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No problem BelAnna. In answer to your question, this is where I think there is a lack of information about what is treated first, I would have thought a psychologist would be the qualified person to make a call on something like this not a CBT therapist (as in my case). It all seems a bit hap hazard in my experience unless anyone knows more than me? Looking forward to hearing how it goes for you

Thanks Dragonfly, just reinforces my own thoughts about therapists. I have had a lot of physio/chiro over the years and they can vary quite a lot, I think a CBT therapist is no different. I think I'm going to give it a try and go from there. It's to address PTSD from being physically assaulted as a teenager. I wish we could share who all the good therapists are and where they are as it's just pot luck!

What he said

I suffered with this for many years and have every sympathy with you but it sounds like you are on the right track. It is possible to get past. I think it's a natural response to feel anger in a situation that triggers a fear that you are going to act in a way that goes against your core values. It's a fight or flight response. About 15 years ago I was in a very bad place with OCD and remember feeling angry with my loved ones (who my OCD was saying I would harm). They wanted me to stay with some close relatives (to look after me for a few days) but my OCD was saying I would harm them too if I went to stay. So whichever choice I made I was going to harm someone I loved (that's OCD for you). I was very angry about that because I was very very scared and couldn't run away (metaphorically or physically). Also is it possible you think you have the thoughts about harm because you are angry with the person you are afraid of harming? This was another way my OCD got me into endless compulsions. Before I was diagnosed I used to think I was having thoughts about harming certain people because I had some hidden anger towards them, utter nonsense. Hope that is helpful.

That's encouraging to hear Yep my understanding was it's not for OCD but for addressing some entwined issues. Did you have it alongside OCD treatment, i.e did it come up whilst being treated for OCD as something that could help you? Cheers

Thanks for the suggestions, I think the audio recording is my next step.

Hi BelAnna Not bumping my previous thread but I was offered this for my PTSD symptoms in relation to a fear of being physically assaulted, I'm still wondering if it will be beneficial as I opted to focus more on CBT/OCD and was very apprehensive about it too as my therapist had only just trained in it and is also not a psychologist either. I have a feeling we may have something in common in that one of our themes is hindered by something else in recovery? I'm not saying it is, just wondering in my case. I wish there was some clearer guidance on this, i.e is it best to tackle the PTSD before OCD, at the same time or are they one and the same etc. I've also had CBT on and off for over a similar period too, although on the face of it I'm a "functioning person" I'm still struggling especially with this particular fear which makes sleeping difficult. Would really like to know if you feel it helps you so if you can give some updates that would be amazing. Thanks

Hi everyone, Without going into detail I have a long history of OCD involving mainly mental compulsions and some reassurance seeking and a lot of avoidance. I'm working with my CBT therapist on my fear of being assaulted (specifically during the night whilst I'm in bed). From a cognitive side I understand where this fear comes from but need help with ideas on exposures. My therapist thinks I have aspects of PTSD (which remain untreated) but we don't have much therapy time left so we are trying an OCD approach as I'm sure this is playing a part. I'm determined to do what I can so have a couple of questions and welcome any suggestions. I recognise I mentally assess any noises I hear at night (which trigger a spike in anxiety) I think this a compulsion and happens automatically in a split second until I catch it. Instead of getting out of bed to check, or think it through I'm trying to accept the thought "yes maybe someone is breaking in". This is to provide uncertainty. I'm also reading an exposure script as often as I can which goes into graphic detail about my feared situation happening. So, does anyone have any suggestions of other exposures? Also any ideas on how to tackle a belief I have which I think is keeping this going. 'Thinking about these things somehow protects me', (even though I know it flippin well doesn't)!! Thanks

Hello everyone, I apologise this is not directly OCD related but as a former sufferer I thought someone on here may be able to help. I've not posted or been on here for ages because over the last year or so I've been working on improving my self esteem/self worth, changing core beliefs and now I'm very fortunate as I'm getting therapy to help me (it's taken a year since I asked for help) but it's finally underway which is great but I am struggling. The reason for the subject title is my dad has an extensive history of severe depression and he had a particularly traumatic episode a few years back where I witnessed something particularly terrible that he did to himself and I helped to save his life. Thing is my Dad can be very kind, I know he is a good person and I also know he has some pretty well embedded self esteem issues that he seems to refuse to do anything about even though he's been through hell. I've tried so hard to help and support him over the years to do something but he just gets defensive and angry so it's been an emotional rollercoaster. He has also been pretty horrible to me as a child and an adult which I am learning to accept is one of the reasons why I've always struggled with self confidence/belief and self esteem. I've always blamed myself too. What I realise is my Dad is not good for my own mental health and the thing I'm finding really hard is feeling and dealing with guilt, it also feels incredibly sad. To be honest, even though I have access to my therapist and we are working on my own issues, sometimes I just want to talk to someone who can understand what it's like to have a parent who has problems. If anyone knows of any chat forums that would be great. Thanks

This weekend in a sort of nutshell: Good stuff - I did something towards my business/personal goals this weekend and was working in my 'element', it was fun and I got paid - I've been watching some videos on Stuart Ralph's youtube channel which I've found incredibly informative, in particular a video on obsessional thinking about relationships. Not so good - My OCD has hit me quite hard as I spent much of the night ruminating and I've not really been out today and done anything I enjoy - I feel anxious (obviously) - I think OCD has had more of a grip on my life than I previously appreciated so feeling slightly overwhelmed about what to do and where to start

Hi everyone, especially you Cub, keep taking things steady :original: Negatives: I lost my phone on Thursday eve or it was stolen. This seems to have triggered some anxiety, negative thoughts and has caused some unwelcome disruption to my easter break so I'm feeling a bit low tonight Positives: I've been out walking along the coast with friends for a few days, been cycling and have worked on my OCD. There are some rubbish thoughts floating around my head, I can't quite capture what they are but it's making me feel a bit low, I find this frustrating as I feel like I should be doing something about them but don't know if I should or if I am better to focus on enjoying my evening.

