Stress Center Peer Support

Today was my first day on the program, and after listening to Session 1, like my usual self, I raced through the workbook checking off in my head everything I am supposed to do - and then a funny thing happened!

I noticed a huge symptom that I'm not usually conscious of, but going through all the time - I found myself unable to breathe, my chest tightening, and my heart starting to race as I raced through the checklist in my head of EVERYTHING I had to now do.

But I CAUGHT MYSELF! I am really proud of myself for being able to do this on just the first session. I literally stop my own breathing every time I think obsessively like this. So I had to do some breathing and calm myself down writing some soothing dialogue.

Wow! What a realization, huh ...

OCD is so stressful! If I can ever overcome it, it will surely be a miracle!

I am such a perfectionist and surely convinced that I have to do EVERYTHING, ALL AT ONCE, ALL THE TIME, OR IT'S NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

Well this usually ends up with me not doing most or all of what I intended to do in the first place - because pressure leads to avoidance!!!!

God, I hope I can heal this OCD. Thank you.

This is a big catch and pat yourself on the back for this. A really good exercise to do daily is do everything slowly. Even carrying in your groceries from the car. Bring in one bag at a time, and notice how upset inside you get. Don't do anything about this, just notice and continue to bring in one bag at a time.

Do everything slowly. Walk down the hall slowly. Notice your feet touching the floor as you walk. Open the door slowly. Don't rush to the phone.

You get the idea.

Thanks Boon!