I need some advice, especially from other women. I've been doing better with some of my obsessive thoughts since last week when I started reading a book (it's Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts for anyone wondering, it's quite helpful) and was feeling close to myself again. Unfortunately, yesterday I just woke up feeling like crap and kind of depressed due to that time of the month, which in turn made my OCD symptoms worse. It feels like I just stepped backwards from the good feelings and progress I had in the previous week, so I'm feeling pretty low right now. I need some advice on how I can deal with this sudden drop in mood and how I can try to keep a positive and hopeful mindset during this. Also want to add that I have not done ERP yet. I was supposed to start that in the beginning of this year, but due to a switch in insurance I didn't get to start. Hoping that can get taken care of soon so I can start therapy soon because I think I seriously need it.

I believe it is, but I'm not sure how to handle my emotions while I'm like this. Usually with the pill it's not bad or I don't even really notice the mood changes, but this time I have and it's been pretty rough.

@PeachyPopsicle I can understand. Honestly it's really painful. Maybe you should practice meditation to calm and be at ease. I've also heard a tip from a friend that separating and seeing OCD as a separate thing rather than the actual you also helps. I've tried and it makes me think rationally

Maybe I'll look into that. For the past few years it seems like I feel depressed right before mine starts and I'll be that way for a day or two. I just thought this change was due to me being a little older now, so my period is a little different than when I was younger. Usually being on the pill helps a lot, but for some reason this time I just feel like crap.

@PeachyPopsicle Yea I can get anxiety before the period and depression right after

@Ditto~ Yeah. I just thought this was normal, but it maybe wouldn't hurt to have my hormones checked.

@PeachyPopsicle I’d call it ‘common’ but not something you have to put up with, especially if it makes you miserable or the ocd much harder to bear during that time. Yes a lot of other people just deal with it, but they’re not you, and many of them don’t share your unique combination of internal struggles.

The nice thing is it doesnt even have to be an intense workout. Just getting your body moving with yoga or walking around the house does the trick for some people

@ocdisntme I like yoga, so I'll have to give that a shot this week. Hopefully I'll feel better in a few days anyway because some of this is due to my period, but I really would also like to see if exercising can help my mood in general.

@PeachyPopsicle Yoga is one of my favorite ways to exercise. Even if it's just doing a guided meditation.

For me, being depressed can reduce my desire to exercise, although exercise does help with mood once it is actually carried out. So I find that if something else can boost my mood first, then exercise is easier to start. So then you’ll have an even greater mood boost :)