Achievements Thread - Pat on The Back

[determination987]

29 minutes ago, Busy Fool said:

Good.  Well, not the anxiety but that you are keeping busy.  That seems to really help.  

I've been working on my list of chores / itinerary that I've been putting off (as per the challenge thread).  I'm about a day behind but really really pleased that I've managed to do what I have.  I get major anxiety before I start the task, but once I'm doing it, it's not too bad.  Doing more compulsions than I would like but things are getting done!  I then need to not think about what I did, just move to the next one.  The heat has set me back quite a bit though.

I know what you mean. Sometimes the anticipation is worse than the actual act. It sounds like you’re doing really well though and aware of the rumination that kicks in afterwards.

Yes, the heat was horrendous! I felt like I wanted to do things that I enjoyed but it was too hot to do it and stressful so a lot of sitting with it. Thankfully it’s a bit cooler today.

That sounds amazing! You should definitely be pleased

[northpaul]

Just noticed this thread has been dormant for a couple of weeks so here I go.....

Today, I managed to do a financial transaction online on a system I am not too familiar with.  12 months ago I would have phoned or gone to see the relevant people and ask them to do it because my OCD went through every 'what if' I could imagine if I tried to do it myself.  I am learning what to do with those 'what ifs' after my CBT therapy.

I feel more confident now.

[Mini]

41 minutes ago, northpaul said:

Just noticed this thread has been dormant for a couple of weeks so here I go.....

Today, I managed to do a financial transaction online on a system I am not too familiar with.  12 months ago I would have phoned or gone to see the relevant people and ask them to do it because my OCD went through every 'what if' I could imagine if I tried to do it myself.  I am learning what to do with those 'what ifs' after my CBT therapy.

I feel more confident now.

Well done @northpaul- a fab achievement and thank you for pointing out the achievement thread!!

[determination987]

On 03/08/2022 at 14:47, northpaul said:

Just noticed this thread has been dormant for a couple of weeks so here I go.....

Today, I managed to do a financial transaction online on a system I am not too familiar with.  12 months ago I would have phoned or gone to see the relevant people and ask them to do it because my OCD went through every 'what if' I could imagine if I tried to do it myself.  I am learning what to do with those 'what ifs' after my CBT therapy.

I feel more confident now.

That’s great

[determination987]

I’ve been facing some big triggers recently and whilst there have been some compulsions (rumination) at times, I have been aware of them and shut them down before they got out of hand.

I’m feeling exhausted now due to the high anxiety at times and lots of socialisation but I didn’t avoid the triggers, I’ve been on top of the compulsions and I’m mastering situations that I would have really struggled with before. Yes I still struggled at times but the compulsions used to make it so so much harder and I’ve learned that being anxious is okay and I can cope.

I actually had people comment that they were shocked that I didn’t respond to triggers that would have sent me spiralling before so I’m definitely getting there.

I can see that it’s a journey and that it doesn’t happen overnight and it takes perseverance, faith and practice but it does get easier the longer you stick at it. 
 

[northpaul]

40 minutes ago, determination987 said:

I actually had people comment that they were shocked that I didn’t respond to triggers that would have sent me spiralling before so I’m definitely getting there.

Do you find that such positive feedback boosts your confidence?

44 minutes ago, determination987 said:

I can see that it’s a journey and that it doesn’t happen overnight and it takes perseverance, faith and practice but it does get easier the longer you stick at it. 

Yes, yes and yes.....

[determination987]

21 minutes ago, northpaul said:

Do you find that such positive feedback boosts your confidence?

Yes definitely.

I hadn’t thought it would be noticeable. In the past, my response would have ended in constantly checking with those people and hiding away but some of them aren’t even triggering an anxiety response anymore. Some are but instead of automatically doing what ifs and checking, I’m acknowledging that it makes me anxious and that’s okay. It’s tough but it’s good to see that it’s improving for other people too. It must have been very frustrating having to constantly reassure me and it never being good enough.

[Mini]

Yesterday despite all the nonsense in my brain I carried on and went out to a museum and stumbled across a mini summer festival which was lovely. Going to try and get out and about today too!!

[northpaul]

1 hour ago, Mini said:

Going to try and get out and about today too!!

   Go for it!  Divert your attention and enjoy yourself.

[determination987]

1 hour ago, Mini said:

Yesterday despite all the nonsense in my brain I carried on and went out to a museum and stumbled across a mini summer festival which was lovely. Going to try and get out and about today too!!

I love this. It’s so rewarding

[VEG-OCD]

I'm having a tough time, I haven't really left the house very much for the last 2 years been isolating myself from everyone, first because of covid then just because of OCD. I've come to to stay in an Airbnb in a town I think I want to move to. It's really hard, the stress has brought up disturbing intrusive thoughts again.

