Anxiety

[Nala88]

I'm doing ERP and finding it helpful for my OCD thoughts and compulsions but now I feel like I am literally on the verge of a panic attack at ALL times. I'm not obsessing in my head but I just feel soooo anxious all the time about nothing I can really pinpoint. This is new for me as usually I know exactly what is making me feel scared and anxious. I wake up and go to bed feeling the same way, I'm exhausted and can't eat. I'm used to this feeling when my thoughts spiral out of control in an OCD way but not just feeling anxious over nothing. The ERP techniques are helpful to work through intrusive thoughts but I can't seem to overcome this constant feeling of panic....Please help. PS I've been diagnosed with OCD for over 10 years, take meds and have a psychologist.

[BlackOnyx]

Is it possible your exposures could be too high on the anxiety scale?

[newmercies]

Hi there,

I'm sorry that you are struggling. I struggle with anxiety in a more broad sense alongside my OCD as well. I recommend implementing some self care / relaxing activities into your daily routine. Find something you enjoy like yoga, drawing, taking a bath, listening to music, going for a walk, etc. and make it a goal to do one of those things every day. Also, try to take breaks throughout your day. Practicing grounding techniques, engaging your 5 senses, and practicing mindfulness may help in those moments of panic, they do for me.

[newmercies]

Practicing gratitude / keeping a gratitude journal may help as well. Also being mindful of the emotion and accepting that it is there is a good practice. Acceptance is hard for me in terms of difficult emotions, and I do think that it is important.

I hope this helps. You are not alone <3

[OrchidKoi15]

I completely understand. I often have flashbacks of some of my erp treatments from a php a uear ago and start to panic and feel extremely distressed just thinking about certain exposures I did. After talking to my therapist, she felt maybe they pushed me too fast. If your at the point where even thinking about doing the exposures cause distress, you need to get through that part before attempting them. My problem always was no matter how I felt I forced myself to do everything because I didn't want to fail. Slow down and give your self a break and be honest about what your feeling.😊