OCD and the future

[Bookishbunny]

The pandemic ruined my plans for the future. Between figuring out school and a job and managing my OCD I’m feeling stuck. My OCD really impacts my driving so I don’t. I’m getting a lot of pressure from family members to drive more so that I can work/go to college. They don’t understand my struggle at all. I have had OCD my entire life and I thought once I got help for it it would sorta… disappear? At least improve. Well no shocker I still am terrified to drive, of germs, thoughts, etc. I have realized that I will always be fighting this battle that few understand. Between this, the family pressure to make changes, and the overall disappointment of where my life is I am dubious of the future. Any advice?

[wishingonastar1]

Don’t let your family pressure you into doing anything you don’t want/are not ready to do. Heaps of people don’t like/want to drive and that’s fine. That’s why public transport exists.

Driving can be scary if you’re not confident. But you will get better at driving with practice. It sounds like you need someone who can practice your driving with you.

You’re still young so don’t be too hard on yourself - just take it one day at a time.

[Truename12]

My son who couldn't handle the stress of driving found a motorcycle less intimidating, because he could see all around him and felt more mobile. So he went through motorcycle drivers training and bought a motorcycle. He was a bit younger than you are. He did that for a few years, and now drives a car.

[wishingonastar1 in reply to Truename12]

Love that he found a way to conquer his stress. I would probably be more nervous on a motorbike!

[Truename12 in reply to wishingonastar1]

Right?! What are your plans then? And let's say that covid lightens up.

[wishingonastar1]

I think it would be great for you to imagine where you see yourself in 2 years (hopefully the pandemic won’t still be an issue by then). What would future you be doing?

[Bookishbunny in reply to wishingonastar1]

That’s my problem I can’t see a positive future for myself anymore.

[wishingonastar1 in reply to Bookishbunny]

What is your situation right now? Are you studying or just at home and looking for work? I think it helps a lot when you have stuff to do, to distract you.

My OCD is currently at its worst right now but I’m trying to be brave and work out a plan to conquer it (I know it will never fully go away).

Side note: Are you ARMY? I am too! <3

[Bookishbunny in reply to wishingonastar1]

Um… it’s a little of both, I’m taking classes and job hunting. I try and keep busy but I’m at the point that, that isn’t helping. I’ve also been depressed for a while and it’s a struggle on top of everything else.

Yes I am an Army, double bias (Suga and J-Hope).

[wishingonastar1 in reply to Bookishbunny]

I know the feeling - my brain has been going into overdrive/overthinking mode these past few weeks and I have also been depressed for quite a while. I am finding that journaling has been helping. Just to get out my frustrations and the thoughts that I don’t want to share/burden others with.

I know it’s hard but don’t give up. I have hope that one day you won’t be stuck with these feelings/thoughts.

You might just need to make a goal to work on your OCD - change something small. I suffer from excessive hand washing/really long showers. And I don’t want to live like this any longer. It’s been getting worse over the years and I’m just over it. I want/need to change. Because life isn’t meant to be like this.

I have a soft spot for Jin & Jimin (equal first bias, I can’t choose). Suga is my ‘second’ bias <3