Today I went to view a flat, I didn't like it but it's the first time I've touched a stranger (shook the guys hand who showed me around) for over two years.

I find it hard to congratulation myself on anything, so trying to do this to see if it has any effect on my self worth.

[northpaul]

2 hours ago, VEG-OCD said:

I find it hard to congratulation myself on anything, so trying to do this to see if it has any effect on my self worth.

The good thing is - you have made a positive step.  Well done  

[Busy Fool]

On 21/07/2022 at 22:54, Busy Fool said:

Good.  Well, not the anxiety but that you are keeping busy.  That seems to really help.  

I've been working on my list of chores / itinerary that I've been putting off (as per the challenge thread).  I'm about a day behind but really really pleased that I've managed to do what I have.  I get major anxiety before I start the task, but once I'm doing it, it's not too bad.  Doing more compulsions than I would like but things are getting done!  I then need to not think about what I did, just move to the next one.  The heat has set me back quite a bit though.

Hi, so my itinerary was going well part from I was avoiding a few things; found anything else to do that I could do in the house apart from those.  Today, I thought, come on, you can do this!  And I did!  I am mentally tired, physically tired, I did it though.  I am putting it here to I can look back next time I try to avoid them  How are you doing? 

[northpaul]

I found it!  The achievements thread that is.

I was getting a bit stressed last night because I had to go out for my Covid jab this morning.  I was not worried about the jab at all but about the practical arrangements of getting there and making sure I had everything I needed for the trip.

Sometimes when I go out my checking procedures get out of control.  I was determined though to stick to my one check and go.  It worked!  Three cheers for therapy!

My reward is going to be a delicious fish pie for tea.

[Busy Fool]

5 hours ago, northpaul said:

I found it!  The achievements thread that is.

I was getting a bit stressed last night because I had to go out for my Covid jab this morning.  I was not worried about the jab at all but about the practical arrangements of getting there and making sure I had everything I needed for the trip.

Sometimes when I go out my checking procedures get out of control.  I was determined though to stick to my one check and go.  It worked!  Three cheers for therapy!

My reward is going to be a delicious fish pie for tea.

Well done, that's great  

[BelAnna]

6 hours ago, northpaul said:

I found it!  The achievements thread that is.

I was getting a bit stressed last night because I had to go out for my Covid jab this morning.  I was not worried about the jab at all but about the practical arrangements of getting there and making sure I had everything I needed for the trip.

Sometimes when I go out my checking procedures get out of control.  I was determined though to stick to my one check and go.  It worked!  Three cheers for therapy!

My reward is going to be a delicious fish pie for tea.

Well done Northpaul, that's great.

Hope you enjoyed your fish pie too!

[BelAnna]

Is there still a challenge thread?

I have a big challenge coming up that I've been anxious about for over a month- it's my brother's wedding on Saturday and I need to leave my dog for a short time (I have responsibility-themed OCD about making sure no harm comes to my dog) and need to face contamination triggers, social anxiety difficulties etc. I feel the same way I used to do before exams- absolute blind panic! 

Edited September 29, 2022 by BelAnna

[northpaul]

13 hours ago, BelAnna said:

Is there still a challenge thread?

Yes it has just re-appeared.

[taurean]

I felt absolutely awful this morning, with sore stomach owing to stress.

Had a very light breakfast then went to the café 

Really felt tearful but made it, came back and have been working through my homework.

 

[taurean]

We watching watching TV over supper and something came up with  which I can struggle.

But we stuck with it and saw the item through. 

I wasn't planning on doing anything other than relax and work to bring my stress levels down today. But this was the right decision.

[BelAnna]

15 hours ago, taurean said:

We watching watching TV over supper and something came up with  which I can struggle.

But we stuck with it and saw the item through. 

I wasn't planning on doing anything other than relax and work to bring my stress levels down today. But this was the right decision.

Well done Roy, that's great! 

[taurean]

Julie wanted a Daily Mail today.

I went and bought it, but the front pages are plastered with a really vile unpleasant story.

Still bought it, and she is welcome to it . I am now working on helping my brain see that it is what it is and I need not read or interact with it.

The world out there is not all sweetness and light.And journalists will report it good and bad, and that's their job.

But we don't have to focus in on the bad stuff. We can see it for what it is and not connect with it.

Personally I am taking a break from the newspapers as I was having to process lots of really upsetting things, and struggling with that.

