[smartiesparty]

I have obsessive thoughts about accidentally getting pregnant and it never leaves my head. It's been almost 3 months now and everyday I think i may be pregnant even though i didn't even take part in any activity that could cause this AND i'm on birth control. i'm paranoid about my stomach changing, though it's always bloated as i suffer from severe irritable bowel syndrom

My head is telling me everyday that i'm pregnant and that i have to perform things like buying objects and food i don't need or else i'd be pregnant

I have also started to punch myself in the stomach very hard a certain number of times which i know is too dangerous because i have had to deal with cyst problems in my abdomen for the past 5 years. I also took a big amount of ibuprofen as i've heard it prevents pregnancies . my rational mind tells me it is simply silly, but my OCD brain tells me it's true.

I can't live like this anymore. Please give me advice, my own therapist doesn't understand my train of thoughts.

[Skeezyks]

Hello smartiesparty: Well... if your therapist tells you s/he doesn't understand your train of thought, the Skeezyks' first thought would be you need a new therapist! Beyond that... I know I have struggled all of my life with my brain telling me to do all sorts of strange & sometimes self-destructive things. At this point, I think I have finally aged out of it. But I'm now in my later 60's. So you can see how long it took for this to happen!

I have frequently written, here on PC, that I like to learn about new brain research that is being done using fMRI technology. One of the points that is frequently made with regard to this is that much of who we are & what we do is controlled by areas of the brain to which we have no conscious access. So, in my case, I imagine that perhaps what has driven me to have the thoughts I have struggled with is material that is stored in non-conscious areas of my brain. Perhaps there is something similar going on with you.

I've never been able to be in a therapeutic situation where I had the opportunity to explore this. The therapies that are offered where I live are all much too superficial to be of any consequence. I've really never gotten much benefit from psych med's either. So I don't know as I have much to offer in terms of advice. But I thought I would simply share my thoughts & offer my best wishes that you might, in some way, find peace in your life.

[MusicLover82]

Are you seeing a psychiatrist? It sounds like your brain chemistry is really off balance. You might really benefit from some medication. Are you currently taking any meds?

[MusicLover82]

P.S. The Behavior Therapy that helped me the most was stopping the compulsions. So, make yourself stop doing whatever you compulsively want to do to "prevent pregnancy" (buying things, self-harm) and try to reassure yourself with rational thoughts that you are not pregnant and distract yourself. I also take Xanax when I'm really anxious due to obsessive thoughts. At first, stopping the compulsions will make you feel more anxious, but gradually, you will feel more in control and the obsessions will get more quiet and you will feel more peaceful. You need a therapist who knows about this method and can help you with it. Best wishes!!

[softmashmallow]

A proper therapist would be the first step to figuring out how to ease those thoughts that can cause self harm, I've been though many therapists that didn't help me where I needed it, but once I took the risk and spoke up things changed...those obsessive thoughts lost there power to push to self harm

[Nike007]

Hello. It would be a good idea to talk to a mental health professional who doesn't treat you like they don't know you. People with anxiety disorders have irrational thoughts, and it can be any type of thought. I kinda have a similar problem because I haven't had my period in 5 months, but I have never had sex with anyone and now I'm on the pill too because of hormone reasons. But I sometimes worry about being pregnant and if

Possible trigger:

I was raped and I don't remember

. It's probably not true and I am pretty sure of this one. Mine isn't like yours at all, but I was trying to show that some people get these thoughts too. Also, for the compulsions, the thing to do is to not do the compulsions. It's hard. I understand. When I am extremely stressed, I start handwashing. And I can't stop. But with therapy, it's suppose to teach you how not to and the action is suppose to go away. Anyways, I hope you can find someone who is of actual help .

Social anxiety disorder, GAD, OCD, and panic attacks

Lexapro, 10 mg

[Miswimmy1]

I'm sorry that this happening. First off, as everyone else said - I think you should find yourself a new therapist. I know that can be hard and scary to do. But you need someone who is trained in CBT (cognitive behavior therapy) and hopefully trained in doing ERP (exposure response prevention). This is scientifically proven one of the most effective ways to treat OCD symptoms long-term. If your therapist doesn't understand your symptoms, then I would question her ability to effectively treat your diagnosis. I hope that you can talk to him/her and that he/she might be able to help you with a referral.

Second - have you spoken with your GP about this? You mentioned problems with cysts. I know that you know that your fears are irrational, but OCD is not rational. I know that your GP is not necessarily trained in treating OCD but it would give him/her an explanation.

Lastly, I understand completely the pain and the fear you are experiencing and I urge you to seek further help. Please do not overmedicate with over-the-counter drugs. Long term, that can really damage your internal system. It might not seem like it right now but you will get through this.

[smartiesparty]

I really tried to address the problem with my therapist but it is very hard. she is already the best therapist of my city, and the others i've seen were awful.

I really try hard to remain calm, but it is not so easy. I am constantly scared, paranoid and I think every bad thing. I feel like I'm losing the last bits of sanity that I have left. And on top of it all, I'm suffering from a crushing loneliness which gives me only more room to do my OCD rituals.

I thank all of your for your answers.