Overrun by OCD and Fear

Hi again, @Anxiousmavis ... I'm sorry this is so pervasive and distressing for you 😞

I can tell you that the bobby pins will not have harmed you, but I know how intrusive and strong OCD throughts are.

Do you currently have a psychologist?

@NatureLover thank you for your kind response, I've got a psychologist but I'm thinking of changing and reaching out to someone with a speciality in OCD to see if that helps. I'm also seeing if I can get a Dr with an interest in Mental Health in my hometown.

Mental health isn't all that recognised here but I'm in the process of putting my feelers out to really be specific and treat the OCD not just the anxiety it causes. So thank you, I appreciate your reply .

I'm positively thinking and remaining happy about eventually treating the OCD, I'm also aware it'll probably get a bit more manageable with time.

Hi

first of i want to say you are a impoertant and valid person in this world not just to your partner and family but to members on SANE forums because your another vocie to contribute and engage others going through simular experences like myself who has had severe anxiety and ocd for years . First of all wanted to ask have you had your sarotonin checked .I got my check as adviced by the doctor as this effects your nurotransmitters function which leads to mood and anxiety disorders .My saratonin was extremly low and this effected my functioning brain causing tiuredness ,heavy anxiety and depression . When you say you have fear of chemicals and contaminates have you had a negative childhood experence ? any family history ? have you noticed or are you aware of any changes in your brain chemistry such us triggers in objects , places or certain situations ? I spoke to my GP who conducted a non invasive DSM a list of criteria and diognosed phobias based on your symptoms and they will determain if it is caused by OCD .I can also suggest and this was sucessful for myself cognitive behavour therapy combined with slow and at your pace exposure theraphy to assit you to overcome your phobias .I really hope my advice assists you ,good luck

Hi @Anxiousmavis

Welcome to the forums and thank you for sharing your story. I'm one of the peer workers here on the forums

I can relate to your type of anxiety. I have health anxiety that has become worse as I've gotten older. So I can really get caught up in doing what's best to keep myself healthy and that often involves avoiding contaminants, germs etc. For eg my husband is a builder and he comes home from work dirty (understandably) but I get quite anxious if he doesn't shower straight away, worried that he'll somehow contaminate me and make me unwell. I have many irrational thoughts such as these.

One method of therapy I've found particularly helpful is the DARE method. They have a whole bunch of resources including a book and app. This DARE in its simplest form https://www.thecenterforgrowth.com/tips/dare-a-four-step-approach-to-anxiety-management

I also think it's a great idea to find a good psychologist who is really knowledgeable about anxiety disorders.

The forums are a great place for support, so I hope you find lots of wise words here and make some good connections.

Sending hugs

Hanami

I'm glad you found us too @Anxiousmavis . It really helps to talk to people who understand.

This is a better link to the DARE method. It has the book and info about app too.

https://www.dareresponse.com/

Hi @Anxiousmavis , I'm glad your have a psychologist, they are hard to get in to see at the moment if you don't have one, so that's good at least.

Good luck finding a psychologist that specialises in OCD 🙂 (I mean that sincerely, I'm not being cynical) And also a GP that specialises in mental health too.

A handy forum tip is if you type @ and then click on a name in the drop-down box, that person will get a notification and won't miss your reply. 🙂