What’s up guys? How is everyone tonight?

I consider that plain ol anxiety! It never goes away for me either- even when I’m feeling my best.

I’m doing okayish. 💛

Awww congrats!!! Take it as a compliment that your ocd is now surrounding the new baby. Ocd goes after what we care about most- usually- so it’s no wonder it’s attacking your brain over it. As always... erp. I’m a firm believer in scripts. This is typically a 2-3 sentence anxiety inducing statement about something that *could* realistically happened (even a 1% chance) about your niece or nephew and reading it until it becomes boring.

@NOCD Advocate - Lauren W. Thanks so much for sharing. Do you happen to have an example of a script one might use? Also, how can I allow room for uncertainty if I happen to act on the thoughts, it could ruin the child’s life. Are you available any time to discuss?

@Anonymous Hi, I’m so sorry it took me a few days to get back with you. So, when it comes to an erp script you need to keep it short and to the point. Basically, in real time (as if it’s happening right now), write out your biggest current fear coming true and you suffering whatever the consequences are. Read it 30 times a day. 10 in the morning, 10 at lunch, 10 at night. Over time it should “bore” you and lessen the anxiety over the thought. And as far as your question about accepting uncertainty.. yes, it would be terrible if you acted on the thought or if it were true! Right?? Accepting uncertainty SUCKS and it isn’t easy. But over time the thoughts will mean less to you.

@NOCD Advocate - Lauren W. Thanks a lot for taking the time to respond. I think in the near future I will spend some time working on scripts. On a positive note, I was holding my niece today with pretty low anxiety. I think reminding myself that actually giving the thoughts more thought gives them more power, helped me to effectively ignore them to some extent. Do you think this a healthy practice? I just feel like I need to tread lightly, as to not turn the “if I think about the thought it will get worse” into a compulsion. It’s hard to explain.

I’m okay, Ben! :) a rare beautiful moment lol

I’m so sorry!! 🤍 are you seeing an NOCD therapist currently?

@NOCD Advocate - Lauren W. I am going to be seeing a therapist very soon. But until then I am struggling bad.

@Vannafaith I am here if you need someone to talk to!

@NOCD Advocate - Lauren W. How can I stop these compulsions? They feel so automatic and I don't know what to do anymore.

@Vannafaith Hi I’m sorry it took me a few days to respond! So, don’t overthink the compulsions. The idea is to lessen them, nothing is ever 100% perfect. If you do a tiny compulsion against your will inside your head (automatically) then it will still be okay. Control the things that you have control over! Ruminations, reassurance seeking, rituals, etc.