gracew21

I can't thank you enough for taking the time to reply, Hal. I will definitely check out those books and will see my GP, even if its just to get my name on the list for the future. I will consider paying for private CBT as I am fortunate enough to have this option, but in the meantime I feel uneasy about the medication and potential side effects. I tend to panic about any medication, and bring on the side effects myself so perhaps best to avoid if I can. Thanks again, it has taken months of courage to even post in here and to have a kind reply is really appreciated.

Thank you, I hope your studies are going well despite the state of the world right now!

Hello. I have struggled with OCD behaviour and anxiety since my early teens and have never really addressed it. However after finishing 4 hard (and distracting) years at university, I have found myself unable to cope during my new daily life for the past 10 months. My main struggle currently is health-related obsessive behaviour following a minor health scare in November. I think it is time for me to discuss this with a professional as I am having daily panic attacks and I cannot get my obsessions under control. I am constantly worried and checking my body for symptoms, to the point where I am finding it difficult to work and I am arguing with my loved ones because they fail to reassure me. Google is my worst enemy and I am struggling to avoid doom-scrolling. I have also avoided going to the GP about anything other than my physical health, because I know that during coronavirus that they are already on reduced services and there are people who need the appointments more than me. I am becoming increasingly worried that at the ripe age of 22 I am going to feel like this forever. I wondered if anyone had some advice on who to talk to? And what the likely outcome of the conversation is, what they may suggest etc? Is medication ever effective, or will therapy be the main tool? I am aware that waiting lists can cause an issue with professional help, so does anyone have any other remedies for calming obsessions or anxiety (particularly at night)? Breathing exercises, nature sounds, essential oils are just not working for me right now. Thanks