Re-emergence of checking

[Angst]

I am new to this forum. I am diagnosed with OCD and have had a course of CBT for it. I am waiting for a top up of CBT and I am booked for a telephone assessment in a few days time. My anxiety levels have been increasing for a few months owing to some stressors in my life such as a delayed operation and non communication among the co-owners of my property. I have been proactive in facing these stressors. I am seeing my GP on Friday and emailed and tried to have conversations with some of co-owners in a constructive manner.

At the moment I am aware of repeated checking of my email account waiting for a response from one of my co owners for approval to do essential maintenance work. I know I should ration this. He has sublet his flat and only seems concerned to get the rental income. Half the flats are sublet. I am left with maintenance issues like fixing the lock on the front door - there is now a temporary repair, cleaning communal areas, dealing with the bins and so forth. The uncertainty of how people will react is causing anxiety. Including the fact that I am a small income and need people to contribute towards maintenance. I feel as if I will soon be living in an insecure slum. Any advice would be welcome.

 

 

 

[snowbear]

Hi Angst, and welcome to the forum.

Sounds to me like you're doing the right thing by being proactive and constructive in facing your stressors. Well done!

Rationing the checking of emails is also a good move - it can all too easily become habitual and then compulsive. 

Not knowing how people will react can be stressful. I've learned to stop worrying how they might react (I always imagined it would be unfavourably). Now I assume the response will be good and get on with my day. If it's not so good then deal with that if it happens. Very easy to get caught up in thinking about other people's reactions and waste hours worrying when they probably haven't even noticed your actions. 

As for the income and needing maintenance contributions - check your rights and responsibilities with someone like Citizen's Advice. Knowing what you're options are is half the battle. 

I hope your top-up CBT goes well.  

[gingerbreadgirl]

Hi Angst.  Welcome to the forum 

Sounds like you are doing the right things and you are aware of your compulsions.  I'd say keep being proactive and good luck with the CBT.  You'll also find a wealth of info on this forum and lots of friendly people going through a similar situation x

[Angst]

Thanks for the replies. Just had an hour long telephone interview for the self referral to psychological therapy team in my borough. Now waiting for a response which will be today or Monday. Interestingly, they wanted my scores for two of the questionnaires which the University of Bath wanted for their survey on weekly/intensive CBT sessions which is posted on this site. Agree about the 'wasted hours' and better to make a decision and get on with life

[Angst]

For the first time in ages I had to return to my flat to check the gas. The IAPT team has referred me to a specialist centre. I need to see how far their application has progressed. My checking OCD is aggravated by hoarding OCD and depression hence the referral to a specialist centre.