OCD, Intrusive thoughts, overwhelmed need a hand hold.

[Ilovedogs1]

Hi. So I'm in my mid forties got diagnosed with OCD at 19. I've gone through many OCD episodes including 3 full breakdowns. Had and having therapy and on medication.
I know in theory how to respond to a bad spell and tbf I think I'm doing an alright job of it in this present episode but I feel so bad right now. I feel totally overwhelmed by this episode and life in general atm. My intrusive thoughts tend to lean towards what if I've done XYZ bad thing and don't remember etc and my anxiety is pretty bad. I feel totally inadequate and generally just not good enough. All these things aren't new to me but presently just feel like I want to go to sleep and wake up in a few weeks when things are (hopefully) better.
Not really asking for anything as such just some solidarity and a handhold. Xx

I’m sorry things are difficult for you at the minute. I have OCD too and my intrusive thoughts have a similar theme. You are doing great. Keep going with your coping techniques. You will get through this bad spell and things will be good again. Be kind to yourself

@Bringyourfoldingchair thank you so.much for your reply. The support means a lot. Xx

Probably not very helpful but I seen nobody had replied and didn’t want to not! I don’t think people realise how debilitating ocd is unless they have lived with it. But the fact that you acknowledge that your thoughts are caused by the ocd and are looking to the future when this bout will have passed is positive x

@Bringyourfoldingchair how long have you suffered with OCD? Do you find it waxes and wanes?

This is OCD being loud, not you being bad.
You’ve survived this before, and you’re surviving it now.
Wanting to sleep it away is wanting relief, not giving up.
I’m here, holding your hand. You’re not alone. Xx

Honestly, looking back I had it as a child but it was never recognised or treated. I had a really bad spell in 2016 that lasted around 6 months. I was diagnosed and got cbt privately at that stage. But yes I have times where I can be fine for weeks or months (I would always have the thoughts but can manage them ok) and then a flare up will happen. But they always wane, and this one will for you too.

I feel where you’re coming from. I’m in my fifties but have had OCD since a young age. I also have intrusive thoughts. Tinnitus doesn’t help the situation either.
My intrusive thoughts are mainly worrying about awful things happening to my loved ones as well as myself. I try to tell the thoughts to fuck off but they’re always present.
It’s absolutely debilitating and I don’t think people who haven’t experienced it all, could start to understand what it’s like.
I’d be interested to hear what therapy you’ve had. I’ve had none because I’ve just assumed my brain is frazzled.

Thankyou all for your replies, you've made me feel less alone.
I find at the minute with such a busy brain I'm quite tired but I feel like I'm being a bit weak needing a nap.
Having said that however tiredness doesn't help the situation so I suppose napping is better. X

Just do what you need to do to get through this bad spell, be kind to yourself. If you want to nap then nap. You may not feel like it but being out in nature and fresh air always helps me. Plenty of walks. You’re not alone.

Pretty much crawled through the day at work today. Work stuff plus intrusive thoughts has been hard going. 🥱

Hello. So I'm in week 4 of this little setback. My horrible OCD brain is sending me different thoughts/doubts like machine gun fire. What about this or this or this on and on.
I think I'm handling it OK, trying not to engage with the thoughts, going to work, going to my therapy sessions but it's exhausting. I feel unmotivated, a bit low (not depressed) and tired. It's like I've got this constant feeling of something not finished, feel a bit on edge.
Just finding it a bit of a slog right now. 😩

Sorry to hear things are still rumbling on. You’re doing great and the best thing you can do is don’t engage. Once you do, you’ll only move onto something else, so what’s the point. You’ve got this!

I've a hand stretched for you to hold. Keep going and go gently.
This will pass.

@Bringyourfoldingchair @SettingSunStillness thanks for your replies. Feeling a bit better mood wise today but the bloody thoughts one after the other blah blah. It amazes me how OCD can be so relentless even after a really good period of time.

OP, you are not alone - fellow sufferer. Are you on meds?:)

Hi op
just seen this thread. Suffering myself with asking for reassurance about constant worries and “what ifs”
Been taking escitalopram for 4 weeks and hoping it’s going to help. Have you had any cbt for yours?

so, just read you’ve been through therapy and take medication. Which medication helps you best?