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Hi all, It's been a long long time sine I've been on the forum but thought I'd dip back in again and be part of the community. I've been a lifelong OCD/GAD sufferer (started early teens) and I've had 4 major OCD episodes. From end of 2009 - mid 2024 I was in remission, then bang, it came back out of nowhere, it hit me like a train at 100mph. I struggled for 6 months and then in January had to check into the Priory for 4 weeks for a med change and intensive therapy. Anyway, it's now July and its been a real struggle but I think I'm finally coming out the other side. This forum was inspirational for me during previous episodes. For those losing hope, DONT.. keep at it, things will get better, i can testify over 4 episodes, it's hard but if you work at it you will get there. Peace, love and light. Stevie

If you don't have access to a therapist (consulting a therapist would be the best route), a quick way to know whether you suffer from OCD is to take the YALE-BROWN OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE SCALE (Y-BOCS). https://pandasnetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/y-bocs-w-checklist.pdf What the scores mean: 0-7: Subclinical (not really OCD); 8-15: Mild OCD; 16-23: Moderate OCD; 24-31: Severe OCD.

I understand your predicament. You feel under pressure to see progress in your therapy because OCD is distressing and impairing (besides having paid a lot for your therapy). However, you may not feel ready to give up your ruminations or compulsions because of the fear the worst may happen if you do. It's possible the worst may happen if you give up your ruminations or compulsions, but is the fear reasonable? It's possible I may die in a car accident every time I drive, but is it reasonable to fear driving? No, because the probability of an accident is low if I drive carefully, and not driving deprives me of a lot of opportunities to enjoy life. Besides, it won't appease my mind in the end because a zero-risk environment doesn't exist. Once you determine that your fear of finding life unbearable if you give up your ruminations or compulsions is unreasonable, you may be ready to fully embrace ERP. Then you'll be willing to sit with the discomfort associated with response prevention. The discomfort will gradually subside after taking the first steps towards an OCD-free life. Successes will boost your self-confidence over time. My difficulty with ERP was that I was not ready to sit with the discomfort associated with response prevention. Determining that the fear that the worst may happen if I give up dwelling on my obsessions was unreasonable was the decisive factor that helped me be willing to sit with that discomfort and see progress in my therapy.

Yes the debate stemming from Sapir/Whorf which was a reaction to the behaviourist view of language. Chomsky and Pinker are dubious about the hypothesis. Interesting idea of native language rooted in childhood and thus being more emotive. Lots of work in education about children speaking fluently in more than one language. Don’t know whether any work has been done in therapy.

It might be that the native language which is rooted in childhood and early years has a more immediate emotional impact? Whilst English as a,second language might feel more neutral? ( @Angstwere you referring to the Sapir/Whorf hypothesis which was on side of a debate abuot language and perception?)

