http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/forum/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd It's Time to Act. OCD Action provides support and information for people affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Mon, 21 May 2012 15:01:54 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/search.php http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/long-road-ahead#post-67659 Mon, 21 May 2012 12:36:57 +0000 chaschas 67659@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Greytimes,</p> <p>Cuthbert's post has said it all - but I wish you lots of luck too! Things will get easier now, especially once the meds kick in. Remember you're one step closer to getting better now &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_smile.gif&quot; title=&quot;:-)&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>Chas </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/long-road-ahead#post-67658 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:55:35 +0000 Cuthbert ffoliott 67658@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hey Greytimes -</p> <p>congratulations on taking that all-important step, and for sharing your story with us. Gathering from your post, you've been on citalopram for approx. one week now... so it will take some weeks still, before it shows its action.</p> <p>If it does what it's supposed to do, you will find relief regarding that urge to scrutinise the past over and over again, without finding any definite answer; you'll be able to live in the here and now better.</p> <p>Trust me, in spite of the many years that you've been suffering from the intrusive thoughts and false memories, and apparently have lost that personality who could have a jolly good laugh and not take things all too seriously: these capacities are still within you, people are that way. They just got buried by the burden of OCD. And they can be woken up again, retrieved, come back to the forefront. </p> <p>Wishing you good luck and all the necessary strength,</p> <p>Cuthbert. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/long-road-ahead#post-67657 Mon, 21 May 2012 11:43:19 +0000 greytimes 67657@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi guys, just thought I would let you know that last week I took the big step in going to my doc and explaining how I have been feeling. I managed to speak without bursting into tears which was incredibly hard for me but I managed it. I have been put on citalopram reluctantly but I know that it will prob be of benefit to me in starting my quest for recovery. I know that I am the only one who can sort this now, and with the help of some cbt I'm hoping to at least be able to sleep at night. I know that I am the only one who can really sort this thing out,and looking in the past to see whether I did some abhorrent act will not work,guilt and regret are the most awful feelings and I know I'm not an evil sick person but the doubt is always there with me that I did this awful thing,which I have written in the past but can no longer even face to write as I feel sick. I want to get better so I can enjoy my family life and my life. I haven't been myself for many years now and that is the problem,I'm not sure who I am now,but a shell of someone who used to have such a laugh and not take things too seriously. Pure o,intrusive thoughts,false memories have dominated my life for too many years now of which I can never get back again. I think we are all so strong to deal with everyday life and this at the same time. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/what-part-do-stories-and-movies-play-in-magical-thinking#post-67656 Mon, 21 May 2012 08:46:48 +0000 Cuthbert ffoliott 67656@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>David and Tess -</p> <p>thanks to the both of you for your latest additions. It is true: although OCD (seen as the sum total of the different possible symptom dimensions)occurs in equal percentage (as lifetime prevalence) the world over (approx. in 3 % of the population), there are in fact regional and cultural differences in the specific symptoms that are most common. Fundamentalist religious communities show more intrusive thoughts and fears about the Deity and His demands and punishments - and multicultural, cosmopolitan and relativistic societies have more occurrences of obsessions with cleanliness, and cases of body dysmorphic disorder, anorexia and suchlike. Which makes sense: the former are often occupied with the afterlife as the most important thing there is, and the latter are very much into this life and this life only, the illusion of eternal youth, and physical appearance in general.</p> <p>David raises a good point: in fact there are clinicians who are skeptical about the value of the idea of, or even the validity of contamination fear, and think that it did not exist before the theory of germs, and hence is useless.</p> <p>Well, the concepts of these clinicians are useless. As David says, contamination fear is real, and always existed, albeit in a different guise, dependent on the status of human knowledge at any given time. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/ocd-and-coincidences#post-67655 Mon, 21 May 2012 04:45:10 +0000 thelazypick 67655@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thanks for the book recommendation, Truddles. Will check that out.</p> <p>Yes, I believe I have a VERY low self esteem. Can't help it, really. I don't think I deserve anything good in this world, and that everything good that happens to me is just a bonus.</p> <p>Having that thought might not be a bad thing, though. Reminding myself that I do not deserve good things allows me to constantly prepare for the worst, and when that happens, I know I will not be too upset.</p> <p>Cuthbert ffoliott,</p> <p>I always blame myself for everything bad that happens, and it sounds really ridiculous when my brain starts telling me stuff like "you see, you really should've texted him one more time to make it an odd number of texts sent" or "look, it happened because you didn't bother to do undo that action". Gets frustrating sometimes, most times. