My OCD Will Not Give Me A Break.

I am not sure what has gotten my OCD on the rampage this time, however it is going to drive me over the edge. The hand washing is REALLY bad. I feel I can't touch anything because everything/everybody is dirty which really hurts my husband when I don't let him touch me. I am wiping down the computer area with lysol wipes including the pencil I use to do my homework. I will not take the drugs for the OCD so I am wondering if anyone has any idea of how to distract myself from this. I am about to pull out my hair. I know that usually when my OCD is this bad it has to do with major stress. I am going to start a new workbook with my therapist to help reduce stress at our next session, but I need to find something to make my mind stop now.

~Dawn

Sorry you are having such a bad time right now. Why won't you take medication that might help you?

Has your T taught you distraction techniques to try to stop your obsessive thoughts?

imo,you'd been avoiding somebody you thought was really bad and it was hard to avoid then,and you determined to avoid in some form.and you were distracted by living matters,you didn't put it on attention,and now you now are into it.

sorry,something comes up.

my,i am drinking,i can call delivery of alchol,while herbal meds is only "sold" in hospital,ridiculours.my family press me on the weak points of mine with the outside,people.sucking family.and nobody can see it.god.

Hi Dawn, I hope you start feeling better soon and sorry your going through such a rough spot right now. Does your T know you're not taking meds? Maybe you could try different meds if you don't like what you've already been given. Just a thought. I do hope you get some relief soon and take care of yourself.

I dont take ocd drugs because of side effects, so I seeking ways to overcome this without medication. I did pick up a book today called "Overcoming Compulsive Washing" by Paul R Munford Ph.D. Maybe I can find some new answers in there. Anything is worth giving a try.

~Dawn

Dawn,

I don't know if you've looked into natural supplements. I am not advocating the usage of such products, but the reading is interesting.

http://www.latitudes.org/articles/na...xiety_ocd.html

Petunia

Wow! That is some great information! Thank you!

~Dawn

Dawn,

Distractions of the mind help with OCD. I have posted several times about certain distractions that I personally use to help me when my Obsessive thoughts are in control.

Diversion and keeping your hands busy helps with me. I will take an object (any object that can be held in your hand) and transfer it back and forth between my hands. When doing this I totally concentrate on the transference from one hand to the other. I also name things I can see, hear and feel. Counting backwars. Rubberband on the wrist and snapping it. These are just a few. Counting backwards doesnt really work for me but does for others. I hope your feeling some relief soon. Much love and peace to you.


Jen

Thank you very my much Jmo.

**HUGS**

~Dawn

Mindfulness. And the good thing about it is that the more you are able to perform it, the MORE you are able to perform it...

Yes, I agree with what sky said also. Good.

There are great ideas here in this thread. I agree with them, and I wanted to add another: exposure and response prevention. You should ONLY do this with the help of your T. But one way that has been shown to be effective with OCD is to develop relaxation skills, and then expose yourself to the thing that makes you anxious...i.e. the countertop before you've wiped it down. You stay there and allow the anxiety to wash over, using your relaxation skills and at the same time not allowing yourself to wipe the counter. This is the response prevention part. You may have to be doing something else with your hands, like holding something or keeping them folded or whatever will not allow you to reach for the wipes and use them.

The idea is to slowly lengthen the amount of time you can tolerate this until you are able to combat the urge most of the time. You can also start by imagining yourself doing this, in small steps moving to bigger steps until you are ready to try it in real life. You T can help you create a hierarchy of least to most anxious to practice with.

I hope you are able to find some relief with whatever method works best for you. Take care,

gg

Thank you everyone for the great ideas! **HUGS**

~Dawn

Hi Dawn,

It's hard when it's hard and no mistake. I think all the suggestions here are good. What I would add is that the mindfulness works for me.

Whatever the looping thoughts (or actions) are for me, I go to the place where I know this is OCD. It used to trick me into playing it's game all the time, but now when it starts I say to myself - "It's you again, I know what you're doing."

When I really know it's the OCD I am less frightened by the scenario it presents, and the fear starts to fade.

I think we are controlled by the OCD when we believe what it's telling us. It's only my own view, though, we each fight the illness in our own way.

I hope it gets easier for you soon,

Good thoughts, Myzen

Myzen,
My husband has said "the ocd is like a little devil telling you what you can and cant do. that you cant live without him" I believe that in a way and dont you hate it when your spouse right!!
Thank you for your post
~Dawn