So I’m incredibly anxious as I’m going back home today after being with my partner for a week. I think for me going home is always a trigger because that’s where I had my panic attack that began this all. I’m often alone with a lot of free time at home, which can mean my brain goes into rumination & intrusive thought city and I can feel pretty out of control. If anyone has any tips or suggestions for how they manage their ROCD, when they know their about to enter an environment that is highly triggering I’d be massively grateful. I’ve already completed my morning meditation, I spoke to my Doctor yesterday about everything for the first time I’m really proud of myself for being afraid but taking steps to get the help I need. But I am feeling really anxious & fearful, as I’ve been doing pretty okay whilst I’ve been here.

Relationship OCD

Jayjayg9494

Date posted: 4y

Thank you for the suggestion, I already follow awaken into love. I used to journal when my intrusive & negative thoughts first began, but I think that became a part of my compulsion. Writing everything down to feel better, only to have it not work longer term. I’m trying to learn to not to give into the compulsions of watching YouTube & listening to content for reassurance purposes, it can be really really hard to find the balance between education & reassurance.

k-low

Date posted: 4y

Oh yes same for me. I stopped watching YouTube for this reason, as it turned into reassurance seeking for me. As well as Journaling. I almost finished a while journal in a few days. Which wasn't healthy.

thikhippy

Date posted: 4y

@k-low This is good to know! I try to only watch YouTube when I’m not like obsessive and anxious, but I definitely am guilty of journaling sometimes to find relief. I’m so guilty of finishing journals extremely fast.

Jayjayg9494

Date posted: 4y

I’ve been trying to get therapy for a year and a half now for other unrelated issues. When I spoke with my doctor yesterday they explained that whilst your on the wait list for 1 type of therapy, you can’t self refer for a different service (this is UK applicable only). Private healthcare is pretty expensive not really an Avenue I can afford atm the moment, but the NHS (our national health service) is very very over subscribed and so accessing therapy isn’t always very easy.

k-low

Date posted: 4y

I live in the UK and I never even tried it with the NHS. I just went straight to nocd. I started with free counseling from my university. But nocd has been the most helpful. Why don't you try that?

Jayjayg9494

Date posted: 4y

Because NOCD whilst a great resource is also pretty pricey, when I spoke with an advisor and I was told £45 a session I knew I couldn’t manage that at the moment. I have just gotten a new job with a significant payrise, so I am gonna look into private options again.

k-low

Date posted: 4y

Yeah I know it's not cheap. But I spaced out my appointments and so it was more manageable. I don't know your financial situation. But for me I thought getting my mental health sorted was the most important thing of everything and I was willing to work more and harder just to pay it. If you only book one session a week in the beginning its around 100 pounds per week and after that around 60 per week

Jayjayg9494

Date posted: 4y

I appreciate the comment, but that is pretty expensive for me per week. but that doesn’t mean I don’t value my mental health above all us. As someone who’s just graduated & was made redundant it’s just not been financially feasible. I’m sure it wasn’t your intention, but it did come across a little judgemental. I am looking into a variety of potentially affordable options now that I’ve secured a grad job, I wish you lots of luck on your journey. 😊

k-low

Date posted: 4y

Oh noo I'm so sorry that wasn't my intention at all 😱😞 In my area there is a self referral scheme (steps To Wellbeing) where you can self refer to counslers and someone contacted me fairly quickly (3 weeks or so). Maybe they have that in your area as well? I wish you the best and hope that you can find someone to help you! But until that happens I think YouTube can be very helpful! There's a Chanel called OCD and anxiety which was extremely helpful 😊 x

thikhippy

Date posted: 4y

Ahhh that’s a trigger for me too! Like going home from vacations with him, it’s always really hard and I’m like damn if we lived together this wouldn’t happen. When really like I need to handle my own before we take things there haha. Journaling is a big help for me! And asking myself what am I feeling? What do I want to feel? How can I feel that way?…Meditation like you’re already doing! Awaken into love channel on YouTube too

k-low

Date posted: 4y

Are you in therapy for ocd? I think those fears will become way easier the more you learn and progress. I think having some goals or things to do can be really helpful to keep your mind occupied. Maybe take up some kind of sport that kepps you motivated?

Jayjayg9494

Date posted: 4y

Oh no completely understand, I think I’m just in a heightened sense of sensitivity because anxiety is kicking my ass 🥺 thank you so much for the advice and kindness I’ll definitely look into all of the advice you’ve given honestly been so helpful. xx

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