Starting out this morning with rushing thoughts at 8am, went to see my therapist at 11, everything was okay, and that I can label these things as OCD, but it’s still difficult, especially right now at work. And then, before work, my girlfriend and I were having lunch, and I could just see that I’m a complete mess. She has to deal with my shit, and yes we do want a future together, but now I realize since I suppose I was diagnosed with OCD today, she seemed disappointed and she said she was scared about if I do get over this theme, what would be my next one. I just felt miserable because she was irritated that I don’t say much anymore, because my thoughts are just constantly there and I’m just tired of all this.

Trust me, and I think Catlady would agree, no matter what the “theme” ocd will always tell us “what if it’s not ocd” or “this is something different” don’t even feed into that. Maybe when u start ruminating just say “I’m just going to accept any thoughts that come into my head and I’m not going to fight” ruminating and reassurance are my two biggest compulsions so cutting them out has helped me a lot

I feel your pain through this message bro, if I can offer any words of encouragement when I was at my worse 2-3 months ago, panic attack’s 5-10 times a day, obsessions 24-7, I never thought I would be able to get out. But god bless I found a great therapist, reduced my symptoms by about 60-70%, (still going) and will be starting meds tonight, I never thought I’d be back to a point close to where I was before. Keep your chin up and remember this pain is temporary this struggle and hurt your feeling won’t last and you WILL get through it. Believe that my guy

@JM1998 I’m so sorry you’re going through this. I feel your pain. My thoughts are pretty constant too. Even if another theme comes up in place of this one, you can beat it. I’ve been through so many, but I am improving. How much of this have you discussed with her?

I’m sorry my friend. If you don’t mind me asking, why is she afraid of what the next theme would be if it does switch to another one?

Almost everything with her.

And thank you for the encouragement, it definitely feels like it wants me to think otherwise and I’m scared.. at times it doesn’t feel like OCD. I constantly ruminate and do mental checking over and over again. Loud noises are starting to get to me and I’m just about done with this day.

@Catlady because of the unexpected I guess. She’s afraid I’ll give in, which triggered me even more.

Hell, that’s what I’m afraid of ?

I do agree with Big Russ— it helps to not fight with the thoughts. It’s much easier for me to just be like, “yeah whatever,” and carry on. I also do agree with cutting out compulsions—it makes us spend more time on the thoughts which only makes them worse. I know you won’t give in. I’m not trying to reassure you, I’m trying to give you hope because there’s always hope. There have been so many times I’ve felt like there was none, but I’ve come through it every time. If I can, so can you❤️

Some months ago, I also thought everything was over and this shit would last forever. You’ll get through this and you and your girlfriend will have a great life together :) - Get all necessary fact about OCD, and I recommend you reading from a book instead of internet since it’s so easy to seek for reassurance out there. - Don’t seek reassurance, you can just stop doing it directly, it’s just waste of time. It’s hard but try your best. Also, agree with your related to not respond on your reassurance seeking. - Do your ERP. The sessions should be planned. Don’t give up if it’s hard in the beginning. Keep your head up. - Accept that the thoughts, feelings and impulses could pop up (now they might be there all the time since you are in an intrusive phase) Don’t pay attention, continue with your daily life and do funny stuff even though it feels fucked up to do that if you have “weird” thoughts at the same time. - Accept that some days could be harder than others, this is how life is but when you are in a hard period you could feel extra sensitive for up and downs. - Reduce stress and improve sleep. Mindfulness and guided sleep meditation help you to relax. - Psychical activity is always good. Stay strong!