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.
I think a lot of people can agree that one of the reasons we do our "compulsions" is because we feel that if we don't, then something bad will happen.
In addition to my compulsions, I also have general "rules" about my thoughts to keep bad things from happening, mental compulsions, if you will. For example, I feel that if I look forward to something, fantasize about it, or look forward to it, then it will go wrong, not happen, or something else bad will happen.
Another rule, is that I'm not supposed to talk about my OCD, and this is preventing me from getting help. I've taken the step of going to a specialist once, and he said that he would call me so that I could get therapy. They called, but I've been too scared to call back.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has had anxiety/OCD that prevented them from seeking help. I'm really scared because I feel crazy and it's controlling me. Does anyone have any advice?
In addition to my compulsions, I also have general "rules" about my thoughts to keep bad things from happening, mental compulsions, if you will. For example, I feel that if I look forward to something, fantasize about it, or look forward to it, then it will go wrong, not happen, or something else bad will happen.
Another rule, is that I'm not supposed to talk about my OCD, and this is preventing me from getting help. I've taken the step of going to a specialist once, and he said that he would call me so that I could get therapy. They called, but I've been too scared to call back.
I'm just wondering if anyone else has had anxiety/OCD that prevented them from seeking help. I'm really scared because I feel crazy and it's controlling me. Does anyone have any advice?
The first cognitive input I would offer is you've already broken your rule by discussing OCD here. Also, consider having the thought "I am a banana". Even though you have that thought it doesn't change reality. You are not a banana.
In fact the more you discuss your OCD the less hold this compulsion will have on you. However, I know how strong and difficult it is to battle compulsions.
Which leads to my next point, you really could use help to get better. I don't know what I would do if I hadn't had ERP/CBT in the past and a better understanding of this illness.
Sometimes, however, all we can take are baby steps. In that case, perhaps you can pick up an OCD book such as "The OCD Workbook". The advantage of a therapist is that it is more difficult to do this by one's self and having a coach helps.
I hope you feel better soon. I too have mental compulsions but they center on reassurance and mental rewind of events.
So really just call it's ur ocd and i know that u know it is so go against ur ocd. The more u go against ur ocd the STRONGER YOU get and the WEAKER ur OCD gets!!!! So stand up tall, take a deep breath and pick up that phone!!! Only good can come out of it! Today is the day u started beating ur ocd!!!!!
God bless ~n~ (((reassuring hugs)))
a friend, Leslie