OCD and living with anxiety

[Anxiousgirl9619]

I spoke to my doctor today and told them about how I had been feeling the past few months and wanting to change my medication. I brought up my routine and my compulsive tendancies/ruminating thoughts.

They basically told me that it seems that I have OCD, having only spoken over the phone they said they have dealt with patients with similar issues. I have been referred for therapy to help with my behaviour around ruminating and letting things get to me so much.

I have also been put on Sertraline to see if that helps improve my mood.

Any OCD sufferers out there who can give me a bit of advice on dealing with my behaviour and if it gets better.

Sertraline has been really helpful for me but only on a really high dose (200mg).

It quietened the thoughts and compulsions.

My husband has OCD and sertraline really helps. Although it sounds obvious he also finds doing something distracting useful.. He buys those little modelling kits that you have to build from scratch help.

I’m the same WRT needing a distraction. I bought myself a Murdle book and do some of that when the compulsions become too strong.

I’ve also found the Disordered: Anxiety Help podcast great (it was recommended by my therapist).

Mostly though OCD is a bitch, particularly when mixed with anxiety. Be kind to yourself.

I really appreciate you sharing this, I remember how overwhelming it felt when I first heard the word OCD applied to me. It’s a lot to process, especially when it’s tied to ruminating and those exhausting thought loops that feel impossible to shut off.

Sertraline was part of my journey too, and while it took a little time, I did notice shifts especially when combined with therapy that helped me understand what was actually going on in my brain.

It really does get better. The biggest turning point for me was learning to respond differently to the thoughts instead of trying to make them disappear. I’d be more than happy to share some practical things that helped me day to day, if you're interested you’re not alone in this.