Struggling

I’ve had a really difficult last 2 weeks. I had a really scary panic attack yesterday, the worst I’ve ever had. I can’t seem to shake that anxiety, and keep coming up with all these reasons in my head of things I’ve done/said wrong the last few days. I really struggle with people-pleasing in general, and often get stuck in an OCD loop about if someone is mad at me. That seems to be the fixation right now. My mom has been in the hospital and she’s okay! She is coming home today, but I’ve been a few hours away from home and staying at her house for the last 2 weeks to be there for her/care for her cat. My partner stayed with me for several days and was so incredibly supportive and helpful during this time, but I haven’t seen him in over a week because he has to work. Of course, this is all making my mental health worse as I was worried about my mom, missing my home/my partner, spending a lot of time alone, etc. I’m trying to attribute my OCD flare-up to the recent stressful events I’ve gone through. I’m thankful I’ve had support from friends and my partner during this, but I tend to feel worse when I’m alone. Once my mom is back home & settled, things will get better. I really just needed to get all of this out, and I don’t have the energy to physically journal right now. So if you read this, thank you and sorry it’s so long! I feel better.

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 20h

Hello Irish27, Many people with OCD struggle with intrusive thoughts about having done something wrong and engage in rumination, in an attempt to "figure it out." OCD latches on to the feelings we experience in an attempt to explain how it is our fault that we feel this way. It makes sense that your OCD would flare up during such a stressful time, especially with your mom in the hospital and being away from your usual support system. You’re not alone in this—many people find that stress and change can make OCD symptoms feel more intense. If you’d like additional support, feel free to book a free call with our NOCD team. We’d be happy to share more information and explore ways to help. No one has to live in fear of their own thoughts. Also here are some helpful resources: https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/common-fears/why-am-i-scared-of-being-home-alone-a-therapists-advice https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/before-and-after-how-ocd-treatment-changed-peoples-lives/ https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/why-is-ocd-worse-when-im-traveling-or-on-vacation/ Take care, Ian M. Reeder

Wolverine li...

Date posted: 20h

Just wanted to say kudos on managing all of that and being brave through it all -- that is not easy! You are being mindful that the OCD flare-up is tied to the stressful events as the brain has a harder time being in its executive mode when it's tired, stressed, and overwhelmed. Keep reminding yourself that the OCD is going to jump from one theme to the next probably until a week after your mom is back home and settled. It's going to jump to "I am doing something wrong" or "Someone is upset with me" to "What ifs" around health / panic attacks to any others you might have. Do not fall for the trap. Multiple things can be true at the same time and all you need to keep focusing on is detaching from the thought and being OK sitting with the feeling and emotion. You've got this!

Irish27

Date posted: 18h

@Wolverine lives on Thank you so much, I really appreciate it!!

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