kelsrae20

I am definitely in the same boat, and I think it's a normal part of OCD recovery. I am in a bit of a spiral right now as well but have been having really great periods of time where it's almost like I never had OCD. I try not to take those "quiet" periods for granted because it can be so easy to fall back. But I'm trying to remember that I've kicked this disorder before, I can do it again. You got this.

I'm sorry you're going through a rough time. I am also dealing with a flare up of my OCD so you're not alone in that. The way I cope with my anxiety is to always keep my mind busy with something. If I'm doing chores around the house, I listen to music I enjoy and when I am just sitting, I'm either playing a game on my phone or watching a comedy to get some laughs out. I'm not really able to meditate either. Makes my mind run even more. You are very deserving of help and always will be.

I'm so sorry you're going through this, RedPanda. Are you currently taking any medications? I was able to take an SSRI during pregnancy and a low dose of Xanax since I had been on it several years before becoming pregnant. You may want to talk with your psychiatrist if you have one and see what your options could be. In the meantime, and this will be much easier said than done - let your thoughts play through your mind and try your hardest to not give any attention to them or feel scared of them. They are just thoughts and they don't define who you are as a person or as a parent. I wish I had advice for what to do regarding your husband. I am not in a relationship so I wouldn't be the best person to give advice but I can imagine how worried and scared he is for you to be going through this. Again, let those thoughts run through your head and don't pay attention to them. Then they hold no power over you. Good luck and I wish you all the best.

Hi Octavia! Your concerns are valid and I would advise not having a child if you do not want them and/or you feel it would take a toll on your mental health. Do you have siblings? Nieces and nephews? Cousins? Do you have close friends with kids that you can foster a relationship with when they get a bit older and they can be part of your life? You are not obligated to have kids just because your mom wants you to have them and is emotionally blackmailing you to have one.

I don't know if this was what you were meaning, but when I'm in the throes of OCD and intrusive thinking, it gets exhausting to try to focus on much else and can make you feel so helpless and withdrawn. Like all that's on your mind is this disorder and trying to battle it which leaves no room for other tasks you may want to do. I tend to emotionally shut down because it gets too overwhelming. My advice is to take it one step at a time and keep telling yourself that your feelings do not control you, you control them. I know, easier said than done but it's a start. Also, try to slowly force yourself to do things, like your online shopping, and acknowledge how you're feeling but don't let it stop you from doing something you want to do. It will take practice but you can do this! I hope that helped somewhat. I wish you the best!

Hi @Longtimesufferer23! First, you're not alone. Not at all. I can't say that I have any of the obsessions/compulsions you have as mine are more mental-based. But what has helped me in the past is to face my fears. Start slow and maybe let someone walk with their shoes on for 10 feet and try not to clean or sanitize for 20 minutes. Something small like that and just keep building on that and hopefully the anxiety will lessen over time. That's just my personal experience. I wish you the best!

Yeah, very true. Sometimes I get that spark of anxiety from NOT reacting to the thoughts but I'm pretty sure that's normal.

Is it a good sign when you find your intrusive thoughts more annoying than distressing? Like, they are still distressing to a point but you're more annoyed by them because they're always there?

Thank you Wonderer and mummyoftwogirls!

Thank you ashipinharbor and PolarBear. I'm just starting a thread in it cause I wanted to know how some people got through it and just peoples opinion of it. Is it really hormones or do other people have other opinions as to why it gets worse during that time. It's all in the spirit of discussion.

And, if this is something that applies to you, what are some tips/tricks/methods you use to get through the tough week/week and a half? Any opinions or advise welcome here!

Okay, so just a quick question and before I ask, I'm not seeking assurance or anything, I'm just curious as to how many women this affects so here goes.. Ladies, when it's almost time for your period and during your period, do your OCD thoughts/compulsions get worse? Mine do and I'm sure it has something to do with hormones and I'm just very curious to see if this affects anyone else?

Thank you, Polar. I appreciate it.

So I had a quick question to ask and there might be triggers so read at your own risk. I was watching The Amityville Movie and pretty much what happened was the main guy started hearing voices and kept having hallucinations that his family were demons (crazy, right?). Usually that stuff wouldn't bother me but now I'm thinking what if I start to think that way? I've had OCD on and off since I was 9, so about 12 years. I just recently got over a recent bout of it thanks to meds and some therapy but I weaned myself off Prozac not too long ago. I just wanted to know if this is a common thought or if anyone else has thought thoughts along these lines? Normally, my OCD was about harming loved ones but I think this is a bit different. Any help would be appreciated. Note: I am gonna get myself back on Prozac. I probably got off of it too soon.

Sounds more like a quirk that you have, which is perfectly normal. Now if it was interfering with your day to day life, that would be a different story. Just to put your mind at ease, why don't you just experiment and wear a piece of new clothing without washing it first. Does it make you feel just a little uncomfortable but you can deal or does it give you extreme anxiety? I would definitely try that. Best of luck.