Help please

[Chels25]

lockdown has really made me anxious and my OCD get worse. I don’t know how to stop feeling so overwhelmed and how to control my emotions . Anyone got any tips xx

[L.M.]

Hi chels,

I just posted here myself, triggered by covid...

I am starting a hierarchy to address some of the extra rituals I have been doing which I am hoping will help me to feel less anxious. Also I find eating well, getting outdoors for exercise, taking up some hobbies (gardening and instruments for me) have also been helpful. Not sure how severe the lockdown is in your area and how much you are allowed to do...but maybe that kind of thing could help?

[UpsAndDowns]

Hi Chels,

Sorry you're having a difficult time!

Don't worry - you're not alone.  The pandemic has created a lot of difficulties for everyone!

I recommend exercise first thing in the morning, and the more intense the better.  Sometimes I would run up and down the stairs in my building or go outside and run around for a bit.  It doesn't cure my OCD thinking, but it helps to reduce the level of anxiety I'm feeling.

And like LM said, try to reduce doing rituals as much as you can.  It will be difficult in the short-term, but over time it will teach your mind that they aren't necessary.

Best wishes!

[Gemma@OCDUK]

Hi there Chels

I'm sorry to hear that lockdown has made your OCD worse, it has been a stressful time for everyone never mind if you're an OCD sufferer.

Have you had any therapy for your OCD? The current recommended treatment for OCD is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and you can access it via a referral from your GP in Scotland.

What I'd definitely recommend is taking a look at our April edition of OCD-UK's magazine which we made freely available here https://www.ocduk.org/april-compulsive-reading/ It has some great tips on how to cope during lockdown from OCD specialists.

Most importantly though is seeking help from a therapist yourself. So if that isn't something you've looked into I'd definitely start there.

Gemma