Anyone else dealing with OCD? - Anxiety and Depre...

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Anyone else dealing with OCD?

sh0526 profile image
28 Replies

I apologize if this may not be the right place to mention OCD, but I didn’t see a group for OCD. I struggle really hard with OCD, and for those that can relate, it’s not fun. You feel like you are constantly battling something invisible that if you don’t do things a certain way, is going to appear and destroy your life.

I’m just wondering if anyone here struggles with OCD, and if we could all share what we do to help combat this daily struggle. Note, as I typed this and proofread it, I read this last paragraph over 200 times. I hope me voicing that will help others comment their struggles with OCD as well.

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sh0526
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28 Replies
FrankMarsh19 profile image
FrankMarsh19

I have OCD on some level it’s weird but it is not with everything just certain things and tasks. I try to do my best then if bad enough ask my wife here is this ok? But even she says yes i think about it nonstop. I just wait it out and not much else to do for me

sh0526 profile image
sh0526 in reply toFrankMarsh19

It’s rough. I’m guilty as well when asking my wife if it’s ok and I can walk away. She tolerates it, but it’s clear she wants me to get better, and find some help or practices. Thanks for your response.

FrankMarsh19 profile image
FrankMarsh19 in reply tosh0526

of course good luck!

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight

I do but I don’t think to a high degree. My psychiatrist seems to think it’s my biggest problem but I don’t know- I do check to try to control fears and I do use phrases to ward off scary uncomfortable thoughts and situations, things seem dirty all the time.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526 in reply toStarrlight

Thank you for sharing. It’s always good to know you’re not alone.

MidnightBriarRose profile image
MidnightBriarRose in reply toStarrlight

It definitely sounds like OCD, Starrlight. If you are interested in finding an OCD Specialist, I know there is an organization called NOCD that offers OCD Specialists that work with people using ERP, ACT and possibly CBT, too. They also accept a lot of different types of insurance. I hope you are feeling better and your day is going well. ❤️❤️❤️

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toMidnightBriarRose

MidnightBriarRose thanks so much!!! I am stressing and scared and I think it’s due to the negative racing intrusive thoughts. Plus I took a supplement that I shouldn’t have taken. My psychiatrist offered for me to get ocd help I went to a womens center once and didn’t give it a good chance I don’t think I’m up to adding another appointment right now but will keep it in mind. Thanks

MidnightBriarRose profile image
MidnightBriarRose in reply toStarrlight

You are so welcome, Starrlight. Just go at your own pace and you will know what’s right for you. 🌿❤️🌿

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toMidnightBriarRose

you’re so sweet 🥹

MidnightBriarRose profile image
MidnightBriarRose in reply toStarrlight

Awww, thank you! So are you! ❤️

I do have it and i relate to you. It's terrible. And don't worry to post, also im in an ocd community called My OCD Community i think. Also ocd is a Type of anxiety and it's understable. I have these obssesive thoughts about sertain things (some have random intrusive thoughts) and i think If i do or don't do something it will happen. It's really hard and i'm with you and it's Treat able. Catch yourself when you recognise you're engaging in intrusive thoughts or complulsions

Starrlight profile image
Starrlight in reply toAgainst_the_current

Good idea to try to be aware of our intrusive thoughts and realize so we can have a better chance of ditching them.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526 in reply toAgainst_the_current

Thanks for your response. I’ll definitely look for that community, and I’ve been trying to catch my OCD before the act I am attempting, but it’s really hard sometimes. It feels like it’s 24/7 sometimes.

Against_the_current profile image
Against_the_current in reply tosh0526

I feel you. It's really hard. Hope i could help and you can find the community

Actually, you are in the right place. OCD is considered to be an anxiety disorder.

It sounds like what you are suffering from is not actually OCD but obsessive personality disorder. True OCD actually involves repetitive behavior as well as compulsive thoughts.

I also suffer from obsessive thoughts and know how difficult they are to deal with and how easy it is to fall into that pattern. People often think that if they solve the problem they are obsessing about they will be OK, but in reality they will simply find another problem to obsess about later. It is not the content of your obsessions that matters, but the process of obsessing.