@Handy

A job search outline for someone with OCD: Here's an outline of the provided advice on applying for a job with OCD: I. Managing Your OCD During the Job Search A. Prioritize Treatment (ERP, medication) B. Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps C. Set Realistic Goals and Time Limits D. Create a Routine E. Practice Self-Care (exercise, mindfulness, breaks, hobbies, sleep) F. Practice Self-Compassion G. Lean on Your Support System H. Prepare for Triggers and have Coping Strategies Ready II. Deciding Whether to Disclose Your OCD A. Understanding Legal Protections (e.g., ADA in the US) B. When to Disclose 1. Generally NOT required during application/interview (unless accommodation is needed for interview) 2. If accommodation needed for interview (e.g., quiet space) 3. After a job offer (often best time for workplace accommodations) C. Benefits of Disclosure (once employed) 1. Access to Reasonable Accommodations 2. Employer/Colleague Understanding 3. Reduced Stress of Hiding Condition D. Risks of Disclosure (especially early on) 1. Stigma around Mental Health 2. Providing Unnecessary Information 3. Shifting Focus from Qualifications to Condition III. Tailoring Your Job Search to Your Strengths and Needs A. Identify Your Strengths (attention to detail, thoroughness, problem-solving, resilience) B. Consider Job Types that Align Well 1. Detail-oriented roles (data entry, editing, quality control) 2. Structured environments 3. Less public-facing roles (if social anxiety is a factor) 4. Remote work C. Avoid High-Stress Triggers in Job Roles D. Focus on Essential Job Functions IV. Preparing for Applications and Interviews A. Craft a Strong Resume/CV (no mention of OCD) B. Practice Interview Skills (mock interviews) C. Prepare Your "Story" (if disclosing later – focus on solutions) D. Interview Day Strategies 1. Prioritize sleep and nutrition 2. Arrive early 3. Practice calming techniques 4. Stay hydrated V. Reasonable Accommodations in the Workplace (once hired) A. Flexible Scheduling (adjusted times, breaks) B. Remote or Hybrid Work Options C. Private Workspace D. Task Management Support (tools, prioritization help) E. Written Instructions F. Modified Deadlines (if needed for perfectionism/checking) G. Noise-Canceling Headphones/White Noise Machine H. Access to Therapy/Support (flexible leave) I. Clear Expectations and Feedback from Supervisors

Okay. If you're finding yourself assigning meaning to numbers in a way that feels unhelpful, distressing, or intrusive, it's possible you're experiencing something akin to "magical thinking" or even a form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Here's a breakdown of how to approach this and stop giving meaning to numbers: 1. Understand the Nature of Numbers: * Numbers are neutral: Fundamentally, numbers are abstract concepts used for counting, measuring, and calculations. They don't inherently possess "good" or "bad" qualities, nor do they carry predictive power about events. * Meaning is assigned: Any meaning attributed to numbers (e.g., lucky numbers, unlucky numbers, "angel numbers," or patterns) is something you, or a culture, have assigned to them. It's not an inherent property of the number itself. 2. Challenge Your Thoughts (Cognitive Restructuring): * Identify the belief: When you assign meaning to a number, identify the specific belief. For example, "If I see the number 4, something bad will happen." * Question the evidence: Ask yourself: What evidence do I have that this is true? Has something bad always happened when I saw this number? Is there another, more logical explanation for events? * Reframe: Consciously tell yourself that the number is neutral. "The number 4 is just a number. It has no power to cause good or bad events." * Acknowledge intrusive thoughts: If these thoughts pop into your head automatically, label them as "intrusive thoughts" rather than facts. Remind yourself that thoughts are not necessarily reality. 3. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): This is a highly effective behavioral therapy, often used for OCD, that can help you desensitize yourself to the numbers you fear or assign meaning to. * Gradual exposure: Start with low-anxiety situations involving the "meaningful" numbers and gradually expose yourself to more challenging ones. For example: * If you avoid looking at clocks with certain numbers, start by briefly glancing at them. * If you avoid certain addresses, gradually work towards being in proximity to them. * If you feel compelled to do something a specific number of times, try doing it one more or one less time. * Prevent the response (compulsion): The key is to resist the urge to perform any ritual or avoidance behavior that you associate with the number. This teaches your brain that nothing bad happens even if you don't engage in the compulsion. * Sit with the anxiety: When you expose yourself and resist the compulsion, you'll likely feel anxiety. Instead of trying to get rid of it, allow it to be there. You'll learn that the anxiety eventually dissipates on its own, and the feared outcome doesn't occur. 4. Mindfulness and Acceptance: * Observe without judgment: Practice observing your thoughts about numbers without getting entangled in them. Notice them, acknowledge them, but don't engage with them or try to figure out what they "mean." * Focus on the present: Ground yourself in your senses and what's happening around you. This can help pull you away from obsessive numerical thoughts. * Accept uncertainty: Acknowledge that you can't control every outcome in life. Accepting this uncertainty can reduce the perceived need to control things through numbers. 5. Seek Professional Help: * If your struggles with numbers are significantly impacting your daily life, causing distress, or you suspect it might be OCD, it is highly recommended to seek professional help. * A therapist specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can provide tailored strategies and support. * Medication, such as antidepressants, can also be helpful in reducing the severity of obsessive thoughts and compulsions, making therapy more effective. Important Considerations: * Patience and persistence: Changing ingrained thought patterns takes time and consistent effort. Don't get discouraged if you have setbacks. * No "bad" numbers: Remind yourself that there are no inherently "bad" numbers. The fear is in your interpretation, not in the number itself. * Self-compassion: Be kind to yourself throughout this process. It's challenging to overcome these types of thoughts and behaviors. By actively challenging your beliefs about numbers and gradually exposing yourself to them without engaging in compulsive behaviors, you can train your brain to stop giving them undue meaning.

