Help

[Gimi44]

I have health anxiety OCD and I've just been diagnosed of glaucoma. My OCD/worries are killing me now(you can imagine about what) How can I do ERP/ACT in this situation. I do not have any kind of support and I do not have a job. I am fairly depress but I am worry to get into a severe depression. I have suicide thought of the kind of"what's the point in living in this way" I have an appointment with my therapist and psychiatrist but I do not know even I can have meds due to the eye pressure. Any suggestion,thought, encouragement? I do not mind admitting at this point that I am feel very lonely with no resources to get out of this situation

[bab5]

I also suffer from intrusive thoughts related to health anxiety.

I can imagine what you are thinking and feelings.

For exposures, you could sit with the thought that glaucoma will kill you. Leave the thought in your brain and do not try to remove that thought.

Similarly, you could (if you would like) read more about glaucoma and leave the dreadful new pieces of information in your head without trying to shove them away.

I am sure that you have some type of support.

I understand the thoughts regarding the meaningless of living that way.

I am glad to hear that you have an upcoming appointment with both a therapist and a psychiatrist.

I am sorry to hear that you feel lonely. I hope that this community will serve to help assist you.

[barbararl in reply to bab5]

I too was diagnosed with glaucoma; it was a real blow! my eyes are the most sacred of all & I never imagined this; somehow over time & a doctor who understands my anxiety, I have come to accept this; I constantly need reassurance from the doctor that I am doing everything I need to do to keep this condition under raps; I still suffer from health anxiety & freak-out every thing something is off in my body; sometimes I think I look for things to set me off; I get one thing resolved & then another thing comes along; I haven't figured out how to manage this type of OCD; I am newly taking Effexor which has helped with the anxiety, but the ocd thoughts are still very present (i.e. worry about a rash; thoughts are ever-present in my mind & will most likely be there 24/7 until the dermatologist tells me not to worry about it & what to do; this is a painful way to live, always feeling like a hypochondriac & waiting for the next ailment to come along

[LuvSun]

I’m sure there are some meds that you can take- please check with your therapist. Please don’t despair. You’ll get through this !

[ChristianWolff]

Hey Gimi,

Four years ago I suffered a nearly catastrophic heart event requiring open heart surgery. The risk of serious complications will continue to exist which would require additional surgery that carry significant risks. Three years following the initial event I was overwhelmed with fear of another surgery and what it might mean, like being dead. Life can really suck sometimes, yes?

With tremendous assistance from a psychiatrist and psychologist I have learned to enjoy every aspect of being alive; how things taste, smell, feel and look. I appreciate life in such a way that even the tiniest of creature is observed in wonder. I do not even kill insects that have entered my home, in fact through observation learned what they like to eat and provide water too. Knowing how short their lives are I am loath to intentionally take away what life they do have. Having said that, I cannot say the same for mosquitos or anything that bites me! So, what I am saying to you Gimi is to hang in there, follow the professionals instructions and recommendations, and enjoy what is right in front of you every day

You are never alone.

[Gimi44]

Thank you Christian and the rest of the group. You can't imagine how important your support and shared experiences are for me. I need to organize. I need a plan. To rebuild my life from scratch. I need a job, social network (friends and ideally a partner), find a good therapist. I am in my 40s and I cannot even say what my values are or to who I can count for...so let's see what I'm capable of. Thanks again for your encouragement, you guys are the bestl

[Balthazar]

Hello Gimi44. Depending on where you live, there should be a 1-800 number to speak to a nurse, dietician...for example in Ontario....there is also a Crisis Centre..they can refer you to folks that can help you.

Do you have any spiritual beliefs...a Higher power of some sort? These are just some suggestions.

You never know how much your words or your listening can help someone.

God bless!