Hello everyone, I was wondering if anyone had some tips on morning anxiety/OCD. I have Harm OCD In particularly I’m scared I’m going to commit suicide and these thoughts fluster me in the morning. But after a while they calm down and I’m not as nervous about it and I don’t think I’m even going to hurt myself at all. It’s so crazy how it feels so real and then doesn’t. Please help me out with anything you guys may be doing to assist with this. Best, Fran

Hi Fran :) I deal with Harm OCD. It's more toward harming others, but I do get these thoughts sometimes. It always feels real for a second, a minute, or even a few mins, but then it doesn't. Just remember: If you're wondering if it's OCD, it is OCD. If you're scared you're going to do it, you probably won't. Those are things I've learned, heard, gathered from having OCD for over 13 years. I hope this helps you. :)

I understand, I too fear suicide. It’s hard when others don’t understand because you truly don’t want to die or for things to ever come to that. You aren’t alone. Typically people with OCD have very pure hearts and feel overly responsible for others and themselves. It’s a blessing and a curse. Focus on the blessing portion, kindness and empathy is our super powers.

Hey, I have a different subtype but I also struggle more in the morning. I think it’s important to remember that it’s temporary. If you feel an urge to ruminate or do a compulsion you can tell yourself “I’m not going to do that. I’m gonna sit with the anxiety and hold out until it goes down later because I know my anxiety goes down as the day goes on”. Makes getting through it a little easier for me Also if you can help it try to avoid/limit your caffeine. But I know that can be hard, I need my coffee 😬

Often times OCD strips our confidence in ourselves. Which makes us believe so little in our abilities to cope and believe the lies that we’re capable of our scary thoughts. In my personal journey I try to do things to support my confidence and my strength to overcome and grow. I lean into believing recovery is possible and I am able. The more confident I am in this, the less scary the thoughts naturally become.