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I'm losing the plot with anxiety and intrusive thoughts

59 replies

Helpimgoingmad · 09/03/2023 20:34

I just need a vent, I feel like I'm going mad!

For years now I've been struggling. I feel like it started back in 2013ish when my grandma died and I took her Ouija board. I never opened it, left it in the car, gave it to a friend 2 or 3 years ago. (I know some people will think I'm cuckoo already).

But since then I've had intrusive thoughts. For example, I check the floor constantly worrying I've dropped information about people I work with, even though I'm out shopping on a Saturday and don't even take any information home with me. I have to stare at something to try and reassure myself, counting empty plugs for example to reassure myself I've unplugged my straighteners.

I've always had STD tests including a yesr or so into my relationship with my (now) husband, but now I'm convinced I've got something (no signs or anything). And last year I had a tiny pin prick hole in my foot that was painful. I treated it as though it was a verruca even though it didn't look like one, and still now, even though the podiatrist removing my toenail at Christmas said she could see where it had been but it wasn't there now, I can't stop acting like it is there incase I spread it to my 2 year old or my husband. I won't put my foot flat on the floor unless I have a plaster over it and a sock, I wash my hands constantly, I disinfect everything all the time. Tonight I sprayed the floor and got the too of my sock slightly and am now convinced there will be verruca virus everywhere and in my shoes tomorrow because i haven't changed my sock but it got sprayed.

I'm going mad and I don't know what to do other than feel like it's all got to me tonight and I've had enough with it all. Just lying in bed crying and feeling pathetic.

OP posts:
AnneBerlin · 05/05/2023 06:30

I was once very similar to you, OP. It was awful. I'm on Sertraline now and my life is 100x better because of it. I can actually think straight these days, and am quite a calm person (which I never thought I would say!)
Have a chat with your GP x

AnneBerlin · 05/05/2023 06:34

So sorry, OP, I hadn't read the full thread. Well done you for getting the help you need and deserve Flowers

It took quite a while for the Sertraline to really kick in for me, but it's been a game changer. Life changer, really. All the best Smile

Helpimgoingmad · 05/05/2023 06:47

AnneBerlin · 05/05/2023 06:34

So sorry, OP, I hadn't read the full thread. Well done you for getting the help you need and deserve Flowers

It took quite a while for the Sertraline to really kick in for me, but it's been a game changer. Life changer, really. All the best Smile

I'm glad you got the help too! The Sertraline has made such a difference, and I'm looking forward to the CBT to help me get further! I now walk around the house with no socks on, and I hadn't done that for almost a year! X

OP posts:
Helpimgoingmad · 05/05/2023 06:48

Bea822 · 05/05/2023 06:19

I do not think you're cuckoo at all.
It sounds very much like OCD. It causes alot of irrational thoughts like this. I have OCD and my teenage son. My sons has been very debilitating but currently on medication and having ERP/CBT.

I'm sorry you both also have this! I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I'm looking forward to starting my CBT too

OP posts:
Bea822 · 05/05/2023 08:10

Helpimgoingmad · 05/05/2023 06:48

I'm sorry you both also have this! I wouldn't wish it on anyone. I'm looking forward to starting my CBT too

My son had to wait 4.5 years to get help from camhs!! I know it wouldn't have got as bad if he has got help sooner. Now he's 16 and finally got the help.
Sending love and do let us know how you get on as time goes by.

Bea822 · 05/05/2023 08:11

Ps make sure they're using ERP which is a type of CBT for OCD. That along with medication is the gold standard treatment.

Luckydip1 · 05/05/2023 08:17

It sounds like a form of OCD. Well done for sharing, what you are experiencing is quite common. Perhaps book an appointment with your GP and be really honest about what you have been experiencing and I'm sure you will get the help you need.

someoneisalwaysintheloo · 05/05/2023 11:29

So glad to hear your update and things have improved for you.

I've had OCD for years and it also took me a long time to seek help for it. I still take the medication which has worked wonders and use the CBT techniques, and have become quite good at meditation and letting the thoughts just float on by without dwelling on them.

Just wanted to give some encouragement to anyone reading that there really is help for this and to seek help.

Helpimgoingmad · 05/05/2023 13:49

Thanks all, I was given access to a course to do on my own which uses ERP which is how I've got so far, but just need to keep working at other things and hopefully get an extra push soon!

OP posts:
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