[MusicLover82]

Lately I have had these symptoms that I'm almost certain are OCD. I get a sudden fear about something that often causes an anxiety attack and I worry to the point of assuming that the worst is going to happen in the situation. My compulsion is to try to get reassurance from other people, so I have been careful not to talk too much about these things to avoid acting out on my compulsion.

For example, the other day, I had a sudden fear that one of my students is mad at me because of something that happened weeks ago (that wasn't even a big deal), because she has not attended a lesson recently (some of those lessons were when I was on vacation or she canceled). This terrified me that I was going to get in trouble at work because of something that happened weeks ago. In my mind, it was built up to be this big hairy monster that is terrifying me. Then I got an email from the student yesterday, where she said she wanted to change her lesson time due to work conflicts. So she's not mad at me. She doesn't want to quit. I'm not in trouble. But in my mind, things were far worse. Of course, I could rationalize with myself that it was probably not a big deal and not what I was fearing, but the anxiety was still there. It drives me crazy!

Today, I discovered one of my cats is starting to develop some diarrhea, similar to my other cat, who just finished a round of antibiotics for diarrhea. Then, I started to "catastrophize" that they will just keep passing it back and forth and I will have to keep giving them antibiotics and taking them to the vet's. Thankfully, this "catastrophizing" didn't turn into an anxiety attack, but I would really like to stop WORRYING so much!! Any tips you have would be much appreciated.

Thanks!

P.S. My worry is likely hormonal, because it happens around the time of ovulation and PMS. Any ladies who can relate, please let me know if you have tried something to help with hormones.

[Nike007]

I'm sorry this is happening to you. A lot of what you said sounds like generalized anxiety, but this isn't the point of this.

I know anxiety is hard to live with. Have you been to a doctor and talked to them about this? It may help. They may suggest medication if you want to take it, and may recommend you to therapy for anxiety, which is mainly CBT for any type of anxiety and OCD. A specific type of therapy for OCD under the CBT category is Exposure and Response therapy. This type of therapy is used where you are exposed to an anxious obsession, and you are taught coping mechanisms to deal with it. I find obsessions the hardest. I haven't had many lately, but I do get them.

In terms of hormones, I don't get anxious. When I did get my period, I get very emotional and cry at something quite easily. Like anything. If you believe it's hormonal related, maybe get your hormones checked out, and if nothing is wrong, state you get really anxious around your ovulation and maybe they will help you there? Anyways, not much help, but I hope you find the help you need .

[MusicLover82]

I already take a lot of medication because I have been diagnosed Bipolar 2 and OCD: Lithium, Trileptal, Latuda, Risperdal, and Xanax.

I am generally very stable, but around the time of ovulation, these episodes happen, and this month it lasted about 4 days. The Xanax keeps things under control, but I'd like to keep them from happening in the first place. I think I will get my hormones checked. Thanks for your well-wishes!

[Nike007]

Originally Posted by MusicLover82

I already take a lot of medication because I have been diagnosed Bipolar 2 and OCD: Lithium, Trileptal, Latuda, Risperdal, and Xanax.

I am generally very stable, but around the time of ovulation, these episodes happen, and this month it lasted about 4 days. The Xanax keeps things under control, but I'd like to keep them from happening in the first place. I think I will get my hormones checked. Thanks for your well-wishes!

Sorry, I didn't know. I usually assume people aren't on medication.

If not, you should tell your mental health professional this.

Good luck .

[Ladycakes]

I can definitely see how hormone changes can effect your mental health. My anxiety and intrusive thoughts increase exponentially during pregnancy and in the post partum period when my body is awash with crazy hormones.

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