Hi guys! Hope you're all well 😊 I'm doing my best to cope with my OCD while also being really sick with a fever (a small issue compared to others on here). It's been a rough week- was supposed to go on a date with my ex who I've been talking to again for a few months but he ended up just ignoring all my texts. The next day, I got into a big argument with my mom who is my best friend- we NEVER fight. Day after that (Friday), I developed a fever and have been home sick ever since. My fever goes between 101F and 102F even with Tylenol and motrin. On Saturday I ended up in the ER and they did tests and gave me IV fluids. All tests were normal, but it may be mono- have to wait longer to test for that- but most likely just a bad virus. Today, my doctor looked at my throat and said it's the worst she's seen in a while.
Anyway, it's day 4 of me being home in bed all day. I've done well until today with keeping my thoughts off of any obsessions and I'm proud. Mainly just picturing stop signs when I start to overthink. But today, I've been more anxious and getting more stuck in a loop of negative thoughts. I go to therapy on Tuesdays, but had to cancel my appointment, so I won't be there until next Tuesday. Because of all of these stressors, I couldn't do exposure work this week, and most likely won't be able to until my appointment. I can't add anxiety on top of this illness, I can barely keep my eyes open as it is (this post has taken a lot of energy for me to write).
Any advice on how to keep myself on track and not let myself worsen my OCD during this time?? I'm just so out of it and can't really remember my coping skills right now. My brain is too foggy from being sick and I keep overcomplicating everything I think about- especially OCD and the treatment of it.
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disneyandme
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Hi disney! There's nothing worse than being sick - especially when you have OCD! You are doing so amazing despite being under the weather. I love the idea of picturing a stop sign when your negative thoughts start to appear. It makes me smile. Take it easy on yourself. Your body and mind need rest. Don't stress over not doing ERP consistently right now. Remember, avoiding compulsions is a big part of ERP. So even if you aren't well enough to do proper exposures, you can still practice not doing mental or physical compulsions. Rest up and drink plenty of fluids! I'm praying that you get better soon!
Thank you MyOCD123!! The stop sign really does help. Sometimes I worry that it's a "thought stopping method" which I've heard to be frowned upon, but it was an idea my therapist gave me and she seems to think it's fine.... And I trust her even though OCD tells me not to 😉. Thanks for reminding me I don't always have to do things perfectly, I tend to be hard on myself with that especially in regard to ERP/improving my OCD. My cold is starting to improve thankfully... Hope you're having a good day ❤️
I wrote to you but I don’t know where it is. It’s getting too late to write it all over...Just know, I will send you over a prayer with a big hug-my heart goes out to you. Sleep well-rest well-good thoughts only-and, get well🌺Sounds like a rough day you’ve had. The Best to you young lady-😘
Thank you Aleese!! ❤️ today's the first day I've felt like my cold has improved a bit. Here's to hoping it's just a virus and not mono- the one thing they haven't ruled out yet. Hope you've had a great day and a lovely rest of your evening 😘
Hi Disney so sorry you’re not feeling well🤧😷💖 I was doing great with my ocd treatment and got a similar virus. My ocd and anxiety came back. Of course, our brains want us to think it’s “worse than it’s ever been “!!!!!! And all the work we’ve done is for nothing. Just keep doing your ERP around it- tell yourself, maybe you’ll get better maybe you won’t?? Give yourself lots of love and TLC. Rest. Drink lots of fluids. I did a puzzle. It helped me to concentrate and veg at the same time. Also, every mom and daughter fight!! I have a wonderful daughter and yes we occasionally argue!! (She also has ocd). Take care💝💝🤟🏻
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