Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
My therapist says that my OCD stems from anxiety. Makes sense. I get so worried about things that I have to do certain things to feel less anxious. I am still doing my ERP and working through new phases of "being notably uncomfortable". Lately any little thing gets me so upset and my feelings get hurt by the silliest little thing. I can say that now, but not when it is happening of course. Anyway, I tell myself I am fine, just keep going.... Last week I was sick. I thought I had the flu. I started vomiting and there was this ugly brown/red color and it tasted like blood. I went to my doc and said it could be a bleeding ulcer and they asked me if there is anytihng I am unusually stressed about. How do I anwser that? I purposely stress myself out each day. Bottom line, I am thinking of taking wellbutrin ( seems to have worked for my Uncle) to help me cope so I dont get so anxious to the point of making myseld sick. Has anyone taken this for OCD?
About Welbuterin...it actually made me more anxious. But it really helped me focus, too! LOL I find Zoloft helps me with anxiety (and OCD somewhat). I take about 25 minigram which I've been told isn't medically supposed to make a difference. I does with me. But then I get drunk on a beer (seriously - that's why I can't drink but a sip or two). Everybody has a different body chemistry. I would try out the new drug - but give it time - journal your moods - and get your families feedback. Unfortunately, sometimes you just don't know until you try.
And one little comment. Don't blame yourself for causing your own anxiety. Okay...it's possible in some twisted way, we enjoy being stressed, but overall, I don't think we do. Basically, it's suffering to be that stressed. It's the OCD. I used to stress over stressing myself. What a vicious cycle! I've almost gone under doing that. Try detatching and say, "Okay crazy brain...you are OCDing...go nuts...but regardless of what you tell me or how you make me feel, I'm choosing to take care of myself and treat myself with dignity." Then I do something to distract myself. Or take a nap. Now I can actually do work (which is miraculous for me!) Sometimes I get more stressed, but eventually the OCD seems to pass after about 30 minutes. Check this out www.ocdonline.com/articlephillipson1.php
Anyway, I'll say a prayer for you. This stuff isn't easy. I used to pour gallons of diet pepsi onto my ulcers. Talk about self destructive. I have to laugh at myself now, but it wasn't funny at the time. I'm so much better now at taking care of myself. It CAN be done! :-) be patient with yourself and courageous.