OCD...slipping again

[wifey6]

Have been doing so well but today I am overwhelmed again & feel like I could break down. I'm very emotional as I have a lot going on at the moment. I look at my DS & could cry with how beautiful & wonderful he is. I feel I am on an emotional rollercoaster & just need to slow it down long enough to organise my thoughts.
I guess I am just looking for support.

Hi wifey. Have you had therapy for OCD?

Have a google of the linden method. Helped me enormously. Remember you've felt ok before and you'll get back there again.

Thank you for replies peanut & janet.
peanut...I had CBT but that was based on my anxiety...she said my OCD was anxiety related so we just needed to focus on controlling that. I have used self-help books etc which help me 90% of the time...it's just when I have a blip I can't regain the control & have built up.
Janet....will look at the linden method..thank you for suggestion.

hang on in there- remember the things we talked about before- they have helped -you can regain that feeling.Everyone has blips and it's horrible but you can get yourself back.

Thank you Mary.

I'm scared of everything today...can't shake it.
I am trying hard to 're-focus'...but keep getting 'flashes' of fear.

poor love- you know it will pass- it's not based on any reality- it is your mind and OCD. Hang on in there...sorry I am not being much help,am feeling a bit shattered and have a cold..xxx

Hi mary...,thank you so much for your support. Hope you feel better soon. I somehow feel clearer today...been being extra kind to myself & therefore feeling better. Seems to a game of trial & error but I'm hoping that in the end I will be equipped with the tools to help me everytime this should happen.

I'm sure you will- focus on all the positive things in your life - you'll get through the tricky bits,I promise.

Hi wifey, sorry dont know your background or anything (am new to Mumsnet) but I too have OCD.

I have just found out Im pregnant and am over the moon though my OCD is making it hard for me to enjoy it!
I have the rubbish obsessive thoughts of 'what if there is something wrong with the pregnancy / baby' etc. Obviusly really distressing stuff.
I've been living with OCD for about 10 years now and it can be a whole range of topics that I obsess about, anything and everything. My compulsions (rituals) are mostly mental so I drive myself crazy thinking all the time!!
I have had CBT and that helped loads and know the tecniques that I have to use.

What does help is this simple, but effective and true statement:
"I cannot change, influence or control good or bad things from happening by my OCD thoughts & actions. All I will do is make myself anxious and reinforce my OCD which is the one thing Im trying to get rid of. Therefore, don't do it!!"

Difficult I know but it does help me sometimes and makes me see the logic and rationale.

Anyway, I just really wanted to say that you are not alone and Im happy to chat / help if I can.
Remember, OCD is just a big pathetic bully!!

well said positiveplus- I went through my pregnancy in a similar state of anxiety - such a shame.

I know I'll get over it though, just a blip these last couple of days.
Its not helped because I did have a recent miscarriage at 6 weeks so until I've passed that mark this time round, its hard to think its real anyway!
I know the 12 week scan will put my mind at ease too.

The OCD can just sod off!!

positiveplus.....thank you so very much...very wise words. Congratulations on your pregnancy. I am sure the 12 week scan will help ease your anxiety. I didn't suffer whilst pregnancy... very odd as I expected to. I've been very good today ..after a melt-down last night. I'm so sorry for all of you who can relate to this OCD feeling...but it helps to know I am not alone.

you are definately not alone
its not easy controlling that overwheling feeling of panic though when you are in the middle of it,is it?
like you said be kind to yourself,practise any relaxation you have learned and as you feel calmer controll can be regained.im usually somewhere lurking if you need to chat(any of you)

Appreciate that so much liveinazoo..i can't talk to anyone in RL as they all laugh it off & say I am 'strange'...which does not help the situation. My DH is very supportive though.

I also find I 'obsess' over something then within a few days I couldn't care less!

wifey its great to hear your DH is supportive, mine too! I havent really told anyone else in RL apart from briefly mentioning it to a couple of friends who I thought (and did) understand. Its still hard to admit the extent of the problem sometimes though and would never reveal all to friends or family apart from my DH. I dont mind though, I know I can always talk to my DH - and now mumsnet!!

I can also understand your point about obsessing over something for ages then not long after, thinking what the hell was all that about??!!
Guess thats just the nature of our OCD though. Sometimes I have to laugh at myself for the things I was obsessing about!! And some of my compulsions, although mainly mental, I do do some practical / behavioural ones and again, I often smile to myself at what I do!! (ie. looking at myself in the mirror a certain way or touching something 10 times - WHY???!!!)

Glad to hear you're feeling much better today anyway!

MN has been a wonderful escape & source of support.