Does anyone else have PTSD or are dealing with trauma along with their OCD? I am and it’s pure torture, especially in this pandemic. My whole view of life and the world is so dark and I have such deep deep sadness and anger.

I have so much trouble concentrating while working from home. I am smart and have so much potential but I literally do the bare minimum for work just to get by and I distract myself with food, TV shows, and sometimes wine. Every time I am happy or am distracted I have a flashback or intrusive thought and think omg I can’t be happy or productive right now I have to focus on this and be upset.

@Anxiousgirl Oh, so you are deep in the throes. I avoided my PTSD until I thought it was gone, and then it just sprang back so hard and was triggered by my schoolwork every time I tried to work on a project that was itself worth 4 credits in my minor. I wound up just not being able to do it, even with multiple extensions. So I can definitely suggest not to just totally avoid it, though I can absolutely understand how that seems the only way to cope sometimes. I’m here. I’m sending you so much healing energy. Do you like dogs? My pup wants to send you snuggles, but he’s also working on respecting boundaries. Honestly, having a dog or any pet is truly healing if you like them. ?

Ooh, exercise is excellent for the mind! And the punching bag sounds great. There are so many times I wish it was ok to just primal scream without freaking out the neighborhood! But that punching bag sounds like a much quieter way to release. Not sure where you are and what applies to you, but service dogs (though pricey and sometimes come with a waiting list) are allowed anywhere you go. But emotional support animals, with an Rx from your doc, don’t need to be specifically trained more than pets. You can’t bring them everywhere, but you can have them in your home, even if pets are otherwise not allowed, and I don’t think anyone is allowed to raise your rent for them. Don’t let that be any pressure; if it’s not the right time, it’s not. Honestly, a betta fish helped me through the last couple of years of my bachelor’s with the PTSD triggered. He would dance in his bowl, to music with me, and when I’d just start to stare up from whatever was in front of me, he was a friendly face. There’s a Churchill quote I like, “If you’re going through Hell, keep going.” Puppy snugs your way!