obsessing over life issues

[ashder32]

My struggle seems a bit different than some. In the past my ocd was very much related to health concerns with myself or my children. I currently take medication so that seems to be more in check. My current struggles are with my childrens lives. I have a daughter going through marital issues (27) and a son going through some new job struggles (23). im freaking out when they text or call because im concerned what is going on. i hate for them to have struggles and its affecting my functioning. I worry all day long until i hear from them and then im in panic if the situations are worse. Im so tired. i have catastrophic thinking so if say there is a job issues then i think they will have to get another job and will they find a job and what about their rent and so on and so on. its not just the current issue. its kinda like a headache is never just a headache to me. i worry about them constantly. Im also a christian so im suppose to turn this over to God. Im looking for a counselor to maybe work on some treatment along with my medication.

[bondmeen]

I am also having OCD regarding child health,

[ashder32 in reply to bondmeen]

im sorry. i hope you find some relief.

[Rougefleur]

Hello, asher32,Your OCD struggle us not so different from my own, though I also suffer from Contamination OCD and Checking OCD as well. I do however have an adult daughter who is married and who lives in another state, and I tend to take on her struggles with her job, marriage and just daily frustrating circumstances , feeling at times that it is my resposibility to "fix" them. But I have worked very hard to turn off this unrealistic belief and come to terms with my own struggle to care for myself more so that I can offer the right kind of emotional support to her and avoid becoming an adult caretaker. I also take Lexapro to take the edge off of the anxiety that I have encountered on a daily basis since childhood and also have a weekly session with a CBT therapist. I would highly recommend that you find a counselor with whom you can discuss the compulsions causing you to panic over your grown children's issues and to feel that it is your responsibility to eradicate them. These feelings of panic over their problems are only causing you more anxiety and reducing your well being, which won't help any of you. I have found over the years that allowing my daughter to find her own solutions is really a gift I can give her and myself as well. OCD does make this difficult to do at times. But once you master it, the payoffs can be great. And a CBT therapist can really help you with the process. Wishing you good guidance and relief in your struggle. It can get bettet!

[ashder32 in reply to Rougefleur]

i am going to see about starting therapy. i also agree that it could really help me. You comments are so good. ty