OCD lad

Can anyone please advise?

Good evening… Late on Friday night (so four days ago) I began experiencing all the atypical symptoms of a gastrointestinal issue (so frequent Diarrhoea and a bout of vomiting). I am still experiencing the same degree of unpleasant effects now notably the diarrhoea albeit trying to adhere with NHS medical advice Mind is telling me the following: 1.This is really bad (normally only only lasts a few days) 2.You will continue to have this - lose weight- become weak - die. 3.Each time you visit the lavatory this it is a step closer to the end. 4.Different foods aren’t working - so nothing will. 5.Anything you try to do won’t work. Effectively I’m running up the down escalator …. and it’s only a matter of time. To compound all this on the Saturday night I also blacked out for a few mins. I collapsed and fell badly in the bathroom. I lost the ability to move any limbs for about 10 mins, luckily my wife was there, and it took a visit to A&E to reassure against permanent paralysis. (I had in fact badly damaged nerves in arm and leg). Any suggestions how to deal with this?

You too mate. Thanks for the support (not reassurance!). And to reciprocate, as opposed to seeking reassurance, get support, and do something you love. For me it’s drinking a good German beer, red wine, putting the footie on or having a mix on my pioneer!! Do you drive the ambulance or work on board, or both?

https://www.ocduk.org/webinar-series/worried-well-or-worried-sick-understanding-health-anxiety/ I watched this and it put things into perspective for my current OCD issue with health anxiety. Let me know how you get on.

Hi. One of my previous fixations was centred around my daughter. I lived in a one bed flat after splitting from wife and my daughter stayed with me overnight each weekend. My mind fixated on this very thing and the ‘what ifs’ quickly followed. The amount of times these intrusive thoughts popped into my head back then was relentless. Very rarely a break. I pinned this on a ‘real life event’ as she ‘was’ sleeping in my bed and the frequency was quite high. Last night my youngest slept in my bed and she must have taken her pyjamas bottoms as she was too hot. Of course my mind didn't want to accept that but if I suspect it’s OCD and then I’m telling you this on a public forum it is just the OCD. The same for you.

I’ve just commented here. Hope my big take out helps …

https://www.ocduk.org/webinar-series/worried-well-or-worried-sick-understanding-health-anxiety/ This was brilliant … during episodes of OCD I struggle to keep my mind in the present. It always drifts into past or future, but of course it does, because obsessions and compulsions only focus here. I managed to watch this start to finish with little distraction. Don’t get me wrong I still tried to isolate myself as a ‘unique’ case. One thing I took away from it, is the slight variations in addressing things. Like to offer support and not reassurance or if you do need to offer reassurance follow it up with support. Always end on support. It’s the fundamental, small, differences, that make a big difference, it seems.

Anyway. My fear is staying positive with Covid and dying … not the same as your obsession but fundamental logic required is the same.

Sorry wrong link https://www.ocduk.org/webinar-series/worried-well-or-worried-sick-understanding-health-anxiety/

This is brilliant

Hunter

Spray

Good insight much appreciated. It’s funny as five years ago it was when I got married and it was all about STD’s and before that sleep deprivation all self perpetuated. Believe it or not I’m a highly functioning individual, work etc. with this hugely well hid and debilitating side kick. I once described it as simply a mental hole in the ground. Everyone has this ‘hole’ but most are able to steer well clear from it. For OCD sufferers or depression we are never too far from this hole and easier to fall into … and not easy to get out from

I’m referring to the home rapid tests, still the case?

Torture it can be. I’ve struggled with this for 20 years only diagnosed 6 years ago. I find that I can resist urges and reassurance easier in the late morning and the evenings. Early afternoon and especially first thing in the morning can be debilitating. Tonight I was pacing about eyes on the covid test I believe will set me free. Are you effected at different times of day or even days of week?