Gave Myself a Pep-Talk

Have you ever tried giving yourself a pep-talk in the mirror? I do this occasionally, and it really helps me. I think Louise Hay, a new-age self-help author talks a lot about "mirror work."

So here's what happened and what I did: I was obsessing about something that I've been worrying about. So I went up to the mirror, smiled at myself and looked deeply into my eyes and spoke the reassuring words I needed to hear. I did it for just a minute or two. It worked! My mood was instantly lifted. I think I'll try this more often when I can (not in public restrooms, obviously! Haha!).

No, I haven't done this. The last time I talked to myself in the mirror for a reason that wasn't because I was brushing my hair or teeth was to practice for a presentation to make myself less anxious, but it failed and I had a panic attack and cried... Yep. But I should try it. Thanks for the advice .

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

I use affirmation sayings that i tape around the house and say them when i run across them. Those help me. glad this worked for you. tc

I've never actually heard anyone do this. It's interesting. However I'm not a big fan of neutralizing the fear - it isn't going to make the OCD go away in the long run.

I don't understand what you mean. My therapist tells me I need to reassure myself (my compulsion is to seek reassurance from others). I didn't reach out to others for reassurance, and instead I reassured myself. What's the harm in that? How else are you supposed to stay calm in the face of anxiety due to obsessive thoughts?

I think self talk like that is tremendously helpful. My husband has had an anxiety disorder and OCD for his entire life. He does the self talk on a regular basis. It's TRUE it's not a cure. I don't think there is a cure for anxiety and OCD. If there was, no one would suffer from it. There's only meds. And meds don't help everyone.

If something works for you, good for you. It's your struggle and no one else's. So keep doing it. There are likely other little tricks you can do. You may learn those over time.

I can recognise when my husband is reacting with OCD and I'm able to help him with the self talk. It works. It doesn't cure it. It's a coping mechanism. And a good one. That's all that matters.

In addition, OCD and anxiety are products of your mind taking you off track with irrational thinking. Self talk takes you back on track. It straightens your thinking out and it's probably one of the best and most useful things you can do. And eventually it may become a habit, so it could end up being a good long term solution.