[Bongo2015]

Hello everyone,

I am reposting this in 'other mental health discussion' as someone interestingly said my story may have links to Sensory Processing Disorder.

My name is Matt and I turned 31 last November. Been wanting to seek help with a number of things related to my mental wellbeing for a LONG time. I sadly do not trust my own doctors to do anything about the problem as they will just refer me to a counselling service and I always find councillors useless. Or they will ignore the problem altogether and pat me on the shoulder!

I have always found it very very hard to put it in writing about what I am going through.
The main issue I have at the moment is a mental disorder that I have suffered for over 10 years now, each time I explain the condition I am met with a 'not heard of that one before response'.

Hard to explain but what happened initially was if I became dirty or I thought I was dirty then I would get an uncomfortable sensation in the region where I thought I was contaminated. For example if someone brushed passed my arm then my arm would hurt or ache because I felt it was dirty. It has then progressed into, if I felt uncomfortable wearing something then my body would feel uncomfortable. If someone were to cough on me then the area of my body would feel uncomfortable. Once I get an onset of this it will cause anxiety and basically I need the loo a lot!
This Christmas I have had a bizarre issue around my waist area and needing a tight grip so to feel secure. My waist area has felt uncomfortable and I just can't shake it off. It has actually ruined a lot of Christmases this disorder as I get so paranoid and anxious about things. Also my brain can ache and hurt at the same time. I find it very difficult making decisions at the best of times and this causes me a lot of stress trying to stay 'sane' and battle this disorder.
There are so many things going off in my head that this mystery disorder and my paranoia and anxiety have exacerbated.
In short if anyone could help or has had a similar experience then please get back to me. There are other issues surrounding OCD, intrusive thoughts, esteem and assertiveness but one step at a time.
Thanks for reading
Matthew.

[sideblinded]

Hi Bongo2015

I am sorry that you have had such a difficult time trying to get answers for your condition. I may have commented on this before in another forum but I will add a few more comments.

I have always wondered if I have ADHD and being an adult without it already diagnosed in childhood has been the biggest frustration in my life. What you are describing could very well be something to do with sensory processing. I don't know your history as far as school or learning traits so I cannot know. A T or someone who specializes in these things will be your best shot at finding answers. Some people with ADHD and Aspergers have sensory issues like this. I am not saying that you have these.

I would do my best to find a specialist in this field. I hope you live near enough a big city where you can find a specialist more easily as they are hard to find. Keep being persistent and don't give up as it sounds like it is causing you a lot of distress. I wish I had a better answer for you.

Best wishes!

Originally Posted by Bongo2015

Hello everyone,

I am reposting this in 'other mental health discussion' as someone interestingly said my story may have links to Sensory Processing Disorder.

My name is Matt and I turned 31 last November. Been wanting to seek help with a number of things related to my mental wellbeing for a LONG time. I sadly do not trust my own doctors to do anything about the problem as they will just refer me to a counselling service and I always find councillors useless. Or they will ignore the problem altogether and pat me on the shoulder!

I have always found it very very hard to put it in writing about what I am going through.
The main issue I have at the moment is a mental disorder that I have suffered for over 10 years now, each time I explain the condition I am met with a 'not heard of that one before response'.

Hard to explain but what happened initially was if I became dirty or I thought I was dirty then I would get an uncomfortable sensation in the region where I thought I was contaminated. For example if someone brushed passed my arm then my arm would hurt or ache because I felt it was dirty. It has then progressed into, if I felt uncomfortable wearing something then my body would feel uncomfortable. If someone were to cough on me then the area of my body would feel uncomfortable. Once I get an onset of this it will cause anxiety and basically I need the loo a lot!
This Christmas I have had a bizarre issue around my waist area and needing a tight grip so to feel secure. My waist area has felt uncomfortable and I just can't shake it off. It has actually ruined a lot of Christmases this disorder as I get so paranoid and anxious about things. Also my brain can ache and hurt at the same time. I find it very difficult making decisions at the best of times and this causes me a lot of stress trying to stay 'sane' and battle this disorder.
There are so many things going off in my head that this mystery disorder and my paranoia and anxiety have exacerbated.
In short if anyone could help or has had a similar experience then please get back to me. There are other issues surrounding OCD, intrusive thoughts, esteem and assertiveness but one step at a time.
Thanks for reading
Matthew.

Hi Bongo2015,

Has any clinician attempted to apply cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)?

CBT, basically, consists of two parts: Gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking situations, and a focus on thoughts (cognition) when in anxiety-provoking situations.

To be specific, the psychological theory of generalization might be at play; generalization can be displaced into a physical sensation. For example, if someone's arm brushes against your arm, then you get the thought that your arm is contaminated, then this leads to an uncomfortable sensation in your arm.

You might want to look into CBT.

[Bongo2015]

Thank you so much for all your help. It is indeed a very frustrating condition and one that has caused me much distress and driven me to suicidal thoughts. I also think what has hampered things is the distress of feeling thst no one can help. At least now I've shared some of my 'Demons' I can try and make positive steps.