Struggling w/OCD around food.

[PiaAmI]

Does anyone else here struggle with obsessive/compulsive thoughts about food?

[LuvSun]

somewhat- can you describe more?

[PiaAmI in reply to LuvSun]

Well, my mind ruminates on everything I eat and drink, every supplement/medication I take, after each meal & this goes on & on until the next meal; I have little peace from the thoughts. I cannot eat the next meal until I have thought through everything I ate, etc, at the previous meal. I know, it's very peculiar. What is your OCD around?

[Downinil]

Hi PiaAml! I suffered from @ 30 years of bulimia and anorexia during which time my daily intake and output journal was full of calorie content, carb, and protein input as well as cups of vomitus. My gag reflex stopped so I was eventually no longer able to get my stomach contents out. I just stopped due to that. Severely struggles with obsession and compulsion regarding food as well as beverages.

[PiaAmI in reply to Downinil]

Do you still struggle with the thoughts as I do?

[Downinil in reply to PiaAmI]

I have seemingly continual thoughts of pathogens particularly in any food or substance I touch, or consume. I’ve learned that if I meditate several times daily it helps ground my logic surrounding these ruminations. If you go to YouTube, type in “guided meditation for…anything you need help with” there are numerous audio meditations.

[PiaAmI in reply to Downinil]

Yes, you're spot on about the meditation route.

[Downinil in reply to PiaAmI]

Also if you can find a way to refocus on a hobby you’re passionate about daily it would most likely help quite a bit.

[PiaAmI in reply to Downinil]

It would if I hadn't gone through two traumatic events in the last three years, one of which was selling my home- big mistake & moving into a nightmare of an apartment. I have no peace or order here, which I did have in my home. I cannot forgive myself for selling my home.

[LuvSun]

I mainly have trouble with contamination OCD but have other areas that I struggle with. As far as the food goes I believe my OCD makes me think about everything I put in my mouth and limit myself to the kind and amount of foods I eat .

[PiaAmI in reply to LuvSun]

Mine thoughts are so strange; I feel forced to ruminate over & over & over again about everything I ate at every meal every day & what I drank & what supplements & meds I took. I never seem to get it “just right.” I’m experiencing a great deal of stress & the rumination has never been this severe before. I have not been able to explain my OCD thinking to anyone & have them understand it. I feel stuck inside my own lonely existence.

[OrchidKoi15]

I definitely do. For a while now I panic after certain things I eat( I eat the same food daily) revolves around my chronic pain and illness. When is it going to come out the other end? How is my colon and bladder going to react to it? Am i not going to be able to digest it completely? I have to take enemas to defecate but i feel it turns excessive sometimes doing 2-3 in a day to empty the food out that i ate so i dont have to worry about it inside me. It's very strange and i havent been able to explain to my therapists. The other part is hygienic and too embarrassing to share. This is after just finishing a PHP program for mental pain and illness. I know illnesses are intertwined in my ocd so it's really hard. Best thing for what your explaining is thought diffusion. Putting distance between you and the thought. Say to yourself I'm having the thought that ______. Or thinking of putting those thoughts on leaves and floating them down the stream. Look up thought diffusion for ocd. It will help you. Best to get and ocd behavioral therapist though.

[PiaAmI in reply to OrchidKoi15]

I've not heard of thought diffusion, however am willing to try it. Our OCD symptoms sounds very similar. No therapist has ever understood or really commented on it- just recently gave me Lexapro to add to my Cymbalta. Are you familiar with TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)? Thirth six consecutive sessions are recommended & I'm being treated for OCD and depression. My 26th treatment was today & I think I'd have had better results if I didn't have such chaotic life circumstances.

[OrchidKoi15]

I have heard of tms. I am thinking of trying. Lexapro and cymbalta seems a dangerous combo. Snri and ssri? Too much serotonin. Careful of side effects. I had alot when put on 2. On risperidone now for ocd and depression and it was a god send. It is an atypical antipsychotic. I also am on cymbalta for pain. I've done ketamine infusions and it is super amazing for depression not my ocd though and super expensive to keep up. Thinking of trying spravato as insurance will possibly cover.

[PiaAmI in reply to OrchidKoi15]

I am disgusted with all of it- the meds, the treatments and the challenging life circumstances...just want to disappear or go to sleep & not wake up...Ketamine infusion for chronic pain made me think I was losing my mind several years ago. I trust my Psychiatrist as she's also a Pharmacologist, however I will ask her about the serotonin issue you bring up.

[PiaAmI in reply to OrchidKoi15]

Apparently youre spot on- I googled Cymbalta & Lexapro together & sure enough...serotonin syndrome! I am disappointed in my psychiatrist & will stop the Lexapro beginning tomorrow, then I see her on Wednesday. I worry about risperidone due to its possible side effects, however the results those with severe OCD are having is nothing short of miraculous! Is this how you feel?

[LiveOutLove_22]

I struggle with food as well. I struggle with contamination OCD so I've been seeing a therapist and doing ERP therapy for about 2 months now. I eat food but I struggle with certain textures of foods. I also struggle with eating certain foods because I am afraid I will get sick from eating them. Or I won't eat certain foods if I knew I eat them when I have been sick. I'm starting to eat more and definitely trying to push through my fear surrounding food and textures. I have been severely underweight but as of month ago I have gained some of the weight back. Thanks to my therapist and a change in medicine. I'm starting to eat more although i still struggle with it. Not sure if anyone else struggles with it. But I understand it.

[PiaAmI in reply to LiveOutLove_22]

May I know which meds you've been prescribed to address the OCD?

[LiveOutLove_22]

Hey I take Sertraline or Zoloft as some people know. So far it has helped me with my OCD. But again I’m not a medical professional or therapist so always ask the professionals first but that’s what has helped me.