Hi,
I am new to this site and after reading some of the posts I wanted to share how OCD is affecting me.
My OCD really started back in January/February this year, I picked up a nasty virus and since then my problems really started. After the virus left my system, it left me feeling anxious all the time, I kept and still do, keep getting a build up of adrenaline, the only thing that calms me down is either pacing up and down my flat or going for a walk in the fresh air.
Since I got the virus, it caused me to constantly wash my hands for fear of picking it up again. As well as the anxiety and OCD it has caused me to become emetophobic (fear of v*). I have lost 2 stone since this all began (I was a healthy weight before), if I am around anyone that is ill or has been ill, I will avoid them at all costs, otherwise I convince myself I will become ill, I can't touch door handles anywhere, I have so many routines that they are starting to take over my life. I have routines for cleaning my teeth, having a shower, getting dresses, everything has to be done in a specific way otherwise I fear bad things are going to happen to my family. For some reason the number 3 is significant to me (don't know why) in my routines I have to do everything 3 times. The skin on my hands is red, cracked and often bleeds due to the amount of times I wash my hands. I can't shake peoples hands, if I get change from a shop it instantly has to be sanitsed. Everything has its place and I can sleep if anything is out of place.
Some days are worse than others, and when this happens I have to literally wash my hands after everything, if I get a can of coke out of the fridge I wash my hands, then I open the can and pour it into a glass, I have to go and wash my hands, after each sip I then have to go and wash my hands.
After getting absolutely no where with the service I was offered with the NHS (they forgot about me and still haven't bothered) I have now started seeing a therapist who offers NLP. Apparently this practice is not as brutal as CBT, it involves the tapping of the pressure points, visualisers, and other tools. I have been twice and haven't really started to notice any difference, but I know it is still early days.
I am now starting to contemplate CBT, so if any of you out there have any views of this and how it has helped you it would be much appreciated. I am also thinking about starting on medication (anti-depressants), again have many of you taken them and if so have these helped? Were the first few weeks bad, as I have heard it can make you worse before it makes you better?
I have only touched on how OCD affects me, as there are too many things too list. If anyone can relate to any of things I mentioned above it would be great to hear from you and also ways that have helped you cope.
All the best to you all.
Alex
- Hot topic