Having panic attack I know I’m not choking because I can talk and it’s been 20 minutes but I feel like I can’t breathe and I’m alone and I’m so scared to be alone
I'm so sorry you're dealing with this. Try to take a few, slow deep breaths. It will be hard at first, but just try. Afterwards, sit with the anxiety you feel. Don't reassure yourself "I'm not choking because..." just sit there and say "maybe, maybe not" or "I can't be sure". I hope this helps.
@izzyshaw17 Thank you, I’m trying and I feel like I can’t breathe still but I need to stay in that middle ground like you said. A lot of coincidences happened on my way back from the store that only amped up my anxiety more
@TheObsessiveCompulsiveL Of course! I believe in you. Don't check anything: your throat, breathing, etc. Just do your best to calm down. You could even say "I don't have to listen to OCD."
@izzyshaw17 Thank you for this! Checking is such a hard compulsion to beat but I like the way you stand your ground so I will try to use that more often. One I always try to use is “okay, whatever buddy.” But sometimes the nonchalant tone isn’t there LOL
@TheObsessiveCompulsiveL You're so welcome! It really is. It's addictive in a way. Especially when you are afraid of what will happen if you don't check. Thank you! I try my best, haha. Talking back to OCD and sounding weak is one of my issues. I will respond and sound so "unsure" that OCD will grab that and take it as a win. It feeds off of fear, so obviously we're going to be shaken by it. Continue using that non-engagment response if it helps you! It is important to know what helps. Non-engagment responses have helped me tremendously. Remember: do not argue with OCD. It's like yelling at a brick wall. 😹
@izzyshaw17 You are so right it really is addictive!! I always think of my OCD as an overprotective extremely flighty parent (i specifically think of Ava’s Mom from Hacks) but i feel like the checking and being afraid of what happens if you dont adds even more to that sentiment in my mind. Especially because of my personal idea that it probably comes from a well intended place but its so exaggerated and blown out of proportion that it just scares you that much more, and if you push back against it, it only gets more wild and freaked out. You are so right!
@TheObsessiveCompulsiveL Yes! That's a great way to look at it. OCD's main goal is to protect us, and it is part of us, so it is important to not beat yourself up over it. It's overly protective, yes. It freaks out over almost ANYTHING that will grab our attention. If we listen to it and feed it, we strengthen it. It's important to starve it until it is quieter and more manageable. Trust yourself instead of your OCD.
@izzyshaw17 Yes! I agree!
Acid Reflux shows up for me feeling like I have food stuck in my throat that can’t get down. Do you think this could be a possibility?
@April in OCD-Land Yes, I have mild GERD, I also have some pretty crazy somatic OCD so I get a lot of intrusive thoughts when eating.
@TheObsessiveCompulsiveL How are you feeling today?
@April in OCD-Land Im feeling better! I was anxious about a bowel movement earlier but i think it was due to eating a pack of oreos LOL but overall im feeling good. Im gonna go for a walk!
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