Hello All

As someone who has been struggling with OCD for over 2 years now. It takes a while to overcome it. There is no need to be afraid! OCD is merely a fly buzzing around you. It is not who you are, you are not defined by your thoughts or your compulsions. You have to trust yourself, and know that you have the ability to push through urges. Push through compulsions. Push through with ERP! You are stronger than your mind, you are stronger than the thoughts spiraling. If it’s hard for you to get out of your head here are some ways I’ve found that help me to get out of a spiral; TAKE A HOT SHOWER: Something about the hot water hitting my back and laying down eases my mind, sometimes during my worse episodes I would sit in the shower for upmost of 40 minutes. It brings me back to my body and out of my head! TAKE A DRAMAMINE: During my worst days I would not be able to sleep. I’ve tried anxiety medicine, sleeping pills, SSRI medication. Dramamine, although OTC for nausea, it causes drowsiness which allows for me to fall asleep despite my anxiety inducing thoughts. Another perk? It also makes my anxiety go away. During the times where i was spiraling for hours in the night. I learned to take a Dramamine as soon as I felt the anxiety coming on and I just fell asleep. Woke up and restarted my morning fresh. GOING TO THE GYM: Although we all want to have tones abs and a firm butt, the gym has many more benefits than just that. Exercise improves mental health by releasing feel-good neurotransmitters like endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which boost mood, reduce stress hormones (cortisol), and alleviate anxiety. Regular activity, such as 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly, improves sleep, increases self-esteem, acts as a distraction from negative thoughts, and enhances cognitive function. (Google) When I’m active it allows me more control over my thoughts. EATING HEALTHY: Sometimes a McFlurry is good for mental health too don’t get me wrong but eating clean and healthy is more than you think. Eating healthy is essential for mental health because nutrient-dense foods regulate neurotransmitters, reduce brain inflammation, and stabilize blood sugar, which directly affects mood, cognitive function, and stress levels. A balanced diet—rich in vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats—supports gut health and provides the energy necessary to prevent mood disorders like anxiety and depression. (Harvard) TALK TO A FRIEND: My biggest compulsion is confessing. Confessing when I feel i did something guilty, confessing when something doesn’t feel just right. Confessing to someone no other than my significant other. During my time of needing to confess, I talk to a friend. Not asking for reassurance (also a compulsion) but for understanding and to help me realize that it isn’t such a big deal after all. Talking to a close friend who understands, doesn’t judge, and simply listens is truthfully my biggest crutch. I hope these help you to navigate your OCD a little better. It took me a while to find what works for me. Comment some things that help you get out of an OCD spiral below!