DC82

I think you already know the answer. David Hume states (Enquiries p. 115ff) that “no testimony is sufficient to establish a miracle, unless the testimony be of such a kind, that its falsehood would be more miraculous, than the fact, which it endeavors to establish”. What’s more likely? A (very possible) mundane coincidence, or the laws of science have been broken?

Thanks. I hope so too.

I wondered if there are any updates on the conference? Does anyone know what time it will start and finish? I presume it will be a daytime event?

This is a good thread of posts. It’s very motivating to read these day to day successes.

Sounds positive! Well done on the progress. Hopefully those fears will become weaker and weaker.

I think that sounds sensible. We can all find coincidences if we look for them. I do not think they are messages from a God. You could also chat with your GP about your situation.

The OCD-UK website states: “Although there are infinite forms of OCD, it has been traditionally considered that a person’s OCD will fall into one of these five main categories, with themes often overlapping between categories too”. Checking Contamination / Mental Contamination Symmetry and ordering Ruminations / Intrusive Thoughts Hoarding I read the section called ‘contamination’ on the website - not sure if that helps you. You could see what your psychiatrist/therapist thinks. https://www.ocduk.org/ocd/types/

You have posted about this before. I think you would be helping yourself if you visit your doctor and explain your situation. Don’t be afraid to learn Korean and Japanese. There is zero evidence to support your fears about being punished by a God for learning a language.

@mchmis26 It is probably a good idea to go back to your GP if you feel you are struggling. You cannot get a diagnosis of OCD from a forum. Even if something in a forum post sounds like OCD, I don’t think it provides enough information to diagnose OCD - and the majority of people aren’t qualified to do that anyway. I don’t think self diagnosis is a good idea. Only a trained medical professional who is qualified to diagnose OCD can formally assess you and diagnose you. There is a reason why they study for years. The medical professional is trained in assessing you, and is skilled in asking questions (looking more closely into what you say) to ascertain a more accurate understanding of the nature, frequency, and severity of your problems (among other things). The medical professional will have knowledge of different mental health problems, and how they sometimes link together, or look similar. My suggestion is to go back to your doctor and explain your situation in as much detail as you can, in the time that you have. Perhaps you could request an assessment and diagnosis by a qualified professional. Hopefully you can then get some help for your problems.

@Handy makes an important point. He does not say that the root of the problem is not OCD (which it may or may not be - you would need to be assessed by a medical professional). He states that drinking might cause you to obsess ‘more’. According to Healthline “Alcohol changes levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, which can worsen anxiety. In fact, you may feel more anxious after the alcohol wears off. Alcohol-induced anxiety can last for several hours, or even for an entire day after drinking”. @Nirvana_29 You could explain your problems to your doctor or therapist. They can assess whether you have OCD, and if you do, they might suggest CBT. But, I think it’s clear that an attempt to address OCD (if that’s what you have been diagnosed with) could be slowed down if you’re drinking alcohol. Higher levels of anxiety probably aren’t going to help. WebMD states that “even moderate drinking [of alcohol] can exacerbate anxiety after a few hours“.

That’s not so bad. This is good too - It’s great to have people around who understand, especially when OCD and anxiety becomes challenging.

Yes. I wonder what percentage of people find a medication with no side effects at all. I’d guess low. I do prefer medications that allow me to eat and drink ?

Sounds terrible. I think I’ve been lucky with it.

I don’t think you will do that. You sound very strong, organized and determined. You clearly care and are taking steps to help yourself. Do you have any family who could look after the 4 of them for several hours if you need to take a walk or have a rest? Do you mind me asking what side effects you had? I am on fluoxetine (Prozac) and have recently had to increase my dosage. I’ve not experienced any side effects that I am aware of (except decreased libido - but I don’t mind that if it means I am less anxious).

I think this is a nice reply from @hazydaze @rebecca23x It sounds like you’re feeling anxious about being anxious. Try not to become worried about waking up anxious - it will make you more anxious in the present. Whenever you have any annoying feelings, try to think very, very positively (don’t allow yourself to entertain any negative ideas in your mind) and be strong and determined not to be beaten. Easier said than done, I know - but you don’t have to put pressure on yourself to achieve perfection straight away. It’s not your fault if you do feel anxious and it’s not a sign of failure. It takes a bit of time - but I think it is important to focus on positives. You’re taking steps to beat it which is excellent; I think you deserve to feel good about your positive intentions. Everything in life (even anxiety) is temporary. Feel assured that your doctor is helping you and is on your side. Are you having any counseling or therapy?