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/desperate#post-67654 Sun, 20 May 2012 22:29:35 +0000 wannabefree 67654@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi there Firkin... The only thing that concerns me with the driving is the way the insurance might be inoperative if involved in an accident... They have so many get out clauses it is ridiculous... The license should be okay though... I'm not too bad in the evenings, mornings are the worst time for me though, they've been quite a struggle this last few weeks... All optimism for the future though... Let's hope it will all get better soon...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67653 Sun, 20 May 2012 22:15:30 +0000 firkin 67653@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Crazybird, I found I did get more anxious but only for around a week, and the relief I got after was well worth it, if it weren't for them, I would have had many more months, even years of anxiety, it was definitely short term pain for long term gain. I can see why you worry though but I found the medication really just returned me to normal, it didn't have any outrageous effects of any kind apart form a little more agitation at first. I'm terrified of drinking too as alcohol reduces inhibitions and I fear I'll do something wrong...also the next day I always worry what if I have, even if I remember everything clearly and know I haven't...just not worth it for something that's not even necessary or healthy! I've always been interested in hypnotherapy even though I know it's not recommended by the professionals for OCD. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/desperate#post-67652 Sun, 20 May 2012 22:10:00 +0000 firkin 67652@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Yep I remember talking to you about clomipramine on a thread I made about it I think. I don't think you need to let the DVLA know about every med change (I've never told them anything!), as long as there's nothing specific on the label about driving you should be fine. In fact, even a very strong sedating anti-psychotic I was on for anxiety/sleeping only said not to drive if feeling drowsy. You just have to go on how you feel. I doubt clomipramine would affect anything. I think it's really good you want to try and drive again, and brave of you after so long, go for it! It might open up opportunities that help you to recover. Good luck with it! </p> <p>Ahh it would be great yes! I have my fingers crossed for us all! </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67651 Sun, 20 May 2012 21:44:49 +0000 sadbird 67651@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Firkin<br /> I am completely medication phobic-I read on the packet once they can make anxiety worse for a while and that did it!Mind you I darent drink either-so scared of feeling drowsy too-I can never let myself sleep in the day either.Someone suggested hypnotherapy may help but I darent do that either!<br /> Leapfrog-tell someone at work-it really helps-my colleagues all know and once you realise you dont have to put a face on its so much better.<br /> The effort of putting a face is so stressful it makes OCD worse I think.<br /> Dont jeopardise your job-its will be a disaster if you lose it-weekends and evenings are a nightmare-imagine having all day everyday with nothing to take your mind off things-I'm sure like me OCD follows you to work but it does lessen ever so slightly when you're busy and around people<br /> Wannabe-I hope you can soon feel strong enough to look for work soon-it will really help<br /> The most important thing we all need to realise is though rather than work to take our minds off things we have to conquer the OCD-we have to think the thoughts and not let them affect us/face the issues without the compulsion to sort them etc etc<br /> That way we can start to enjoy our free time-weekends and evenings are the things 'normal' people look forward to-we all deserve that<br /> Lets all keep striving to be 'normal'<br /> Who cares about the paint on my wall!!<br /> Crazybird </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/desperate#post-67650 Sun, 20 May 2012 21:22:25 +0000 wannabefree 67650@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>You're welcome Firkin, these threads are a lifeline for me too... I did look at asking to try clomipramine, which is a tricyclic I think, so it works in a different way to the ssris. Whether it is any good I don't know, but I don't want to change my medications if I can help it as I've only just found out that I can keep my driving license on the meds I'm currently on. I don't go on the car insurance until the end of the month, but do want to try and drive again... It is about two years since I packed it in... Let's keep pressing on, who knows, it might just suddenly come right for us... And that would be great, wouldn't it?<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/desperate#post-67649 Sun, 20 May 2012 21:09:58 +0000 firkin 67649@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi wannabefree</p> <p>Thanks for your reply. I know it shouldn't be an option, it's just the thoughts telling me I don't deserve to live and can't take the risk of living if there's a possibility I could have/will act on the obsessions are so powerful- yet I'm aware that reassuring myself that I wouldn't have/won't reinforces the problem, it feels like I'm stuck. I know the only thing to do is just let all these fears and associated thoughts be in my head while I try my best to get on with things and hopefully they'll fade. </p> <p>Meds don't work for me anymore (ssris anyway, tried a couple at the highest doses). I don't really want help from the professionals, they made me worse last time, I know I have to do this without them. I know I shouldn't isolate myself either, I guess I just have to take the risk, as everyone does. I'm shy too, and very awkward (I have Aspergers). I manage to find myself isolated without trying really. I think the trauma of social rejection and failed relationships act as big triggers for my OCD, although I know I'm prone biologically (like most of us I've been suffering on and off since I was a kid). </p> <p>You're right though, we need to keep pressing on and things will get better for us, I'm sure. I've got out of this before so I know from experience that we can do it! (why do I always have an annoying voice pop up saying 'but ah it's different this time'? grr). Thanks again for your reply, I really appreciate the support. