This isn’t purely OCD related, but is to an extent. So usually when I get a spike of OCD, I’ll go into a really bad depression a couple of days before and after, and this usually lasts a little over 2 weeks, usually every 1-2months. I was invited to a little get-together thing with a couple other people who I don’t honestly know that well, but I digress, but the thing is, I’m afraid that since it’s gonna be a whole weekend, that I’ll be in the middle of a depression/spike or fall into one DURING the event, which would obviously be awful. Any ideas on how to express this to these people without sounding like I’m just making up an excuse? Like “sorry, but I might be in a depression/spike of OCD” doesn’t exactly sound that wonderful, almost as if I’m asking for putty or something, which I’m not. Sorry it’s not super related, wish there were a “random” or misc channel on here. Anyway, if anyone has an idea on how to express this, I’d really appreciate it.

little rabbit

Date posted: 5y

The fear of OCD interrupting your life is the thing that's telling you not to go, right? Are you sure you want to turn it down? I know how scary it is to be up to the fears, and I have avoided a lot of "life" not to get triggered before. I'm just not willing to lose more moments to OCD, even if initially the moments might not be 100% of what they would have been. Another thing is, our emotions can and do change very fast, you might get into stress and sorrow there for a few hours but the events might also make it pass faster? We never know, it's all up to whether you want to give yourself a chance for change.

Just.a.bean

Date posted: 5y

Yes, although I think it’s mostly the depression that comes along with the intrusive thoughts (Pure O, Existential mainly)(during my “spikes” I literally cannot think of a single thing else, everything is connected to my thoughts, spend all day fending off panic attacks) that makes me wary of going, because when that comes I can’t get happy no matter what, can barely move or get out of bed, feel hopeless, you know. If I knew these people a bit better I’d just explain to them that I have mental health issues (as I have with people I’m closer to in the past). This honestly isn’t something I’m looking forward to, so I’m not really worried on missing out, I just think if it’s something that I’m already not super excited about, and then my mental health goes sour, it’ll be just awful, and a really bad first impression with some of the newer people.

Just.a.bean

Date posted: 5y

Thank you for your responce, by the way. Realize I sounded like I was trying to argue with you, which I’m not. I really do appreciate your caring enough to taking the time to help me.

little rabbit

Date posted: 5y

@Just.a.bean Don't worry at all, it didn't sound like arguing to me, we're all strangers here and each can only offer their own angle! I see what you mean, it sounds like you've weighed pros and cons logically and got to your conclusion! I personally have had trouble thinking right when I get fearful of OCD things exploding in my life. I think if you want to be honest, if partially, you could tell them that you are dealing with some life stuff that is personal and might need your attention to the degree that you won't have time to participate in activities and such. They might assume it's some family matter or something that requires you to be on the phone a lot, but in the end you don't need to say any more than you want, and they can assume whatever.

Just.a.bean

Date posted: 5y

@little rabbit Thank you! I’ll try that :)

9jewels

Date posted: 5y

Other than outright saying it, I would maybe around the time of the get together you don’t feel well to mention u may not be able to go?

Just.a.bean

Date posted: 5y

Thank you

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