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.
Hey everyone. I've suffered with ocd, anxiety, and depression for the past 7 years. I have NEVER found anything that helps with the ocd thoughts. They are a big cause of my depression and anxiety because they make me feel so helpless. I would say I'm more pure o, as the majority of my obsessions don't have physical ritutals. I have tried SO many medications with no relief (Luvox, Celexa, Zoloft, Paxil, Abilify, Welbutrin) the only medicene that ever did anything for me was xanax and it still didn't stop the thoughts just made me care less about them.
I am now working with a naturopathic doctor and am off all of the perscription meds. I'm taking multivitamins, natural lithium, fish oil, and a homeopathic remedy. I run 2 miles a day, cut out all carbs, meat, sugar, dairy. I had about one month that I realized I wasn't thinking about my obsession at ALL times. But overall it's been about 5 months & this has done nothing for me either.
I have had the same obsession for over 6 years. I think about it all day every day, my only relief is sleep. It literally drives me crazy and is ruining my life. I feel debilitated and incapable of being normal. I want to die. Not because I actually want to die but because I CANNOT STAND it anymore. I just want my mind to shut up!!
What are some medicenes, treatments that work for you? I've been considering ketamine infusions... I just can't get my hopes up again and have something not work. Please any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
I also personally have an aversion to throwing pills onto your problems as a first resort.
Have any of your doctors tried CBT and ERP with you? Most doctors that truly understand OCD generally come up with a treatment plan that includes a mixture of meds and CBT/ERP. It's not easy at all, though. I've been doing CBT/ERP exclusively through self-help and it requires some serious effort. It's probably a lot easier with a trained pro. I just don't have access to professional help so I have to rely on me.
And what I'm learning about intrusive thoughts is that they are generally normal and most people have them. The difference between a "normal" brain and an OCD Brain (tm) is that we tend to analyze them in ways "normal" brains don't, and with that analysis comes a harmful appraisal of the thought and by extension, ourselves as people.
CBT can help you learn to identify intrusive thoughts and redirect your focus so that you aren't attaching meaning to them.
I hope this helps. If you ever need to talk privately or want some book recommendations, pm me some time! I'm always here to support!
I too am trying to avoid the prescription meds, especially since they've never done much for me. But I'm at the point where I'm desperate enough to try anything. I'll definitely message you soon though, as I love to read and would appreciate some recommendations!