivity to noise, sensitivity to light, etc. I believe its because we are hyper aware of our surroundings, almost always at the ready for a catastrophic event, even if there isn't one. I think that leads to the constant stream of anxiety. I hope this helps. God bless

You put it into perfect words, and I will say that medication definitely helps me focus on the present and cope with the overwhelming sense of dread I get when things are ok for once. It doesn't entirely get rid of the sense of eternal foreboding, but it helps me ignore it a little more and really focus on the now, if that makes sense. I'm able to feel less guilty and anxious when things feel content, and it keeps me more grounded and gives me a better sense of stability and crontrol in my mental state. But I've also been on medication for a while. If you haven't taken any before, I would just be patient and give it time. Really communicate with your doctor about everything you're feeling (I've kept a journal in the past and shared that w them - it's helped a lot!!), and do research if it helps at all! You got this 🌼

I think it’s kind of incredible that we have such an awesome resource of this chat. We’re all just thoughtful and giving people helping eachother :) sharing our experiences or “this is how I think about this” I have had anxiety for a while @Maya and working with acceptance, and then moving on- living life!! is the point and it feels awesome to 1. notice when you’re overthinking or becoming anxious 2. maybe you feel it in your body somewhere? (somatics and yoga have been incredible for me) 3. “Hey Brain, thank you for trying to protect me, but I’m OK” 4. dance around to your music!! or go to the store to get what you needed, or whatever! i like listening to some old guys philosophize sometimes https://youtu.be/S8yP6lBOdKo?si=Oh2bzmPwbGK6oLmC Why aren’t you allowed to just be ok? I like the amygdala and cortisol explanation, sometimes our bodies like a Strong response Will you dance around to your favorite music in your room!!? Answer the 36 questions for love just on your own!!? (for me anxiety had a lot to do with other people accepting me or judging me. I’ve found that having a strong opinion of yourself makes others interpretations matter less!) Get to know yourself 🫶 Id bet you’re a beautiful and inspired person. What do you love!?

I'm on a low dose of escitalopram (Lexapro), and it has helped me tremendously.