Question to OCD-sufferers:what kind of thoughts do you have?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Tue Jan 22, 2008 1:39 pm

My mind has slowed down some since being on 100 mg of Zoloft since Nov. However, when I am stressed, I still get the thoughts. Some how, I get them before I even come in contact with a person. Boon, can you explain why this would happen? Is it my brain stuck on that thought? Shouldn't the meds be working by now? They worked in the past. I also self-medicated with beer, but doesn't that counter act with the meds?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 3:42 am

Is it OCD to be scared of spreading germs, or worried about chemicals. I worry that I step on something and that I spread it around. I worry that I won't be able to wear my hair down because of the germs, etc. What is that considered and does this program help. I feel maybe I just need a better understanding of the germs then I can not worry and move on.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:47 am

Fusspot - Yes, this is OCD and, yes, the program will work. There are a number of good books out there that will help tremendously. Exposure therapy is really your ticket to freedom when it comes to OCD.

The Imp of the Mind by Lee Baer
Freedom from Fear by Dr. Howard Liebgold

If you do the work you will heal.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 07, 2008 8:56 am

Alicia - Please do not self medicate with beer or any alcohol substance. Accept what you are experiencing and let go of the resistance by "welcoming the thoughts in". Allow them to come and go - like a passing cloud - without your attachment to them. This takes practice so be patient with yourself.

Medication will ease things and slow things down but it will not take your problem away. They can help to make things seem less grandiose, less emphasized so while you are taking the meds work the program at the same time. The program and programs like this are what will help you to heal.

Your thoughts are habitual now. They are knee jerk so you will experience discomfort before the actual thing happens that usually causes your discomfort. Catch those initial thoughts and use your STOP sign. Then use your calm breath and then remind yourself that you can handle this. Also, pay attention to what is going on in the present moment. Think of a happy place or time. Focus on your breath going in and out. Get out of your head by working the above.

Your brain gets stuck on thoughts because of your resistance to them. If those very same thoughts didn't bother you, ie: if you did not react to them, they would become less or go away completely. When any thought comes use the above exercise. Practice.

There are great books out there for OCD. You can cure from this.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 08, 2008 5:29 pm

Thanks Boon, sometimes it's hard to think of exposure therapy, because if you think something is dangerous or germy than you shouldn't be exposing yourself to it anyway, but if it's just in your mind than it's good to just expose yourself to it and realize it's nothing. That stuff on some news stations doesn't help either.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Feb 11, 2008 3:17 pm

This is very true...I think that it really helps to breathe (like on the relaxation CD) and to concentrate on living in the "precious present"...Sometimes, my OCD gets the best of me and I have to look at lists a thousand times to make sure that I've accomplished everything. I can really relate to the people from Session 1 Audio who said that "we are the movers and shakers" of the business world--we will not only get a job done, but try to do it perfectly. Does anyone have any ideas on what has worked for them? I get so obsessed with being a perfectionist and taking everyone else's problems on myself because I am way too sensitive, but the guilt I feel if I don't do these things can be unbearable! I've noticed it as body symptoms too...when I get stressed out about something--anything!--my right side of my stomach begins to hurt. It's embarassing to talk about these things to people, because I'm afraid they'll think I'm crazy. I've been to the doctor for this pain--nothing wrong with me. Paid for catscan, endoscopy, abdominal ultrasound, the whole 9 yards--just to discover I'm doing this to myself. Is anyone else struggling with similar feelings?