Hi CarysR and to the forums. What you describe is all very typical of OCD. Have you read up on OCD at all? Understanding how it works is an excellent place to begin. In short: 1. Becoming obsessed by thoughts we've had, or obsessed with preventing something (such as making sure no harm comes to your cat) happens because of the meaning we attach to these things. 2. The obsessive thoughts result in unwanted feelings 3. This leads to compulsions - acts performed to get rid of the unwanted feelings The feeling can be anything - fear, anger, disgust, jealousy... anything that makes you uncomfortable. Compulsions can be mental as well as physical. The biggest of these is called ruminating (going over and over the thoughts you've had and thinking them (or about them) again and again. The problem with compulsions is they don't relieve the unwanted feelings for long, and every time we give in to them it feeds the obsession and guarantees further obsessive concerns. Once you can recognise the OCD cycle: thoughts > feelings > compulsions > thoughts > feelings > compulsions... you can decide at which point of the cycle you want to intervene. You can resist the compulsions, learn that feelings aren't permanent and unwanted feelings aren't to be feared, or you can challenge the thinking and beliefs that create the obsessions in the first place. Have you sought any help for OCD at Uni? These days most universities are well geared up to offer therapy and support. Maybe a first step would be to chat to someone in Student Health. See what they offer for mental health problems.

Hi Scott, Can you describe what you think a 'magic boost' would look like? Putting it into words may help you to clarify what you need to do next to make progress. Do you mean your therapist says this to you? If that's all she's offering then maybe she's right that therapy should end. I don't believe people with OCD are lacking in courage. When we hit a plateau or impassable obstacle there's usually a good reason why, typically something we're telling ourselves in our internal self-talk, or a hidden belief that we're unaware of that 'doing xyz means...' Changing what you say to yourself and challenging any beliefs that stand in your way can help. Typically the self-talk and hidden beliefs aren't true and don't stand up to scrutiny, but we simply never challenge them because they're 'just there' and how things have always been. A decent therapist should be looking at why you're finding it difficult 'to dare more' rather than just suggesting you need to push yourself harder. sometimes it is just a matter of being willing to move out of our comfort zone, but even then there'll be a reason why you're not doing so of your own accord. You could list the perceived gains of overcoming your OCD versus the perceived gains of continuing in your comfort zone. Notice I said perceived gains - so it's not always as obvious as 'Of course I want to be rid of my OCD!' What do you think is holding you back? You say no 'significant' improvements. The key to taking the next step may lie in that phrase. What would significant progress look like to you? Again, putting it into words may help you clarify what it is you value more- the 'security' of OCD or whatever the freedom of significant progress might be. Hope that gives you some things to think about. And don't hesitate to raise these ideas with your therapist too. Hopefully she'll be excited to work through it with you and help you make a step-by-step plan to overcome the obstacles currently in your way to 'daring more'.