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/desperate#post-67648 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:48:49 +0000 wannabefree 67648@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Firkin, to opt out of life by suicide must not be an option... It is giving up before all the other things we are doing begin to help us... Having the right type and dosage of medicine, and waiting for as long as it takes for the professional help we need... Isolation is also not a good idea, although to be honest I do it a bit cos I'm a very shy person at heart... We need to float on as best we can until that magic day when this stuff ceases to ruin our lives, and we are able to start enjoying life in some way, however small... Let's keep on keeping on...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67647 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:38:09 +0000 wannabefree 67647@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Leapfrog, It may be best if you don't take a sleeping tablet tonight then, cos if it makes you late for work it will be counter-productive... Do you have routine at work you can lose yourself in? If so, at least that gets you through the day... And you still have a few diazepam to reduce the fear a bit... Hope this helps a bit... It is still very early days for the fluoxetine...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67646 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:32:24 +0000 firkin 67646@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hiya LeapFrog</p> <p>Haven't been on here for a couple of days as I was moving but just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you. I hope you're feeling a bit better from the diazepam. Don't lose hope, you were only on a very low dose of fluoxetine before and the new dose hasn't had a chance to kick in yet. You can go right up to 60 mg, if not, something else will help. </p> <p>Hi Crazybird</p> <p>Sorry you're feeling so awful, I know it doesn't always help when people say this but it will pass, and I'm not just saying that, it really will. How come you can't take tablets? They might really help. I got well after feeling the way you describe after going on meds. I have relapsed but only years later due to some bad circumstances and ignoring the early warning signs.</p> <p>x </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67645 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:30:38 +0000 kissthefrog 67645@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Getting harder not to let the mask slip at work. No idea if I will be up on time after sleeping pill never taken them on a work night before, but was hyperventilating and couldn't calm down so it seemed like a good plan. x </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67644 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:25:04 +0000 wannabefree 67644@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Leapfrog, that's the same dosage as me, but it could take a while to help, so do give it time, definitely... Are you going to work tomorrow? Do you find things easier at work than at home? I guess if your job is fairly busy the intrusive thoughts get pushed away for a while... That's the reason I wish I could hold down a job... The thing is I'm nowhere near ready to work yet, but maybe after therapy, I don't know yet... If you have a sleeping tablet tonight do you manage to wake early enough to get to work?<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/desperate#post-67643 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:18:52 +0000 firkin 67643@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Thanks Mike. I know what you mean about the four steps, I know where it's coming from as it wants you not to react to the obsession when it niggles but the steps prescribed are a reaction themselves. It's also quite a cumbersome process. I do find the book quite inspiring though when it talks about mindfulness and refocusing. </p> <p>I think that's really good advice you gave me there, thanks! I did what you said and accepted the possibility, and I know I should have felt more anxiety but I kind of felt relief as I was not engaging in the mental battle. I know this thought will make me more anxious especially at more vulnerable times of the day (I always feel better in the evenings) but hopefully it'll go down. The problem is, when I'm bad, I just don't feel it's acceptable for me to live if that's a possibility. And accepting that means I might just decide to opt our of life, if not by suicide, then just by isolation. I suppose I have to try and accept these thoughts too while trying to carry on as normal? </p> <p>Thanks again for your help. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67642 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:18:14 +0000 kissthefrog 67642@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi crazy bird thanku for your post, so sorry you're in similar place wudnt wish this feeling on my worst enemy. I know yr right I wudnt want to upset my partner just don't know how to be any more.<br /> Wannabe it only got upped on Friday on 40mg fluoxetine now so I know it needs time. Every minute is a struggle tho. Thanku for yr support it means a lot </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67641 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:10:24 +0000 wannabefree 67641@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Crazy bird, Hi Leapfrog, I'm not sure what to say... It isn't easy is it? I know I keep saying that, but it is true... It isn't easy, though I wish so much that it was... Will things be easier whn you get to work tomorrow? Is your work sufficient to take your mind off things? I'm now wondering if you're even on the right medicine, or is it so that the way you feel right now is the awkward side effects of the medication, coming before the therapeutic ones kick in... How long have you been on the new dosage? It isn't long is it I don't think...