Does anyone have somatic OCD specific to breathing? Sounds crazy, but whenever i get in bed these days I cant help but start focusing on my breathing (because, diabolically, I know it makes it difficult to breathe). It’ll then become impossible for me to sleep, my breathing will be irregular, and I cant get my mind off it unless I become super busy. Has anyone found any solutions to this problem, between therapy, medication, etc? I exercise/otherwise take care of my health, but have had this problem the last 8 years and its getting more and more debilitating I dont want keeping busy to be the only solution- I want to be able to relax and not be plagued with the thought of breathing Thanks

Ughh I struggle with this from time to time. Focusing and doing breathing exercises sometimes make it worse for me. The only relaxation breathing that helps me in alternative nostril breathing. I also have found that just reminding myself that our bodies naturally know how to breathe and how to swallow so when we force these natural things that our bodies already know how to do it won't feel normal. Hang in there!💜

Hey I have somatic ocd too...it’s tough and I am just beginning therapy so I don’t have the best advice other than working with someone. Do you engage in compulsive behaviors to try to stop noticing the breathing? Just curious. They say the therapy will help you not be bothered by these bodily things like breathing. My somatic ocd manifests itself a little differently and isn’t specifically a breathing obsession, but I obsess over a lot ofbodily sensations so I empathize with your situation 🙏

Yes, struggling with this right now. Its been going on for a week now and it started off really difficult but Ive progressively gotten somewhat better by meditation, letting the thought come in and acknowleding it but trying not to act on it, and spending time with people. Its worse when Im alone and have nothing to focus on. Have you had any success? I sympathize with you and pray we get better soon 💜

Are you still experiencing this?