[Summer9173]

Hello everybody,

I haven’t posted on this thread in a while, but I thought I’d share a little (or in my case quite big) win  

So this year has been immensely tough, my brother was sectioned, I changed medications and was incredibly depressed, suffering from PTSD alongside the harm OCD, with a lot of people letting me down completely…. HOWEVER!  I’ve also managed to get a diagnosis of OCD (March time) and get a brand new apprenticeship job for HR in my area. I’ve learnt more and more about OCD thanks to the online zoom support groups, the books everybody’s recommended and the forums, I’ve also made such incredible friends for life  my confidence has grown and I have a lot more faith in myself ! And most importantly, at 20 years old I can finally say even though I’m still young, I do love myself and think I’m amazing and incredibly strong.   

Even more wins this week too! I haven’t been away from my family for 2 years due to my OCD masking itself as social anxiety, using my Mum as a safety behaviour etc. However, this week they went to Spain and I’ve still being going to work, managing the HR department all on my own!! 4/5 months into my apprenticeship at 20 years old  so proud of myself! I feel like I’ve gone through hell but learnt so much and achieved things I never thought I could.

 

I guess the moral of the story is, even if your at rock bottom, things really can get better and bearable again in a matter of weeks or months. When my little brother was sectioned with psychosis, never did I think In a couple of months time after that I’d have a new job, he’d be a lot better and being looked after with home care  

 

I’ve become more self-aware, love myself more, know my triggers, I’m aware that things will pass, that some people aren’t always going to be there for you, I’ve learnt so much the list is endless. I still have a lot to learn and my OCD effects me of course it does, but baby steps have helped  so whoever is reading this, I’m sorry this was such a long post but your strong and you’ve got this

 

[northpaul]

8 minutes ago, Summer9173 said:

my confidence has grown and I have a lot more faith in myself !

10 minutes ago, Summer9173 said:

I guess the moral of the story is, even if your at rock bottom, things really can get better and bearable again in a matter of weeks or months.

[BelAnna]

1 hour ago, Summer9173 said:

Hello everybody,

I haven’t posted on this thread in a while, but I thought I’d share a little (or in my case quite big) win  

So this year has been immensely tough, my brother was sectioned, I changed medications and was incredibly depressed, suffering from PTSD alongside the harm OCD, with a lot of people letting me down completely…. HOWEVER!  I’ve also managed to get a diagnosis of OCD (March time) and get a brand new apprenticeship job for HR in my area. I’ve learnt more and more about OCD thanks to the online zoom support groups, the books everybody’s recommended and the forums, I’ve also made such incredible friends for life  my confidence has grown and I have a lot more faith in myself ! And most importantly, at 20 years old I can finally say even though I’m still young, I do love myself and think I’m amazing and incredibly strong.   

Even more wins this week too! I haven’t been away from my family for 2 years due to my OCD masking itself as social anxiety, using my Mum as a safety behaviour etc. However, this week they went to Spain and I’ve still being going to work, managing the HR department all on my own!! 4/5 months into my apprenticeship at 20 years old  so proud of myself! I feel like I’ve gone through hell but learnt so much and achieved things I never thought I could.

 

I guess the moral of the story is, even if your at rock bottom, things really can get better and bearable again in a matter of weeks or months. When my little brother was sectioned with psychosis, never did I think In a couple of months time after that I’d have a new job, he’d be a lot better and being looked after with home care  

 

I’ve become more self-aware, love myself more, know my triggers, I’m aware that things will pass, that some people aren’t always going to be there for you, I’ve learnt so much the list is endless. I still have a lot to learn and my OCD effects me of course it does, but baby steps have helped  so whoever is reading this, I’m sorry this was such a long post but your strong and you’ve got this

 

That's so lovely to hear Summer! well done 

 

10 hours ago, taurean said:

Julie wanted a Daily Mail today.

I went and bought it, but the front pages are plastered with a really vile unpleasant story.

Still bought it, and she is welcome to it . I am now working on helping my brain see that it is what it is and I need not read or interact with it.

The world out there is not all sweetness and light.And journalists will report it good and bad, and that's their job.

But we don't have to focus in on the bad stuff. We can see it for what it is and not connect with it.

Personally I am taking a break from the newspapers as I was having to process lots of really upsetting things, and struggling with that.

Great work Roy! 

 

I went to the wedding of one of my brothers today. I had a silent panic attack (heart racing, faintness, my leg was shaking constantly) due to both social anxiety and having to leave my lovely dog for a bit. I also had a major contamination OCD trigger as we parked next to some poo (most looked like bird poo but one lump looked like dog poo) and my nephew walked in all of it on the way back into the car so I'm trying to avoid keeping track of the contamination (i.e. the shoes touched the footwell and the hallway and his socks, which touched the sofa etc. etc). 

I am so knackered now. I definitely have an exposure hangover (sadly not a real one!)

Edited October 1, 2022 by BelAnna