Guest Hope22 Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Hi there, I have been suffering with OCD for 16 years now and haven't yet managed to gain any control over it. I have fears of HIV and have had numerous unnecessary tests over the years. I recently had a night out with friends and because my memory of the evening is a little hazy, I have convinced myself that I've had sex with someone and contracted HIV. I have no memory of such an incident occurring and it would be quite out of character for me but my mind is telling me I should get tested otherwise I could be responsible for passing it on to someone. Am I letting my OCD win if I get tested? Any help would be much appreciated as I feel like I'm losing my mind. x Link to comment
PolarBear Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 OCD doesn't care if it wins or loses. Getting tested again is a compulsion and will only serve to strengthen the obsession that there is something wrong. Resist doing it. Link to comment
Guest Hope22 Posted September 9, 2014 Share Posted September 9, 2014 Thank you for your reply. You're right. I will resist! Have you overcome your OCD? I am trying but it's tiring at times especially when I have bad bouts like this. Link to comment
PolarBear Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 I'm about 80% better, thanks. What's left is relatively easily managed. Link to comment
Guest Hope22 Posted September 10, 2014 Share Posted September 10, 2014 I'm glad to hear that. It must feel great to be in control of it. Good for you. Link to comment
Guest Readyforchange Posted September 11, 2014 Share Posted September 11, 2014 Hi Hope, Have you tried any forms of treatment like CBT? I've also found doing a lot of self-help reading incredibly useful. Link to comment
Guest Whizz4848 Posted September 12, 2014 Share Posted September 12, 2014 Hi Hope, good haring from you sorry you are having such a tough time at the moment. CBT is usefull, I am also doing a Mindfulness course which looks really good I am practising every day as have been signed off work due to Anxiety and a recent diagnosis of CFS. The book Mindfulness by Mark Williams is a great place to start off with this and has a free cd of meditations and is generally thought of as one of the good self help books. I really struggle with my thoughts and cant seem to just accept that they are not real and hold no value or strength. Polar Bear I was interested in your response to Hope that you are 80% recovered can I please ask what has been the most helpful stuff in your recovery? Thanks Link to comment
Guest Hope22 Posted September 13, 2014 Share Posted September 13, 2014 Thanks for your replies. I'm on the waiting list for CBT and I'm seeing a psychiatrist on Monday as things got really bad earlier this week and my GP referred me to the mental health crisis team. I think this might be the worst I've ever felt. I have tried mindfulness in the past but when I'm this bad, my coping strategies go out the window. I am still considering getting tested though I know it's the wrong thing to do. I am a bit of a mess and can't see this getting better :-( Link to comment
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