[The Alchemist]

Alright, so I'm now going onto about year number 3 of dealing with my OCD habits/rituals/thoughts and my doctor finally recommended I see a therapist as my daily life is greatly hindered with my current OCD behavior. I've tried pretty much every medication under the sun with a little help from clomipramine but I'd still say my OCD is around a level 8-9 out of 10 on degree of severity.

My main concern is coping with the idea (or possibly fact) that this damn mental condition will never go away and it's how I'm going to live the rest of my life. Im in my early 20s and the thought of dealing with this from here on out is daunting, to say the least.

I'm not seeking sympathy because it doesn't do much for anything or anybody at the end of the day (and I dont mean to sound conceited by saying that). I more looking for how others on here handle/cope with this outlook?

I feel like I have a split brain, with one side of it being rational and knowing that my OCD behaviors are ridiculous and rather baseless, and then I have my OCD half that carries out all my odd, nonsensical behaviors. It's just so damn hard to control that side of my brain.

It's to the point where I'm wondering if I should consider electrotherapy (though I know that's only reserved for very serious cases, but at this point if the way Im living isn't considered "severely hindered" I feel beyond sorry for those who are).

Anyway, I'm just sort of venting and felt like getting some of my feelings out there because I have few people to talk to about this side of myself and it gets bottled up inside me.

[ocdwifeofsociopath]

there are certain medications (I'm on Zoloft) that can help. But they do not do it all. I'm sorry to say that it will be a part of you for the rest of your life. The good new is that you can reach the point where you and only you are aware it's there because of how well you cope, and even then, to the point where it little matters. there will always be things that affect it and temporarily increase it, but there are ups and downs to every part of life. The fact that you are not "severely hindered" should be hopeful to you. You will have a bit of an easier time coping than some. Especially if you can learn to trust the half of your brain that knows it's silly. WELCOME! And you should check out the ocd success threads

[Otulissa]

Ive talked to many a person who has fully recovered from ocd, so don't lose hope.

[ocdwifeofsociopath]

really otulissa?? I've only ever been told what I posted. Is that really true that they are no longer ocd?

[Otulissa]

Pretty much, though they had to work really hard. A lot of people do get to where you said, it doesn't really affect or bother them anymore, though they still have to deal with it occasionally.

[The Alchemist]

Originally Posted by ocdwifeofsociopath

there are certain medications (I'm on Zoloft) that can help. But they do not do it all. I'm sorry to say that it will be a part of you for the rest of your life. The good new is that you can reach the point where you and only you are aware it's there because of how well you cope, and even then, to the point where it little matters. there will always be things that affect it and temporarily increase it, but there are ups and downs to every part of life. The fact that you are not "severely hindered" should be hopeful to you. You will have a bit of an easier time coping than some. Especially if you can learn to trust the half of your brain that knows it's silly. WELCOME! And you should check out the ocd success threads

Thanks for the reply, this actually does help keep me positive

Originally Posted by Otulissa

Ive talked to many a person who has fully recovered from ocd, so don't lose hope.

As above, thank you for the reply, I guess I'll just need to persevere and keep hope alive

[Agustino]

Originally Posted by The Alchemist

Alright, so I'm now going onto about year number 3 of dealing with my OCD habits/rituals/thoughts and my doctor finally recommended I see a therapist as my daily life is greatly hindered with my current OCD behavior. I've tried pretty much every medication under the sun with a little help from clomipramine but I'd still say my OCD is around a level 8-9 out of 10 on degree of severity.

My main concern is coping with the idea (or possibly fact) that this damn mental condition will never go away and it's how I'm going to live the rest of my life. Im in my early 20s and the thought of dealing with this from here on out is daunting, to say the least.

I'm not seeking sympathy because it doesn't do much for anything or anybody at the end of the day (and I dont mean to sound conceited by saying that). I more looking for how others on here handle/cope with this outlook?

I feel like I have a split brain, with one side of it being rational and knowing that my OCD behaviors are ridiculous and rather baseless, and then I have my OCD half that carries out all my odd, nonsensical behaviors. It's just so damn hard to control that side of my brain.