OCD can be difficult to treat, but things that will help you are relaxation training such as meditation or mindfulness and a better understanding of what is making you anxious. Seeing a therapist may be helpful, but I would focus mostly on dealing with your anxiety since that is the underlying cause of obsessive thoughts. Medication may also be helpful. There may be more specific treatments for OCD if you look for them. I know that there is a series on YouTube about dealing with obsessive thoughts and I'm sure hundreds of books have been written on the topic. I wish you the best.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526

Thank you for the advice! I’m currently on a medication that I’m hoping will help, and going to therapy weekly. Your reply is a good reminder as well that this is a great place to help you through your struggles.

elaine2447 profile image
elaine2447

I am "borderline". Was called a germ freak long before covid when i said i always wash bananas. The reason being seeing someone sneeze over them. I have always wiped down stuff before it goes in the fridge anyway and wiped the tops of tins. I have to say I am a lot worse now about germs since covid and still wear a mask in the supermarkets. bbc.co.uk/news/health-63819818

Plus of course everything has to be square or in alignment.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526

My family and I just had covid and I must say it is not fun. I’m the same way when it comes to being labeled a germaphobe. I’m always disinfecting and cleaning things around my home. My wife is the complete opposite, but one thing I noticed when we had our first child was how much a lot of my cleaning habits went away. I’m not saying have a child haha, but I don’t think there’s anything wrong with cleaning things and maintaining your home a certain way. It is after all, YOUR HOME. I think it becomes an issue if you find yourself being repetitive, or finding that it takes a lot of time away from your day.

I don’t blame you for the bananas, I would be scarred if I saw someone sneeze on bananas or any product for that matter haha!

I want to also add that you’re not alone in needing things to be square or in alignment. I’m the same way, but one method I learned when setting things down or placing things where they need to go is I usually sing a positive song in my head or even out loud. Maybe it could help you as well.

Thank you for your comment, and just know we are all in this together.

I also wanted to say that I am also a father and struggle with OCD as well

sh0526 profile image
sh0526 in reply toshawshankredemention

Thank you for sharing. You are not alone. I am also a proud father, and husband. Two things I truly cherish in life that helps me get through my days, especially my rough days with anxiety, OCD and depression. Always good to know you are not alone when it comes to these struggles.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526

Thank you for sharing. You are not alone. I am also a proud father, and husband. Two things I truly cherish in life that helps me get through my days, especially my rough days with anxiety, OCD and depression.

BlueLizard12 profile image
BlueLizard12

OCD definitely is form of anxiety, it gets romanticized or played down by so many people. It is a daily struggle to combat any type of anxiety. As I've done research for some of the behaviors that cause me tremendous anxiety, a lot of them show as signs of OCD. While I am not diagnosed, I do understand some of the symptoms and how difficult living with them may be for some people. To manage my anxiety's, phobia's, and intrusive thoughts I focus on learning coping mechanisms, or redirecting my negative thoughts in positive ones when possible. These methods don't always work, and I know they definitely will not be helpful for everyone.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526 in reply toBlueLizard12

Thank you for sharing, and your advice.

designguy profile image
designguy

I have some OCD and have found the youtube videos of Paige Pradko helpful. She is a therapist that healed her OCD and also her health anxiety and other anxiety issues and now helps others deal with it and heal. Another good resource I found is Matthew Codde at restoredminds.com/ he is also a therapist who had OCD and anxiety and healed himself and now helps others heal.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526 in reply todesignguy

Thank you! I’m going to have to look into both of them.

One suggestion I will make is that I went to therapy for a good 4 years. I learned a lot and in my own personal experience, I found it important to not make my spouse be my "therapist" or "saviour". When I felt my OCD kicking in, I would tell my wife, I am feeling anxious, but it was my responsiblity to practice my tools... breathing, meditiation, etc. On a different note, I do most of the child care in our house of 3 kids, so it is nice to hear of a Dad out there.

sh0526 profile image
sh0526 in reply toshawshankredemention

Thank you for the advice fellow dad!

AIshwarya_ profile image
AIshwarya_

I have contamination OCD, most of the time its difficult to even breathe. I am looking for work right now, but it freaks me out too as its been 4 years since my post graduation. I don't know what to do anymore but still living.

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