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[Guest DiOi]

Hi all

For some while now I have been feeling really down about lack of friends / living alone and lack of big family Christmas. December the 6th I was diagnosed with diabetes which was a bit of a blow. The not so obvious problem was that with diabetes, the medication I am on (olanzapine) is having to be changed over to aripiprozole as olanzapine can cause diabetes as well as worsen it.

4 days into the transition I am starting to get ruminating thoughts, which delve into the depths of my brain trying to find reason in everything that goes wrong in my life. Thoughts that are trying to explain why I have only 1 friend who lives 200 miles away, why I have lived alone for nearly 4 years and have not ever had a girlfriend that has lasted more than 10 minutes, thoughts like I am not meant for all of these things as I am meant for something else, as if I am destined to be alone for a supernatural reason. I am trying to let the thoughts just pass through my mind without fighting them, but it seems there is no end to the thought trails as the thought trails keep evolving.

Rest getting things out of my head

[Guest Charlotte]

Hello

Changing medications is never an easy time and throw in the stress of the diabetes and I'm not surprised that you're not having the greatest time. Whenever you need to have a rant or just someone to talk to, don't hesitate to post.

OCD can be a very isolating condition - you'd be surprised at how many people on here have had relationship problems because of their OCD, either with a partner or just with friends. It's very hard to make sparkling conversation when you're feeling terrible!

First of all we have to work at getting the OCD under control - hopefully this new medication will help too. Have you had CBT? Maybe you could have a look at the Four Steps on the main website - this can give you an idea on how to respond (or not respond) to the thoughts.

Once you're feeling better you'll be up to socialising a bit more. For some of us it doesn't come as easily as to others, but like with most things, it gets easier with time. Maybe you could join a club? It's a good way to meet people when you're a bit isolated - a sport, hobby or just a relaxed group.

Hope you're feeling a bit brighter

Lottie