It's to the point where I'm wondering if I should consider electrotherapy (though I know that's only reserved for very serious cases, but at this point if the way Im living isn't considered "severely hindered" I feel beyond sorry for those who are).

Anyway, I'm just sort of venting and felt like getting some of my feelings out there because I have few people to talk to about this side of myself and it gets bottled up inside me.

Hey! I also suffer from OCD, and mine has varied in its intensity due to the things that I have been doing. There were times when I was afraid of going alone to some place due to fear that I would hurt someone without knowing it, or I was afraid to drive due to fear that I'd run someone over without knowing it. I've also been severely afraid of catching a disease like rabies from the environment and dying a horrible death to the point that I was afraid of ever getting close to animals. I have had an obsession about the stove, and I have to check it multiple times during the night, just to make sure. Heck, I've dealt with many of these, but many still affect me. I don't know much about you to be able to help you more, but I can say that it matters whether you had your OCD from when you were a child (5-10 years old) or it started later. Also has it increased in intensity as time goes, or has it gone better? I'm also on medication currently, but medication alone is never enough. Meditation and prayer greatly help.

As for whether you'll have to live your entire life with OCD, I don't think you will. But you need to find the cause of your OCD and deal with it! And you are the only one who can find it, you are the only one who can experience reality the way you do. So you have to find the cause of your OCD... As for a way of dealing with the thoughts, what I try to do is have a very shortsighted look at the future. Only a step ahead... not more. This way I stay close to the present and I can be happy. For example, I still have obsessions about catching rabies and dying. But I know that for certain I won't die today. So instead of thinking about it more, I decide to think and look forward to dinner tonight when I will get to enjoy some food and some quality time with my family. God bless, have hope, and never give up! Remember that there's always a way, even when there seems to be none! I recommend you try meditation and prayer. Look up mindfulness meditation! Also try the short-sighted thinking that I was telling you about for a little!

[The Alchemist]

Originally Posted by Agustino

I recommend you try meditation and prayer. Look up mindfulness meditation! Also try the short-sighted thinking that I was telling you about for a little!

Agustino, I want to sincerely thank you for your reply. I really do appreciate the help and tips you provided and I certainly will use the tactics you listed in the mean time to help control my OCD habits. It's always positive to see others on this forum who are dealing with similar issues and overcoming their own obstacles. Again, thank you and best wishes

[HealingNSuffering]

I definitely agree about the meditation. I used to have OCD but now I no longer qualify for a diagnosis, it took years of therapy, drugs and hard work. But its gone, I still struggle with anxiety from time to time. But the compulsive aspect is gone.

[The Alchemist]

Originally Posted by HealingNSuffering

I definitely agree about the meditation. I used to have OCD but now I no longer qualify for a diagnosis, it took years of therapy, drugs and hard work. But its gone, I still struggle with anxiety from time to time. But the compulsive aspect is gone.

THanks HNS, I'm perusing for some meditation books/online videos, seems like many people recommend this to help cope and overcome a variety of mental issues

[HealingNSuffering]

Definitely helps, I like the meditation videos found on YouTube, they do help for a variety of mental health issues. I also practice solitude, at least 15 minutes a day I spend doing absolutely nothing. I also recommend reading some books about OCD, it can't hurt. I don't know why you haven't tried therapy sooner Cognitive Behavior Therapy seems to be the best from my experience. You need to find a therapist that you can get along well with and feel comfortable opening up to. If you have the time, become obsessive about your recovery. Read any books recommended by your therapist, they will help. Check out this link about CBT, hope this helps.

OCD ONLINE - What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for O.C.D.?

[Grey Matter]

I do not believe OCD goes away, but I believe we learn to function with it, over it, etc. When I was much younger (my OCD began at age 8, I am turning 23 in a week) my compulsions were to run back and forth from my bed to my door 12 times in the morning and at night. As it progressed, I needed to wash my hands 67 times a day. Rock 14 times while sitting down.

As I grew older, the compulsions did fade. But I think it was because of aging and the preventative things my parents did to keep me free from infection (my hands were washed raw. It was terrible). My compulsions are now more in the background, if that makes sense? Though it depends on the day and my anxiety level.