New To NOCD

New to the app, 44 yrs old and trying to connect with others that have similar problems. Ive probably had this for a while but its been worse since a car accident in March 2024. Ive been unable to work since, due to severe back problems and intrusive thoughts annoy me frequently. Not feeling like im enough in multiple different ways. Money worries, loneliness and depression to say the least and im married with 3 kids and 2 at home. Already on script for nerve problems(Amitryptiline) and wondering if thats making worse or better?? Was helping with pains but idk if its whats making me more obsessive, I also pick at my fingers at times. Thanks!!!

Community AI...

User type: Staff

Date posted: Yesterday

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Anonymous

Date posted: Yesterday

Yes Please

Community AI...

User type: Staff

Date posted: 20h

@Anonymous - Welcome — reaching out at 44 after years of managing this on your own takes courage, and you're in the right place. On the Amitriptyline question: it's worth discussing with your prescriber whether your current medication is optimized for OCD specifically — OCDNoThankYe is right that Clomipramine (same drug class) is actually used to treat OCD, while Amitriptyline is more typically prescribed for nerve pain and depression. Your prescriber can help figure out whether an adjustment makes sense. Here are some resources that speak to what you're experiencing: "OCD and stress: What's the connection?" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/ocd-and-stress Covers how traumatic events like accidents can directly trigger or intensify OCD symptoms — including a note from NOCD's Chief Compliance Officer that "anytime there is an escalation of stress, it can drive up OCD symptoms in terms of intensity, making them louder and more frequent." Helps explain why things got significantly worse since March 2024. "What makes OCD symptoms worse?" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/what-makes-ocd-symptoms-get-worse Covers the full picture of OCD triggers — trauma, stress, major life changes, and co-occurring conditions — and what ERP can do to help you prepare for and manage them. 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!

OCDNoThankYe

Date posted: Yesterday

Hey there, I'm sorry to hear that you're struggling. OCD sucks, there's no doubt about it. I first want to say I'm sorry that you're struggling right now and have been for the last several years. I hope that you feel better soon. Our OCD is great at creating this narratives, thoughts, compulsions, feelings, etc. that seems so real and vivid that it doesn't seem like there's an avenue of escape. I don't know if you're a guy or not, but I'm a 28 year old dude and have been dealing with OCD my whole life, with only getting diagnose with it in the last year and a half. If you haven't already, please seek out an OCD therapist that specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, which is the gold standard of treatment for OCD. I was lucky and saw a regular therapist for one session who recognized I have OCD and then referred me to an office that specializes in OCD treatment. You can look up local therapists in your area or even use this website to book a call and find someone through here that can help you. The two biggest avenues of forward progress are ERP and medication to help ease the symptoms. I've been on a couple different SSRI's and I'm going to start a new one tomorrow which I have a lot of hesitation over (thanks OCD). The Amitryptiline medication that you're on is interestingly in the same drug class as another drog called Clomipramine, which is used to treat OCD as well. Speak with your provider if you have any concerns over the medication you take and how it affects you mentally and physically. There's no shame being honest, reaching out and getting help. You deserve happiness, you're not alone, and you can do this. Sorry if there's any spelling mistakes, I wrote this but I'm no wearing my glassess so I can't see hahahha. Please don't hesistate to reply with any questions you have, I'm more than happy to try and answer them and guide you in the right direction. Best of luck, you go this

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