Hello, my name is Lauren and I have currently struggled with OCD for over 20 years. I have intrusive thoughts, numerous compulsions, repetitive behaviors, tics, and some of my obsessions have become borderline delusional. I also have a few other disorders that magnify the OCD. I am currently not in therapy and I am in need of any tips/suggestions/help you folks have that works for you, as nothing seems to work for me.
Thanks,
L
Hi Lauren,
I'm very sympathetic. I was diagnosed with OCD back in 2002 and it's definitely a struggle. Sometimes I'm fine, sometimes I have horrible days or horrible weeks. A few things have helped me: One is Flooding, something my OCD therapist emphasized and pushed me to do. It's not that easy. When I'm spiking the last thing I want to do is flood about it. It feels like making myself jump into a cold swimming pool. Sometimes distraction helps--music or movies. Making myself go outside always helps, even a short walk. And trying to be kind to myself and recognize that I have ups and downs is helpful. Those of us with OCD tend to beat ourselves up a lot. Hang in there, girl. Sending hugs, Lisa
Hey, thanks so much for your comment. I hear you. What is flooding? I have never heard of it. I definitely need to go outside more and distract myself and be kinder to myself. I hope that flooding is helping you and so is your therapist. I don't currently have one.
Hi Lauren,
My daughter also has obsessions that border on delusional (and she was once outright delusional). It can definitely be terrifying.
Are you seeing a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner to explore the possibility of medication? (Or maybe you're already on meds?) That is very helpful to some people. Also, I found the International OCD Foundation directory of therapists very helpful. [iocdf.org/find-help/] Some of them offer teletherapy, so if they are in your state (if you live in the US) but are not within driving distance, it's still an option.
Hugs and wishing you the best...
"Elizabeth" (not my real name)
Hi Elizabeth, thanks so much for your recommendations. I am on meds (including an antipsychotic) and see a nurse practitioner but I don't currently see a therapist and I need to. I will check out the directory through the link you sent me, thank you so much!!!!!
Exposure therapy can be useful at an Anxiety Clinic.
I’ve had it and it did help.
I also have suffered from OCD my whole life. I also recommend taking a look at the International OCD foundation as well as Peace of Mind Foundation. On Live with Liz you can ask her questions and she will answer. This is a good start but you definitely need to get into therapy. When ERP is done effectively, you can live with minimal triggers. I still work at it everyday, but many have achieved much success.
I too have very bad OCD. I’ve many forms of OCD, I really suffer. Right now I have problems with symmetry, servere problems wth order. I have a lot of trouble with obsessions. My OCD has been very bad lately. I take Lexapro, Buspar, Lamictal, and Klonipon. They only do so much. I’ve had a problem since grade school, but it really took off in my early 20’s. Thanks so much for posting to me.
I totally relate. Meds for me only do so much as well. I also am currently on Lexapro, Buspar, Lamictal and Klonopin. They just barely take the edge off. I have also struggled since grade school. Is there anything that helps you? I am going to try to find a therapist that will help me. I just try to remind myself that it is all the OCD.
I am on the exact medications you are on currently. And like you said they only do so much. I am trying to recognize my obsessions and compulsions for what they are- not me just the OCD
I am on (1) Lexapro, (2) Memantine, and (3) Gabapentin... I used to take Klonopin, and while it helps neutralize anxiety in the moment it counteracts any ERP work you might be trying to do and it can be habit forming... I switched from Klonopin to Gabapentin about three months ago and it can be used in conjunction with ERP and I find it is much more effective.
gabapentin didn't work for me and I am currently semi-dependent on Klonopin, which isn't good. It only helps when I am severely out of control (having a panic attack/manic, etc.) I have never heard of memantine, what is that and what does it do? Thanks!
Memantine is actually for Alzheimers, but new research has shown that in small doses it can be effective with OCD helping to tame the panicked mind and impede intrusive thoughts somewhat... honestly, I think that is what helped make Gabapentin for me. I take a standing dose of Memantine twice a day and it had really helped. Klonopin is effective, but it is challenging when you become somewhat dependent... I know and I completely understand. Panic is so hard and the worse! Have you done any exposures to try and address triggers regarding to your panic attacks?
I haven't. I haven't done any ERP which I think I badly need. My problem is I don't stay in one place for very long (I travel off and on) and thus I don't have stability. I may be moving to another country and I am not sure how to get therapy there. My triggers are plane rides (I have a fear of flying), someone robbing the house in the middle of the night, I am a hypochondriac, and being pregnant. Sorry to go into detail but we're on the subject. I am not sure what exposures would be good for these triggers.
Sorry for the delayed response... and I’m not a professional, but I know what I would do to expose myself to those triggers. I too suffer from hypochondriac symptoms (personally, mostly relating to fear of stroke, or sudden heart attack)... what I did do to tackle this fear was the following:
(1) I wrote “today I am going to have a heart attack” which then progressed to “today I am going to have a heart attack and die” which then progressed to “today I am going to have a heart attack and die in front of my children and they will be scarred for ever and my family will be ruined financially”
(2) After dealing with the anxiety from step (1) by sitting in it and letting my self peek to about a 5 or 6 I would wait for it to come down to around half like a 3 or a 2, and then it got easier so I would try something harder... anyways, I would then read it out loud or vocalize it to my therapist.
(3) I would look at pictures and watch videos of my fear of heart attacks
Anyways, now I can say my fears and talk candidly about them and not be distressed. It is quite the process, but it works. Hope that helps some. Also, with regards to finding a therapist some do video or phone sessions which is still great for ERP. Best of luck and don’t be a stranger.
I can very much relate to having every kind of symptom imaginable. If your insurance will cover it, getting into a treatment program with ERP is the best line of treatment possible. One is at Mcleans Hospital, in Massachusetts. One thing that you may find helpful if you ever have a tendency for depression is meditation. I was skeptical for the longest time, but I finally tried it on the advice of my therapist. It really does help in terms of depression. If you look up the IOCD website, you can find lots of info on treatment programs for OCD. Best of luck!!!
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