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Advice for OCD thoughts

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Posted 9/27/2015 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
My OCD thoughts are slowly killing me. It's ruining my life and making my anxiety so much worse. I have no clue how to stop these thoughts, I couldn't even go in Walmart yesterday cause of it. I need advice or something to try and help me over come this. These thoughts and worries are taking a toll on me and I don't know what to do
Posted 9/27/2015 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
I am going through it too. mine are health related..
Posted 9/27/2015 7:23 PM (GMT 0)
Are you on any type of medication, or are you trying to just use coping skills to get through this? My only advice would be to battle the thoughts with some other stimulus.

One option is saying something over and over like a mantra such as "Don't think, just breathe" to cover up the intrusive thoughts. If your brain is focusing on saying something over and over, there is no more room the bad thoughts. It can help break the cycle of obsessing thinking, or at least derail it for awhile. If you are trying to go to Walmart, you could chant "In and out, it will be quick" to get through it. Focus on what you need to get, and if you start thinking about the bad stuff again, say "No, I'm here on a mission. In and out, it will be quick."

The other thing that helps me is listening to new age music. Instrumental pieces with flute, violin, piano, etc. I like a composer called Tim Janis. Some of his softer pieces have a calming effect on me, and the bolder ones are uplifting. While my brain is occupied listening to the songs, I find them so beautiful that I am distracted from my negative thinking. I can't listen to anything with lyrics because I will find an upsetting word in there somewhere, and it will set me off.

I'm not sure if those suggestions are helpful at all, but I wish you the best.

-Cat
Posted 9/27/2015 7:28 PM (GMT 0)
Hi

I have a diagnosis of OCD so know what you are going through welcome to the forum as you can see you will get good support here.

The good news is lots can be done to help such as taking medication or doing some talking therapy of both. A talk therapy that works well for OCD is Cognitive behaviour Therapy (CBT) so maybe speak with your doctor about getting a referral.

In the meantime have a look at our resources thread which is the first post on the main page for some useful links to self help guides and keep posting here we are here to support you and understand.

Hibee
Posted 9/27/2015 11:54 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Kitty:)

I am sorry to hear that anxiety/OCD issues are challenging you so at the moment.:(

You have recieved great advice and ideas above, so I'll just add my encouragement and some specific material from our Resources that I think will be helpful.

I echo Hibee's advice of seeking help with your doctor for medication and/or therapy if you've not done so already...

...and for now, here is a great self help site that you could get started with for relief.

Self Help Printable Work Book for OCD and Intrusive Thoughts

http://www.moodjuice.scot.nhs.uk/obsessioncompulsion.asp

Keep talking with us as well...we understand, care and are here to support you anytime.:)

Scaredy Cat


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