Does anyone have any experience with moving and OCD? I am going to be moving soon to a place I dreamed of living for a while now, but instead of feeling happy I’m overwhelmed and guilty for being away from my family. It’s my first move away from home, but I’m disappointed in myself for not feeling more excited like I was expecting, and having anxiety/OCD in the forefront.
I’ve found that moving is a big trigger for a lot of my ocd themes. After settling into a new place, it does balance out eventually. Just give it some time and be kind to yourself 💕
@Tech Princess Thank you, that’s my hope too once everything settles down. I definitely need to remember to be kinder to myself
I haven't moved out of my family's home mostly for financial reasons but also this same feeling. I was reading a moving scene and was heavily triggered by it. My biggest fear is being forgotten or abandoned once I leave. I've found that it just stays difficult and uncomfortable until it becomes normal. It's not easy but it can GET easier.
@Anonymous It definitely can be a mixed bag of emotions all at once. I’ve had old and new OCD themes emerge, and it’s definitely overwhelming, but trying my best to not give into the compulsions
Yes, moving (and change in general) can be a big ocd trigger. I recently went through a move and it was incredibly hard for me — I went through a big OCD flare up (my perfectionism, contamination, and harm themes all got very loud). AND it has been SUCH an important experience for me to go through. I’ve grown so much and worked through so many triggers and themes — all my ERP and therapy tools have served me very well and gotten stronger. Self-compassion has strengthened as well. And I’m growing more and more into the person I want to be (not who my ocd wants me to be). All this to say, you are not alone. Lean into the tools you have learned in therapy and talk with your therapist about what comes up. I’ve found it really important to allow whatever feelings come up (not try to fight them) and to accept the uncertainty of whatever it is my ocd has latched onto (NERs are great for this) Remember that feelings and thoughts aren’t facts (ex: for me, just because my OCD was making me anxious didn’t necessarily mean the decisions I was making are wrong). It’s okay to be nervous and stressed and sad and any other feeling — moving is stressful for many many people (and not just people with ocd). And change can be exciting and bittersweet all at the same time. Hope that all makes sense. Excited for you as you set off on this adventure ❤️🙂
@Hobbit Thank you so much, I love this take that you will come out of the other side stronger! Change is scary but I’m proud of myself for following through and giving myself the opportunity to grow instead of letting anxiety and OCD run my decisions. It’s a great opportunity to stay present in the moment and work on allowing those feelings to be there
@bluetree Yes!!!! I love the way you put that ❤️
I am also moving next week and it is the worst experience ever even though where we are moving is so exciting and awesome. This is my 3 time moving and from my experience it goes away once you’re settled in!
@Becca_13 Thank you, I hope that as things settle it does. Change has always triggered my OCD so I shouldn’t be surprised, but still gets to me sometimes!
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