Hi Katie I'm taking sertraline. I think it may be a little early for things to settle just yet so try not to be concerned, it took about a month before I started to feel the benefit. 50mg is also the lowest dose you're taking as I'm sure you know, I take 100 which seems to work well for me but everyone is different. I'm very sorry to hear about what you've been through but I'm sure you're a very strong person especially because you're taking steps to help yourself. Try to take it easy and take one day at a time for now as things will improve soon, in the meantime here's a hug! :hug:

Hey Tigershark This is a new change for you (a very good one at that) so it's perfectly normal for you're thoughts to intensify... Ride it out and put into practice everything you know, remember, they are perfectly normal thoughts :original:

Well said Snowbear. When someone assumes they know what I think about a topic without having asked me (in other words they make my mind up for me) I can feel pretty annoyed or upset especially when it's the complete opposite of what I do think... get my drift SurfRider? general assumptions about other people are not healthy and are best avoided

Hi John I'm not a doctor or qualified in anyway but I sometimes take my medication (SSRI) at different times, e.g 8am one day and 10am the next day mainly because I've forgotten or am doing something. It doesn't seem to effect me and I work all day 9-5. Great you're DJ'ing mate sounds awesome :dj:

I agree, we are very strong people indeed I wish I could remind myself of this more often. I don't remember anyone being openly negative towards me, telling them about my OCD, people are generally sympathetic. If someone has said something behind my back then I mostly think what I don't know doesn't bother me and I don't have time for them if they are that narrow minded (as in not willing to even try to understand). Don't get me wrong I still sometimes feel ashamed, embarrassed or even weak about my illness but I accept these beliefs are my own which have developed because of words like 'stigma'. Why do I think this? Probably because that's something I've heard or learned along the way (life) which is a good reason why we may chose to share something about our illness with someone who knows little or nothing about it. Like taurean said, 'spread the word'. I totally respect anyone who doesn't want to tell people, but by not talking about it could we be denying ourselves help, understanding and are we making a decision for someone else without giving them a chance to think for themselves? I'm quite a strong minded person and like to speak out at times and I've always felt the need to defend/help/stand up for those having a tough time or for causes I am passionate about, so personally if I have to keep OCD to myself completely I feel like I'm not helping/being fair to myself or people with mental health issues. Even if it's just one person at least that's someone who can learn about the illness so that next time they hear about it or come across it they might be able to explain to someone else and the word is spread some more :original: Hope this makes sense!

This is an excellent explanation Franklin, the thoughts are normal, the reaction is OCD.

Hi Runnerbeing, sorry you're still having problems mate. I've been having similar troubles too but the last few nights have been better, I'm not sure I can put it down to anything particular though. Have you tried adjusting your bedroom space? Just an idea. I find I sleep best in an uncluttered space, unfortunately I'm in a cluttered space at the moment but it's a short term thing. I generally read in bed but I've also tried reading on the sofa then going to bed, this seemed to help slow down my thoughts, almost telling my mind it's sleep time.

My family know and all my close friends do too. When I was feeling really brave I once told everyone (that was a lot of people) where I used to work because I did a charity bike ride for OCD and pestered them for money. I'm not saying I openly tell everyone because it depends on the context of the situation and I too don't want to be judged, but I try to be as open about it as possible because I like to think by doing so we help to normalise mental health as a whole.

Like I say I'm not sure I understand the difference or I find it hard to define the difference in my mind the same as you. My recent experiences are that I'm worrying and getting anxious about a number of subjects in my life and this is also giving me sleepless nights and a bit of depression (more than just low mood). They do alternate day to day but it's more or less the same things going round in circles. I then mentally argue/weigh things up until I feel satisfied or I get some kind of resolution, until the next subject pops in or something triggers me off again. I struggle to see the difference between GAD and OCD in this case regardless of the subjects quickly alternating from one to the next. They initially strike me as the same thought processes and they are all driven by a fear of something bad happening, perhaps it is all just the same thing and the professionals may need to rethink how they label this. It's good to get this down in writing :original:

Hey Cub, I echo what taurean says, you are an amazing person and absolutely deserve to be here ok Nice work bisuitcat and I like the sound of a pint taurean! Negatives: I can't think of any right now. Positives: I just ate 3 large cookies and they were great!!

Not sure if this will help but I found it on a post a few years back https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/get-help-now/anxiety-information/anxiety-disorders/generalised-anxiety-disorder-gad/

Hi Lotty I have to admit I'm with you on this. I have OCD but I also think I have GAD. I've just read through taurean's explanation and I still don't understand the difference :blink: (thanks for having a go though taurean) ​

Hey Heryn Sorry you're feeling so depressed, I'm having a hard time too but I'm glad you found a positive experience listening to music, isn't that another positive too?! i.e you found a positive :original: Sending you this message is one of my positives for today too!

Hey Taurean, not watching TV is a liberating experience, radio via the mobile is an option, there's some great digital channels out there including radio 4 extra which has some great plays and comedy :original: Negatives; my car is being a pain in the backside not to mention I'm worrying too much about things. Positives; I went to work on a very sunny day and was outside in the beautiful English countryside for some of it, I love spring