Post OCD Depression?

Hey y’all! Just a little about my journey- Last year I was diagnosed with OCD. This was a huge turning point in my life because traditional therapy never fully addressed what I needed. The anxiety, rumination, and repetitive behaviors continued. My OCD came to its peak last spring where it consumed my thoughts constantly and I felt like I was running on a Hampster wheel without being able to rest for months on end. Exposure therapy was very difficult and seemed pointless at first because it seemed to only make me feel worse. Over time the weight behind my thoughts slowly started to decrease and I began to feel like myself again. Now I have little to no symptoms of OCD, but I do feel depressed. After all that anxiety and running, it feels like my brain doesn’t know what to do anymore. For so long I felt like my purpose was trying to survive OCD and now that it has gone, I think I need to find a new purpose and learn to keep pushing myself to maintain a healthy life even when I’m not in survival mode. Has anyone else experienced this?

nikliann

Date posted: 16h

I’m so glad to hear you beat it! I’m in the thick of trying to right now. How long has it been? If it’s only been a little while maybe your body needs time to adjust? Have you talked to your therapist about this?

Anonymous

Date posted: 16h

@nikliann The most recent relapse of OCD I had started in February of last year. I listened to the “You’re Not Alone” podcast by Zach Westerbeck and that’s where I heard about NOCD. I started ERP in June and around August-September was when I really noticed that my symptoms had gone way down. But I still remember how it felt when I was in the thick of it too. I wish I knew at that time that it wasn’t something I could fix overnight. Celebrate even the smallest victories against OCD- even if it was choosing to disengage with a single thought or walk away from a single compulsion. That takes so much strength and courage to do. Those small victories add up overtime until you realize that you’ve gotten your life back. Keep going! 💕💕💕

ClearHeadEra

Date posted: 16h

I'm literally just starting my journey, but reading your post feels somewhat reassuring. What are some hobbies or things that interest you?

Anonymous

Date posted: 16h

@ClearHeadEra I’m so proud of you for starting your journey that takes so much strength and courage. Give yourself lots of compassion and patience during this time and celebrate even the smallest victories against OCD because those small victories are the foundation for you to regain clarity and peace in your life. I really enjoy going to the gym, spending time outdoors, and writing poetry. How about you?💕

Anonymous

Date posted: 16h

I’ve definitely experienced this. I tend to have chronic bouts of OCD depending on triggers that come up throughout the year. When I’m in an episode of it I am so anxious and brain is on all the time and it’s so exhausting. When I’m finally out of it I do find that for a while I feel like I have an emotional hangover and feel some shame and exhaustion after tiring myself for so long. For me it always lifts though, and I find my equilibrium again. Try your best to be patient with yourself and not to fixate on when it’s going to go away, cuz then you’re basically swapping one obsession for another. Instead I try to focus more on what you could add to your day to make it a bit brighter ☀️Hope this helps a little bit!

Anonymous

Date posted: 16h

@Anonymous Thank you so much for sharing your experience I have felt the same way. I’ll try to add more positive things to my daily life 💕

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