OCD Triggers

[Guest Azamour]

I thought it would be interesting and useful to see what it is that triggers people's OCD. I have lots of triggers some are things not directly to my OCD which shows me that my OCD is a go to fear. If I'm not comfortable I go straight for the OCD fear. Here are some of my triggers:

• Any change in my environment. This could be as simple as walking into another room or stepping out to get some lunch. At periods when my OCD is at its worst I react to every slight change in environment by anxiously worrying.
• Seeing someone's skin. My OCD worries or sexual so seeing someone in a vest or without a top on can be a trigger.
• Thinking about moving job. I have been thinking about moving job lately. When I do this acts as a trigger.
• Crowded places like shopping malls or concerts

What are your triggers?

[Ashley123]

I have many OCD triggers. I think my triggers are similar to yours. I tend to get triggers from particular events, but I do also get some of different themes in general.

[Ashley]

Ok. I have a question. We have identified what our triggers are, always a useful exercise to look at that, but that is only step 1. What is the next step we should take?

[Caramoole]

I don't think these are OCD triggers as such (apart from the skin one perhaps). I suspect it's an anxiety response in general which because of heightened anxiety makes the OCD worse.

OCD is an anxiety disorder and tends to go hand in glove with anxiety in general. Both areas need to be worked on.

[Guest Kezza36]

I cant point my finger to one trigger, its constantly with me, ie toilet seats I haven't sat on one in three years, so it starts from the minute I open my eyes everyday

[battlethrough]

It can be anything that triggers,pocd has been my prominent theme as an adult

Tv,seeing someone on a walk,a peice of clothing, a certain place

I think ocd is so crafty it can turn and twist anything into a connection to a fear

Like ashley pointed out its good to know but the reaction is more important as thats solid compared to the trigger witch will always try another angle to catch you out

[Guest Azamour]

That's a good point Ashley. The next step I suppose is to act on these triggers and relabel intrusive thoughts as OCD. What do you think?