Need motivation in my OCD/intrusive thought battle.

[Ilovedogs1]

Hi.
I've posted before about my longstanding OCD/intrusive thoughts. Pretty much had a breakdown earlier this year due to the intrusive thoughts. I've started sessions with a support specialist and am determined to not let the OCD win again. Doing the ERP thing. It has been helping.
My intrusive thoughts are many but mainly revolve around what if I've done something morally wrong in the past or run some one over in my car etc.
I have been doing better but last couple of days anxiety really ramped up, intrusive thoughts have increased etc .
I'm terrified of being really ill again and also of not getting a handle on it.
Just wondered if anyone else has had or has this issue and please tell me it can be managed well long term. X

Hi Op I just wanted to tell you that you are not alone. I have had really bad episodes with anxiety and ocd. I am currently reading the book The Ocd and anxiety workbook by John Crawford and it’s really helping me. I have irrational worries too literally everything and anything can scare me when like this. It will get better that’s what is keeping me going at present. Sending love

Just wondering if either of you have tried medication? I know a couple of people with OCD who have benefitted. One took medication short term and the other long term/no plans to come off.

I think both individuals would definitely say yes it can be managed well long term.

I have an obsessive angle in the mix with my MH issues and think ADs help me. I’m on citalopram.

Counselling has helped me understand and (to a degree) accept why I am like this. It’s also given me some tools to manage it though I wish the tools worked better/more reliably for me.

@MummytoBoth what is the workbook like? What sorts of things does it cover?

Sorry for late reply. I take 20mg of fluoxetine and this has helped me stay stable for five years. I have been prescribed 40mg of proponolo this week too which does seem to slow down the physical side of the anxiety. Just wish I could sleep all night and not be so jittery on waking. The workbook just explains ever thing that happens during ocd episodes. Anxiety and OCD go hand in hand and it’s terrible combination. How are you feeling now?

Thanks @MummytoBoth youre right that anxiety and ocd are a horrible combination.

I am better than I was (say a month ago) but am fairly exhausted by it all and not what I would call stable as don’t feel able to make plans or know whether any particular day is going to be a good one or a bad one.

And this time of year brings extra stresses and unhelpful elements.

I hope your sleep settles down soon.