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed/page/2#post-67640 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:08:01 +0000 sadbird 67640@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Leapfrog and everyone else out there having a bad time<br /> I havent posted for a while as I was on holiday-a holiday completely ruined by my OCD.<br /> As you are aware I've been resisting the urge to remove that paint but the compulsion to do something about it is still in my head 24/7-together with everything else that I am stressing about.<br /> I used to love my home and garden and now its the worst possible place for me to be and it doesnt stop there-when I go out my issues stay in my head all the time-I cant escape-like you Leapfrog I just want it all to end<br /> I feel so depressed-everyone keeps saying the weather is going to get better this week but i know the clouds will remain in my head<br /> I was so bad on Friday I called my gp but what can he do?<br /> I darent take tablets-the crisis team dont do CBT and I have another 5 months to wait for my psychology appointment.<br /> I fully understand how you feel Leapfrog but lets try to keep each other going-if we did something silly OCD will have won-and what about our partners?<br /> I didnt know it was possible to cry so much </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed#post-67639 Sun, 20 May 2012 20:03:54 +0000 kissthefrog 67639@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Took a sleeping pill. Rest til it all starts again tomorrow. Sorry again for negative posts. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed#post-67638 Sun, 20 May 2012 19:41:06 +0000 kissthefrog 67638@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Wish they were. Sorry wannabe. Can't go on like this. Just phoned crisis team didn't really help. Want everything to stop now. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/very-depressed#post-67637 Sun, 20 May 2012 18:47:59 +0000 wannabefree 67637@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Trudy and Chas, Hi Leapfrog... Here's hoping things are a little easier this evening? I really do hope so...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/need-help-with-my-latest-homework#post-67636 Sun, 20 May 2012 18:43:14 +0000 wannabefree 67636@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Trudy, you're certainly worth bothering with! Crikey, don't put yourself down, your latest achievement with the plants is a monumental achievement, well done on doing it... You will have a reminder everyday now, at having achieved something that I don't think I could have done, not yet anyway...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/started-cbt-today-oooh-errr/page/3#post-67635 Sun, 20 May 2012 18:38:14 +0000 wannabefree 67635@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Trudy and everyone... I did the touching potato to touching fruit thing this afternoon, then handled all of the shopping, not just part of it, then got in the car to come home... I'm proud of having done it... I've been reading stuff to keep my mind off of it, and have got away with it... Fantastic, I can feedback to my therapist tomorrow at having got the homework done... I wont put too much on it, cos it could all fall apart, but hopefully it won't...<br /> Wannabe </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/what-part-do-stories-and-movies-play-in-magical-thinking#post-67634 Sun, 20 May 2012 18:13:44 +0000 checker 67634@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi Tess</p> <p>Or go back 150 years before the theory of germs and people thought that they should keep clear of bad smells. It took decades for it to seep into the general culture and it's practices the importance of clean water. And making sure that the water sources that served the cities were pure. We have to thank the late Victorians for clean water and sewage systems. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/what-part-do-stories-and-movies-play-in-magical-thinking#post-67633 Sun, 20 May 2012 18:03:51 +0000 Tess 67633@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>An interesting discussion. Apparently people of different cultures experience different types of OCD fears - for instance we worry about dirt and germs if we have contamination OCD but someone from India would feel contaminated by contact with someone of a lower caste. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/what-part-do-stories-and-movies-play-in-magical-thinking#post-67632 Sun, 20 May 2012 17:57:00 +0000 checker 67632@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Hi All</p> <p>I think it is the wider cultural values of society which underpin the mass media and the obsessions which people create for themselves. The standard OCD rating scale includes the thinking and the fear of uttering blasphemous thoughts. I reckon that this would be a more common fear in the States which is a much less secular society than the UK. Though in previous times it would have been quite high in the UK. In general psychiatrists report a long term decline in a religious component to fears and obsessions in psychotic illnesses. I reckon the same would be revealed in anxiety illnesses. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/running-scared#post-67631 Sun, 20 May 2012 17:06:04 +0000 truddles 67631@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>Chas,</p> <p>Moon is from the USA so it might be a bit expensive ringing the Helpline plus I think that they only deal with UK callers as it's a UK charity. But there's plenty of advice available in the Resource Centre on this sort of thing. </p> http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/topic/need-help-with-my-latest-homework#post-67630 Sun, 20 May 2012 17:00:15 +0000 truddles 67630@http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/ <p>I'm working hard to resolve my various multiple OCD problems and for most I'm making a distinct improvement. But although I know all the various principles of what I should and shouldn't be doing I'm completely stuck with this problem and needed help from others in order to approach this one as it completely overwhelms me &lt;img src=&quot;http://www.ocdaction.org.uk/forums/bb-plugins/bb-smilies/default/icon_sad.gif&quot; title=&quot;:(&quot; class=&quot;bb_smilies&quot; /&gt; </p> <p>Once again my thanks to those that felt that I was worth bothering with. </p>