Relapses during big life events

@Anonymous Sometimes it’s just nice to know that we’re not alone in our battles.. wishing you all the best and keep fighting 🙏

@EnglishBreakfast00 Gotcha. Is Sertaline like an SSI? I’ve heard of them but never spoken to a doctor about it. Definitely not ruling out medication or anything that can help because it’s a literal disease

@EnglishBreakfast00 Other than the medication, what would you say was your biggest help in overcoming ocd?

@Anonymous Sertraline is an SSRI. Just know that SSRIs can usually take about three weeks to begin having an effect, and they can sometimes worsen anxiety in the first week or two. But it’s definitely worth it and can make life so much more bearable. SSRIs are great for lessening the severity of symptoms. Since you are also asking about options other than medication, I think the most important thing is to accept that you’re going to have a tough time for a bit. Unfortunately, it is what it is. You are having a flare-up, and they can last for a surprisingly long time. I have had flare-ups that last for two weeks or so. You can do everything right, but the loop won’t immediately break. Yet, it’s still incredibly important to starve the OCD. I don’t know exactly how Somatic OCD presents itself, so here is a general guideline for OCD: delay, delay, delay compulsions. Even a 15-minute delay is a huge win and can sometimes actually prevent a flare-up. Do not engage with the storylines, no matter how convincing, ugly, or scary they might be. Delaying compulsions and disengaging won't feel good at all for days. It will feel like you’re not making any progress, because you’re still feeling this way. But it takes time for your feelings to adjust to your new behavior. And all of a sudden, you’ll think: “What was I so worried about?” In the spot you are in now, make life as easy as possible for yourself. Treat it like an illness, because it is one. That means setting boundaries and being self-compassionate, just like you would if you had a fever. Don’t be ashamed of being kind to yourself, either. I am talking about taking a few days off work, and staying in bed to watch your favorite show. Self-compassion also means listening to your body and fulfilling your needs. You mentioned you’re moving, and that’s obviously a big change. You could ask yourself what that change means to you, because your OCD is reacting to something - what is it? What is it about missing family and friends that makes you distressed? Look inward and listen, and try to soothe your inner self. Would it help to spend more time with your family and talk about how the change is affecting you, or ask how they are feeling? Could it be fear of how you’re going to spend time with them after you move? Reassure yourself that everything is going to be fine, and promise yourself you’re going to find solutions to your needs. Remember that you can always move back, video call your mom, or make plans with your friends more often.

@EnglishBreakfast00 This actually helped me so much you have no idea. It’s so hard to explain this type of stuff to other people who don’t understand what we go through and the wars we wage in our own minds… but I think it’s all the stuff you mentioned. - being away from my parents who I’m really close with, my friends, etc. but at the same time I’m also gonna be with someone I love. I guess it’s the fear of the unknown but to your point I try to always remind myself that I have a choice. Always. No matter what. Thing is also, my fiance knows I have anxiety but she doesn’t know so much about the ocd. So that’s been a silent battle around her at times… but I hear you on the self compassion and taking it slow stuff. I feel overwhelmed lately and like my nervous system is a little deregulated and it probably is because a big move like this would bring anxiety to Anyone, yet alone someone with ocd and anxiety but I’m gonna continue to delay. I’ve made it this far in the day without basically any of the same compulsions I did yesterday. I’m trying. The intrusive thoughts and worries are still there in the background of course but I’m trying to lower the volume.

@Anonymous It is a big life change, so we have to remember to be compassionate towards ourselves in times like these. Yes, you always have a choice. It’s not like if you miss your family, you withhold yourself from seeing them, right? When something is bothering me and I feel emotional, I make sure to take the time to ask myself: “Hey you, what’s wrong? Do you need a warm tea and a blanket? You want to see XYZ? Well, let’s make sure you get to do that and how about we watch your favourite show?” You really have to treat yourself like a child you are taking care of. Talk to your fiancé. Tell her how the change is affecting you. You don’t have to tell everything at once, if you don’t want to. That’s ALWAYS up to you how much you want to share about your feelings. If you REALLY are struggling, you can always consult a doctor about medication. She can educate you on SSRI’s and other solutions. It may be you only need something like benzodiazepines to lessen the anxiety right now. Take care!