OCD sucks big time. Been there, still kinda there, but it's getting better. You're not alone in this mess, trust me. Have you checked out any OCD workbooks? They can be pretty helpful when cash is tight. Hang in there, buddy. This ain't the end of your story
@Roxana Thank you, Roxana. I really appreciate your kindness. I've heard about OCD workbooks, but I'm not sure where to start or if they'll be effective for me. My mind's constantly racing, and I'm exhausted from trying to keep up with all the rituals and intrusive thoughts. I'm scared that I'll never be able to break free from this cycle. I wonder if I'm just weak or if there's something fundamentally wrong with me. How did you start your journey towards getting better? Did you ever feel like you were at rock bottom? I'm trying to hold onto hope, but some days it feels impossible
@Roxana I've looked up "The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD" yesterday and I'm going to give it a try. The idea of starting with just five minutes a day feels manageable, even on my worst days. I tend to beat myself up when I have bad days when rituals are taking over my day. Self-care has been challenging because I often feel like I don't deserve it, but I'm going to make an effort to incorporate some simple activities. One thing I struggle with is the constant feeling of guilt and the fear that I'm a bad person. Did you ever deal with that? How did you learn to separate your true self from the OCD thoughts?
@Roxana The idea of naming my OCD is intriguing, I think I'll call mine "Doubting Dave." You're right, it does create a bit of distance and makes the thoughts feel less personal. I've also started reading about cognitive distortions, and it's eye-opening to see how many of them I experience daily. I'm trying to be more aware of when these distortions pop up, but it's challenging not to engage with them. One thing I'm really struggling with is the impact on my relationships. I find myself constantly seeking reassurance from loved ones, and I know it's wearing them down
@autcra.1989 you're not weak, and there's nothing fundamentally wrong with you. OCD is the problem, not you. Start with "The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD" by Jon Hershfield. It was a game-changer for me. Look, I know it feels impossible right now, but these tiny steps can lead to big changes. Start with just five minutes a day of mindfulness exercises. It might feel useless at first, but stick with it. You'll have good days and bad days, but that's okay. It's all part of the process
@autcra.1989 oh man, the guilt and the "bad person" feelings, I know them all too well. It's like OCD's favorite party trick, making you question your very core. Here's the deal: OCD latches onto the things we care about most. If you're worried about being a bad person, it usually means you're actually a good person who cares deeply. It took me a long time to realize this, but our thoughts don't define us, it's our actions that matter. One technique that helped me was to name my OCD. I called mine "Bossy Betty." It sounds silly, but it helped me create some distance between my true self and the OCD thoughts. When those guilt-ridden thoughts popped up, I'd think, "Oh, that's just Bossy Betty talking nonsense again." It didn't make the thoughts go away, but it made them easier to bear
I haven't personally dealt with OCD, I've supported loved ones through similar mental health challenges, and I've seen firsthand how difficult it can be. I think professional help is ideal, but I understand that financial constraints can make that difficult. Many mental health organizations offer free resources and information about managing OCD symptoms. It might be worth exploring these options. Your worth isn't defined by your struggles with OCD. You are a valuable person deserving of peace and happiness. It's okay to have bad days, and it's okay to not have all the answers right now
@LillyE The hardest part is that only two people from my circle know about my OCD. I'm afraid of opening up to others because I don't want them to see me differently or think I'm crazy (I know it's dumb). I appreciate your reminder that my worth isn't defined by OCD, but it's so difficult to separate myself from these thoughts and behaviors that consume so much of my day
@LillyE The two people who know about my OCD have been supportive, but I'm terrified of burdening them or driving them away if I lean on them too much. It's a constant battle between wanting support and fearing rejection. I'm really glad that people with OCD have you as their supporter. You're awesome!
@autcra.1989 I understand the fear of opening up to others about your OCD. The stigma surrounding mental health can make it challenging, but remember that those who truly care about you will want to support you. Consider gradually sharing with one or two trusted friends or family members when you feel ready. This could help alleviate some of the pressure of maintaining a facade
Hi,
Managing ocd is difficult. Symptoms will get worse without proper diagnosis so i would always suggest go for therapy. there are many organisation in your local community who could be provide free therapies. kindly go find out about it. With right strategies and treatment you can regain control over your life.
Accept the thoughts and say these are just thoughts. If you are not able to accept certain thought and if they are troubling you then write down those thoughts. check how far it is true or you are assuming things. this will give you reality check.
Next for rituals try delaying doing the rituals everyday by a minute. resist the urge for a minute. then increase the time span. practising this will help you with the urges and rituals.
You can also list down your rituals. Now put them in order of what is more harder to resist first(the ones which you have to do). now start challenging yourself with the least difficult ones and work your way up the list which are most difficult ones.
Distract yourself every time you get a thought. like watch a comedy genre movie or just get out of that place in the open air, try mindfulness technique which is 5,4,3,2,1 technique - close your eyes breathe in and out for a minute. This will calm down your thoughts and now open your eyes . name 5 things you can see around you, 4 things you can touch, 3 things you can hear, 2 things you can smell and 1 thing you can taste. You can also focus on one object stare at it for a minute and then close your eyes and visualise the object with finer details. when distracting yourself don't get disappointed if initially doesn't work. try to focus on the present and take it slowly and dont doubt it.
Start noticing triggers of ocd. when does it get worse or any place or any situations make it worse. This will help you to be prepared.
be part of online peer support groups where you will find people going though similar situations and there ways of dealing with it.
treat yourself with compassion and reward yourself for every achievement.