Why does this bother me so much

[Fee40]

This is going to sound really shallow of me but I can’t stop thinking about how I will look when I’m old? I’m 36 and look ok but I honestly can’t come to terms with losing my looks? (I know it is better than the alternative and I feel so so awful for the people that die very young etc) I really want to get this nonsense out of my head. Surely if you was beautiful in your youth you will be when you are older? (Not saying that I’m beautiful) do looks really fade?

Aging is the worst for beautiful/good looking people....

Are you having therapy for your OCD? Repeatedly posting your photo on a forum to seek reassurance really isn’t what you need. You need to talk to a therapist as they are best placed to help you.

Yes, this.

If you're in England/Wales, you can self refer, OP.

www.nhs.uk/service-search/mental-health/find-a-psychological-therapies-service/

Or your GP can refer you if you prefer.

Yes I am on medication and having therapy. Hopefully won’t need this reassurance soon! Sorry to bother you all

It not about bothering people, it’s just that seeking reassurance may help short term but only makes it worse long term. You soon need the reassurance again. It’s a cycle that you need to learn coping mechanisms for and therapy, like CBT, is the best course of action. Does your therapist know you are seeking reassurance online? If not then do tell them.

OCD can be very hard to cope with, people underestimate the amount it can interfere with a persons life. You’re doing the best thing by having therapy and trying medication to help. Good luck.

I have over the years known a few really attractive women who aren’t exactly bright.

They certainly weren’t treated as fools. If anything they were treated with kindness and their path through life was made easier

Recently a friends Dd who is very pretty got given a house to live in for a few years whilst the owner, a family friend is working away.

I don’t recall anyone giving me a house. to help me out.

Not too sure what is fantasy.

@LoveInSlowMotion it’s Hellish honestly

This exactly.

Have you got some coping strategies when you get anxious, OP?

I have literally had so many different worries over the years, cancer, germs, HIV…now wrinkles and getting old 😩 I’ve had 2 sessions of therapy seem to be going well into now! I hate this reassurance seeking it is bull shit

your proof of your claim is that someone you know who you think is beautiful got given stuff? 🤔 Dear god…

Bless you. I have a relative that has struggled with OCD for a while including some of the things you have mentioned, hiv and germs. I’ve seen how it affected her and how much time is took up with the thoughts and rituals, so I really feel for you. Stick with the therapy and do the ‘homework’. It’s really paid off for my relative, she’s so much better than she was but it is something she has to manage daily. It’s a really horrible condition but things can definitely get easier.

2 sessions is early days.

Can you do something soothing and grounding? A walk? A bit of gardening?

insighttimer.com/blog/54321-grounding-technique/

It’s so good to know there is light at the end