Multiple themes at once

[88steeze]

First there was one theme then two. Now it’s like this has shifted into every area of life. I know I’m not alone on this and these thoughts are relentless. I would really like to see a little change. Has anyone gone to OCD groups? If so how is/was it? Please pray for me as I’m at work and just struggling

[Selesnya]

I'm sorry that your OCD seems to be getting worse and spreading to other areas of your life. It is difficult and requires some counter-intuitive strategies to fight back against OCD.

I think that an OCD support group can be good place to learn more and ask general questions, but there are also lots of online resources where you can learn more as well. The IOCDF has a lot of good resources to learn more about OCD and how to go about treating it. A support group can be a great place to connect with others with OCD and point out some local resources, but it probably won't significantly help in actually treating the OCD.

In order to treat OCD you will likely want to find a therapist that can help treat OCD. The IOCDF has a good resource on finding a local therapist:

iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/...

You should look for someone that treats OCD with ERP.

[Wheeloffortune]

What selesnya says is right on! Please know you’re not alone! OCD morphs. Just let it. It wants to scare you. Just let it. Take whatever it wants to give you. Let the anxiety and thoughts come. Your brain is trying to protect you- it’s overacting. It will calm down- I promise!!

[Hidden]

I was encouraged by a member to recite the prayer to st Jude of lost causes. Say the novena 9x a day. For 9 days. I am experiencing some relief

[NickMcOcd]

This is totally normal. Number 1, OCD can be about just about anything - there's no theme too strange or no fearful thought that it won't touch and get its teeth into. It's commonly just thought of as themes around paedofilia, harm, sexuality and relationships but that's just the most common stuff people report. And because you're flooded with anxiety your brain is looking out for things to worry about, so if another thought, idea pops up that you find uncomfortable it could simply get added to the list and the brain can be very creative about what it finds. The most important thing to remember is that any worry that's going on for you right now is OCD created and if you have the courage at the moment, you can simply let it go and continue living your life in the way you see fit...

[DCOCDdude in reply to NickMcOcd]

Well said. thank you!

[MyOCD123]

Hi there! I am saying a prayer for you that you see improvement with your symptoms soon. OCD is a pesky little thing. I have dealt with multiple themes at once and there have been times where it did feel as if it were attacking every facet of my life. That is what OCD does. It will stop at nothing to scare you into leading a smaller life and repeating pointless compulsions in the name of stopping the thoughts or obsessions. The worst part about OCD is that it goes after the things and people you love/value most in life. The more you show it fear, the stronger it will become. Please know that what you are going through right now with your OCD is normal and there are far too many of us who have struggled in similar ways. The farther along you become in your recovery the harder OCD will try to fight back and rear its ugly head. Just remember that everything it tells you is a lie. There is no truth to these thoughts. They are meaningless and unwanted intrusive thoughts and well we cannot control them we CAN control how we respond to them. This road is not easy, but recovery is possible and I promise you it can and will get better. I have experienced it myself. Unfortunately there is not a support group in my area but I think if you can find one it would be a great idea. Until then you always have support on here. Keep fighting!