[onionknight]

I suffer from obsessive thoughts, which I can best explain as some thought or something happening in life triggering a deep seated anxiety that then takes over my mind and really shatters my ability to think straight. I literally can't stop these thoughts the same way I can other negative thoughts.

For instance, last night, I was making tea and I used a bottle of water instead of tap water. I was wondering if it would taste better, which triggered the thought that I might think there is something wrong with tap water, it is contaminated, etc. And from there, I was really anxious that I would lose my ability to think rationally! I have a deep fear of going crazy, well more like losing control of my thoughts. I hate that I can't circumvent these thoughts. Argh!

I haven't specifically talked to my pdoc about these thoughts. I mostly address depression, which I take Effexor for with somewhat good success. But Effexor doesn't help these thoughts, you know. I would like to know if there is a specific therapy I could use to help me get around this fear. My pdoc also recommended therapy, which I grudginly might look into. I would prefere a non-med solution since I hope to get off Effexor eventually too. I already lowered my dose last week. The depression I can manage; these fears, not so much.

[sassymck]

I've heard that cognitive therapy works well for ocd. I have it as well. I've found therapy very useful in conjunction with meds. Then you can work on weaning off of Effexor. Therapy helps you control your thoughts and anxiety and gives you coping strategies. OCD is a cumbersome disorder; it really burdens you, and you need the supportive outlet of a good therapy. That being said, I also find medications useful as OCD is also said to stem from misfiring neurons in the brain--chemical problems--that medications correct. Ultimately it is personal choice as to how you wish to control it. I manage mine now without medication. I meditate and do math and logic puzzles to help gain control of my mind and its thoughts. All the best to you.

[onionknight]

I think I've only self-diagnosised for OCD; doctors have told me I have reoccurent depression (thus the Effexor), PTSD, some disassociation, anxiety. I have the symptoms of OCD, though. The "obsessive" runs in the family.

I've dealt with symptoms with and without medications at different times during my life. I'm not resigned enough yet (only 23) to accept that I'll be taking them forever, so I want to try to get off in the future.

I've been to therapy in the past, and I just find it cumbersome. I'm so tired of talking about my life and problems and this and that, especially when it doesn't always help. I just want to be able to tell myself TO STOP OBSESSIONG, distract myself in some way so it doesn't bother me. But these thoughts are so prevasive....(no, duh...).

[Odee]

I don't have any advice perhaps other than writing down your triggers and then writing down reasons why that trigger is nonsense. IE Trigger = Feared contamination of tap water. Rationalization = the city treats the water, would call a boil order if contaminated, etc.

Just this Tuesday I had a panic attack because there was a main pipe leak and the college town I go to was put under a 24 hour boil order until tests confirmed whether or not the water was safe. I panicked because I was feeling sick to my stomach, but here's the kicker....I never drank any of it! I was just paranoid!

This wasn't the first time that I've had paranoia over water contamination, but it was the first time that there was actually a reason to believe that it could be contaminated. However, the boil order was just precautionary.

Originally Posted by onionknight

I've dealt with symptoms with and without medications at different times during my life. I'm not resigned enough yet (only 23) to accept that I'll be taking them forever, so I want to try to get off in the future.

That's the spirit! This is the mentality that I (try to) hold on to.

[onionknight]

I'm paranoid about becoming paranoid. How does that even work?

[shortandcute]

There are a couple of websites that have some worskseets you can download and print off:

www.psychologytools.org
www.getselfhelp.co.uk

[avlady]

It's like fearing fear itself

[Odee]

Originally Posted by onionknight

I'm paranoid about becoming paranoid. How does that even work?

I'm anxious about being anxious. And anxious about going crazy or having an extreme relapse. Cue Anxiety Attack.

It's one big terrible positive feed back cycle.



The point is to become aware of how your thoughts create this cycle and to take control of them before they become out of hand.

Originally Posted by Odee

I'm anxious about being anxious. And anxious about going crazy or having an extreme relapse. Cue Anxiety Attack.

It's one big terrible positive feed back cycle.

Exactly...............