Hi, I don't know if I have OCD but my cat died nearly a year and a half ago and ever since I got her urn back, I haven't been able to stop obsessing over her. I moved away to go to university and left her urn in my bedroom at home because I felt too stressed to move her. But when I am away, thinking about seeing her again when I go home makes me feel sick, in case she is broken, dirty, dusty, or anything bad has happened. I can't stop obsessing over bugs getting into my room and going on her. When it is Christmas or whenever I see glitter I feel so panicked that it will somehow go on her. So I try to make sure it doesn't go on me and have to check before I go into my room. And then after I go in my room or anywhere near her I have to think about the exact order I did everything in to make sure I didn't damage her in anyway. This is ruining my life and I don't know what to do about it. Before she died I behaved the same way but just about my room and my things in general, but now she is dead the focus is all on her because I care about her more than anything. I still feel like this about other things but mainly so I don't contaminate myself and end up contaminating her with things if that makes sense. I also get such bad intrusive thoughts, and obsess over the past, constantly thinking I have done awful, disgusting things. I also get them every day and can't stop thinking about them, and why I have them, and make lists of all the ones I've had and have to constantly go over them in my head. I have convinced myself I have remembered doing bad things and it makes me feel sick. Do you think I have OCD and does anyone have any advice for me? I feel exhausted and don't want to live like this anymore.

Hello All, maybe some of you can relate to this, maybe some can provide comfort, because it makes me sad: Through lots of therapy, I made significant progress, very slowly. However, I am not yet free and no significant improvements occur. I already have to pay the therapy myself and she is actually good, focused on the disorder and has knowledge about it, no nonsense. But she says (although I am willing to pay further) she does not see much progress and if this does not change, she will suggest to finish the therapy. On the one hand, I agree with her, on the other hand, what is the alternative? I don't see the "magic boost" coming, but I am also not really healthy in a sense that I am free and left OCD really behind myself. I feel like being in a cage, do not see the way out. But there is not so much help besides "you just have to dare more"...I feel a bit clueless what to do. Can anyone relate to it? How did you get an impuls or push to "change something" when you observe a plateau in your therapy? Thanks!

That’s cool - it looks like her.

Nest > snot (so can we use an anagram or do we have to always change one letter?)

Padlock

for pointing that out, snowbear - you are absolutely right Pest > nest

Hi Roami That's definitely helpful I'm going to post again but do you have any other ideas on how I can stop associating meanings to numbers? Thanks Rajesh

#tag Just saying ... anything can be a trigger, even words that 'most people' consider safe or positive. Also, the meaning of a word can vary depending on how it is interpreted by the individual, within cultures, and depending on context. Case in point... an affectionate name would call somebody I love in a fun and happy way... Rest > pest (Good idea for a topic Raomi. Just pulling your leg a wee bit by pointing out the flaw in the thinking that it's even possible to avoid trigger words or 'negative' words. )

Ah, I get you. I'm not aware of any such official list, but people might post replies with some good tips. My top tip is to mentally ringfence your work. OCD thinking doesn't apply during working hours and compulsive urges can be ignored completely. I used that technique very successfuly for decades. Not only was it essential (because I had to work) but it also gave me a break from the OCD from the moment I went into work to the moment I left. That made going to work pleasurable and something to look forward too, as well as making it easier (possible) to do my job without OCD causing problems.

OCD fools us into thinking we are alone... But it is a liar... A barefaced liar. We can defy it, in order to win our happiness back. We havew an absolute right to be happy. No one has any right to take that away... We have to fight for our happiness... Drive the negative thoughts away. We can do it! Terry 123

I don't know... But hopefully there is a force for good around us, hopefully stronger than the evil stuff that goes on... Terry 123 I don't know... But hopefully there is a force for good around us, hopefully stronger than the evil stuff that goes on... Terry 123

I will try and look that one up... Terry 123

When we are tired or overloaded, our resistance to everything wavers. This may just be a passing phase. Be persistent, shout back at the urges. It can be done, but it is worth it to get our lives back. Don't let it win, shout back at it. Give it a name if you like, but shout back at it... Terry 123