ErinEvans

Hi I'm new to the forums I have ocd nos I also have emetophobia since the age of 6. I'm 34. I'm struggling considerably with the crossover between the two. I can't eat at all properly. I only eat pre packaged food. And this is obviously not healthy. The compulsions include excessive hand washing and then alcohol hand gel. The struggle to touch certain things is immense. When I do I can't stop thinking about it. I spend most of the time trying to reassure myself in my head. I can only eat with disposal cutlery and plates etc It's extremely tiring. Does anyone else have the experience of both?

Ive used mindfulness. It took me a long while and a lot of practice. It's about being able to step back from the thought and just watch it pass by. I often imagine my thoughts on a train that's passing me by. Without giving it power or managing your emotions as it does. Also managing your breathing. I still struggle as there isn't a fix. But it's about making it more manageable. If panic sets in, I turn to managing the physical reaction of fight or flight. Aiming go bring down my breathing rate, heart rate, shaking etc. Usually using breathing techniques. I hope this might be helpful.