My OCD is terrible

It use to be manageable until here recently a new theme that goes against all my values has developed and I want to stop it, I was on Pristiq for two or three years without a flare up, then these past 6 months I’ve been skipping dosing and not taking it correctly then in December I went two weeks without a dose and had a huge flare up and I’ve been on it for 35 days straight now, I began to feel better and then I went to work nights with storm cleanup working 17 hour shifts with little sleep and it came back ten fold and I don’t know what to do anymore. I can’t afford therapy

jogary

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 15h

Sorry to hear about the flare up. Here are some distractions techniques that have helped me in the past. 5 senses exercise: focus on what you can see, hear, touch, etc. For example, pick a color and then look around the room you are in to find items that match that color. I also do various counting exercises. For example, count backwards by 7s from 100 or 200. If the anxiety is really bad despite the distraction exercises, I try to shock my system by holding an ice pack on my bare skin. Under the arm pit works well. I also use some response prevention messages based on the situation. “I can feel uncomfortable and still be ok”. “It’s just a thought/feeling; it doesn’t mean anything about what will happen”. “My body is having a normal reaction to a false alarm; I am safe”. Lastly, sometimes watching funny shows/clips helps me too. OCD sucks and I’ve been on this journey a long time. Hoping you find some relief soon.

Bassfishing

Date posted: 14h

@jogary Thank you

Bassfishing

Date posted: 15h

Also as stupid as it sounds I’ve been using watching the Simpsons or listening to it throughout the day to keep me calm, and I don’t know if that’s hurting me too. I’m just tired of being stuck in fight or flight and these taboo thoughts

BellaBirdy

Date posted: 15h

@Anonymous That’s not stupid at all. It’s human to gravitate towards things that make us feel calm. They remind us of a simpler time. I’m struggling through the same things and I’m pretty much in the same situation.. and I know I cannot be much help, but please know that these thoughts aren’t who we are, nor are they what we wanna be From what you’ve said here, it sounds like you need rest… idk how you do that, but please rest as much as you can. Let your body recover. I’m proud of you, and you should be proud of yourself too. You got this, friend

Bassfishing

Date posted: 15h

@BellaBirdy Thank you, I just want it to end you know. It’s just so frustrating that it won’t go away the thought bothers me so much I can’t let it go and keep thinking about it constantly. I would never wish OCD on anyone, people just don’t understand how bad it really is, hearing the “oh so you are really clean or neat” bothers me so much. Or hearing people say “I let the intrusive thoughts win and do such and such” intrusive thoughts don’t get to win because they are INTRUSIVE and not wanted. Sorry for the rant I just need someone to talk to

BellaBirdy

Date posted: 15h

@Anonymous Don’t be sorry!! Bro I understand COMPLETELY! This stuff is actual hell… and it sucks that people don’t take it seriously. So I get you

Bassfishing

Date posted: 15h

I’m not looking for reassurance just something to help, advice I guess on how to handle things enough to quiet it down again

BellaBirdy

Date posted: 15h

@Anonymous Well, for me what I’ve noticed has helped is to not give the thoughts any attention. Let it pass and try not to react to it. Eventually it will fade. It’s easier said then done but I’ve noticed that helps me Also, healthy distraction. Like doing something you enjoy or doing some kinda hobby

Bassfishing

Date posted: 15h

@BellaBirdy Yeah right now it’s just constantly the thought of me being a bad person for having the thought. And the moral questions of it, and then that’s making the thought stay around too. I really wish they would find a complete cure for this terrible mental health issue. Use to I would be one of those people who would laugh about therapy or safe spaces and stuff like that, but now I look back and see how insufferable I was and I think in a way it has turned me to be more accepting towards people and more understanding to what everyone goes through

BellaBirdy

Date posted: 15h

@Bassfishing I getcha.. and I’m in the exact same predicament when it comes to the thought stuff And honestly? I don’t blame you for once laughing about therapy and stuff. It’s Normal. But that’s awesome where you’ve come with the acceptance part :) that’s super cool, dude

Bassfishing

Date posted: 15h

@BellaBirdy This conversation with you has been super helpful I’m really enjoying talking to someone who understands

BellaBirdy

Date posted: 15h

@Bassfishing Aww I’m glad. Honestly it’s been super helpful for me too :) it’s always nice to know we’re not alone.. Please feel free to talk to me any time! :)

Bassfishing

Date posted: 14h

@BellaBirdy Thank you that means a lot

Les_Ann

Date posted: 12h

When I don’t feel good I gravitate towards Spa music or piano music. It helps me.

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