HUGE scary moment. Please help me calm down? So just a bit ago , I was taking my antibiotic pills when one pill “went down the wrong way” and I went Into this HUGE panic because it was essentially stuck and scraping my throat. I know logically I shouldn’t freak out because I could breathe. But my body went into fight or flight and went into emergency forced vomit mode. I dry heaved as hard as I could for like 10 minutes on and off. I was so scared because nothing came out. It was too far deep. I started shaking and forcing myself to throw up. But I also kept swallowing a lot. Then it finally went down and now my OCD is FULLY ACTIVATED. My existential thoughts are clouding my brain. And I’m so upset. Because I was having a good evening.

I have harm and existential ocd , so my thoughts pretty much surround the meaning of life and also afraid of harming myself too

@JBird88 I never heard of existential OCD

I'm asking about the past visits. Did something happen or is your OCD making you think something did?

@Jerry23 No my OCD is. My OCD is always telling me to go to the emergency room because it says I’m going to go crazy and hurt myself. I have no intention of hurting myself but my OCD makes me think it’s going to happen for some reason .... it’s so confusing and makes me spiral

@JBird88 Don't ever go to the ER again because of your OCD. 1, they will never be able to help you 2. It's very expensive 3. You're reinforcing your OCD.

@Jerry23 Okay I will try not too, I just feel so helpless and scared I guess. It feels so real

@JBird88 I think medication would be a good start for you

@Jerry23 I’m on some meds ... but I don’t think they are working. I keep telling myself I need to stop them ( they are low dose stimulant and it’s safe to stop them ) but I’m being so stubborn about it

@JBird88 Well long-term medication isn't good but the right dose along with ERP would probably help you. Then taper the dosage off as you get better. I have to go now but don't give up and think about my advice.

@Jerry23 Okay thank you jerry I appreciate your kindness please keep me in your prayers

@JBird88 Btw deep breathing and focusing on something you value might help you get out of your panic attack.

@Jerry23 Thank you. What about when the thoughts come? How can I accept those scary thoughts??

@JBird88 Honestly distracting yourself is the only thing to do until you start your ERP. Eventually you will be able to deal with those intrusive thoughts.

@Jerry23 Thank you , and you said the App helps?

One thing to know is that panic attacks don't last forever. A practice exercise of ERP for you would be repeating "I'm going to die" in your head for a few minutes at a time without telling yourself you'll be ok or anything like that.

@Jerry23 Or maybe "I could die"

Try the treatment plan on here and request the days off for medical reasons.