This doesn’t really have to do with OCD as much as it does with other things, But actually it does because I am a person who struggles with a lot of obsessions and compulsions. I also struggle with depression, ADHD, severe anxiety/ panic, and addiction as well. This is not a fun combo but I am sure many of you already know that! Does anyone else ever feel extremely depressed, lonely, hopeless, and scared at night? I feel like I have literally no one to talk to ever. I also feel like my OCD has pushed me away from potential friends and keeps me isolated. OCD amongst other things has really turned me into someone who isnt very like-able, I dont even like myself anymore. Back to my point though, I have the most energy at night, am unable to sleep, and always feel incredibly alone. Any helpful suggestions on how to self soothe and cope with these feeling which are intensified bc of sleep deprivation?

I'm sorry you're struggling, I'm sure that is a rough combination. I agree that making sure you do enough during the day helps. I also find i have the most energy at night, but luckily I'm able schedule-wise to just stay up a bit and be productive before heading to bed. Have you tried having a bedtime routine? Like x amount of time before bed, pick out clothes for tomorrow, pack lunch, etc., a bath in the semi dark with candles and soft music, or meditation, or stretching. And like reading, or journaling, or knitting, or whatever quiet non-screen activity, then bed. Idk I think I've heard you can like, train yourself to associate things with sleep, like ope it's dark and the bedtime song is playing and I put on my fuzzy socks, brain says time for sleep. But for the alone thing, I can relate to that too. There are times I feel so alone I could cry, and when I get that way I usually journal. I'm like you know what, there's no one to talk to right now, I'm going to talk to myself, I'll tell myself about my day, I'll reflect on my thoughts and feelings, I'll write goals for the future or a funny story I heard or even just how I feel alone. Sometimes I do cry while I'm doing it. And then I think about my future self reading it at a time when I'm not feeling alone and picture me being happy that I wrote it all down, because reflecting on the rough and the bad and the bits of good will help me see how much I've grown. And I usually feel at least somewhat better by the end.

Also, not to keep rambling on, but exercise might be another good option. Sounds silly but it could help not only to tire you out, but to also produce some feel good chemicals that help against the others. I prefer dancing my heart out in my kitchen as opposed to traditional exercise, but they've got all sorts of programs you can do at home too.

Hey I’m here if you want to talk I just try to work during the day so I’m tired at night and I feel you all to well people don’t want to be around you because you don’t like yourself it’s fucking hard and is a huge inconvenience in life but I hope you find your way

Thank you I really appreciate that. Ya It is definitely more difficult to reach out for help and advice when I dont have anyone and always feel like a burden on my family. If you dont mind me asking what is it you struggle with?

You’re not a burden to them it’s just hard for them to understand how we feel it’s ok you didn’t ask for this none of us did I struggle with sexuality ocd or I’m just gay idk at this point I’m just lost

I can imagine thats not a pleasant subtype to deal with( none of them are pleasant lol) I have had a few of those thoughts over the years. I mainly struggle with order, symmetry, schedule and ritual stuff but since the pandemic started it has shifted to intense health paranoia/ fears its very complicated. Also have trichotillomania:(