[liV832]

I was diagnosed with OCD five years ago, but probably have had it longer than that. I have also experienced anxiety and panic attacks since childhood; receiving treatment for it at several points in my life. This episode was most likely triggered by a personal health crisis, and the death of a close family member. I was treated for the OCD by a psychologist and a therapist for almost two years. I recovered enough to accept the obsessive thoughts, and prevent myself from engaging in my compulsive avoidance behaviors. Recently, I have encountered some of the triggers for my obsessive thoughts. The intensity of the thoughts is increasing and causing intense anxiety, and even panic attacks. I am finding it harder to practice acceptance, and avoidance of compulsions. I am working on finding treatment. Is there anything that I can try in the meantime, to keep from spiraling out of control? Has anyone experienced relapse and been able to recover?

[gubernova]

I'm sorry but OCD is a life-long condition. There are times when it is severely diminished and times when it is severe. All you can do during the severe times is to manage the symptoms and seek therapy. Personally, I ruminate constantly right now and hopefully it will go away like it did in the past.

[ocdabject]

Hello, I am familiar with what you describe, it's hard, having the insight to know that your tripping into a relapse, but struggling to find a way to interrupt it, it's also an isolating feeling, 'cos OCD can go from a hum to a deafening overwhelming intensity as fast as a neuron can fire

we could try repeating an exposure that we've already done, even if that exposure has nothing to do with what OCD wants right now, some random exposure, even if we do it in slow motion, just as a way to try to do something other than obsessing for a few minutes

[MusicLover82]

The natural supplement, NAC, helps lessen the severity of my OCD. I take 3,000 mg on the days I feel I need it more. If I were you, I would try taking that much every day and see if it helps. It was recommended to me by my psychiatrist. Fish oil also helps the mind, but I don't know how much it helps OCD. I would also start getting vigorous daily exercise if I were you. At least 30 minutes a day of higher intensity exercise. That can be as effective as an SSRI (anti-depressant), according to some studies. Of course, follow through with seeing a psychiatrist and therapist, too. Good luck!