Stress Center Peer Support

Hi everyone,
I have participated in some of the forums for ocd and read them daily. I am a Mom and wife and to the outside world a normal person. I would love to know that this rumination I have that because I have ocd that I will not be able to function on my own. It robs me of so much of my time and energy! I tell myself anytime that I am enjoying the moment that people with ocd really need to be in an instituion and life as I know it will soon not be here and I will have to be "put away" I am on week 2 of the program have read many books and do not want to be on medications. I beleve that at an early age I got this in my mind because my Grandmother had schizophrenia. I watched my Mom suffer from anxiety all during my childhood which didn't help. I have now become very dependent on her again for reassurance of my sanity. I am working so hard not to let this destroy me but could really use some encouragement. Thanks

Joygirl,

When you stop scaring yourself you will stop the adrenalin. Read that over and over again.

Many of us have a history of one or more relatives with something wrong with them. You are not alone and let me assure you that I understand where your fear is coming from. You will get past this in time so be patient and persevere with your hard work.

You are scaring yourself, pure and simple. You must use your STOP SIGN. Go on line. Google the words STOP SIGN and you'll get this glorious picture of a brilliant red stop sign. Print it out (if you can) on a colored printer and keep it where you see it throughout the day. Stop yourself from ruminating. You do not have to do that to yourself.

That's one way to handle it. (In time you'll break the bad habit of ruminating.)

Another way to handle it - and you decide what works best for you - is to just say OK to whatever your thoughts are saying. Say nothing more. Just OK - and then move on with your day. Tell the anxious feelings to wash over you. It's OK. They will pass.

Another way to handle it - create a designated worry time and sit down at that time you decide on and write to your heart's content all the worry and ruminating you do on this subject that scares you. Don't make it a happy thing. Make it as bad as you can make it. (Yes, you'll feel anxious but the anxiety is temporary.) When 20 minutes is up put pencil and paper down and go about your day. When the worry comes in just say, "Fine. It's OK to worry but it will have to wait until my next designated worry time". Then when that time comes sit and worry again (must be on paper).

Another idea is - write your worst case scenerio about all that you fear and make it really horrible. Read this scenerio for 45 minutes a day until you are no longer affected by it.

You will feel anxiety with all of these but the anxiety is temporary and you need to experience allowing the anxiety to be there. So these are very good ways to accomplish that.

You are fine. Your only problem is obsessive worry. Practice. You will be so glad you did.

Boon,
Not long after I typed that post I went out onto my deck took a notebook and wrote out my worst ruminations! I always tell myself as a comfort that I can always put the thoughts to paper and work them out either with myself or with someone else. How do I know that everyday people won't get "put away"? I do know I will get relief but I wish this one thought would really sink in. Thank you for responding I will never give up!

This is what you need to desensitize to. You need to NOT give a hoot one way or the other if "normal everyday people" get put away or not. It doesn't need to matter to you, Joygirl. It's all part of your fear (and wanting to control).

Start writing. Write about how you get "put away". Really make it a horrible experience. Get to a place where you can just dismiss it with a wave of your hand.

Remember this for comfort as you expose: If your scare voice says it will happen, you can trust that it won't. It lies 150% of the time!

Boon...I have been reading a lot of your postings, and I am "very impressed" with the excellent advice that you are giving to others!!!!

I love the way you express and explain things to those in need of a helping hand!!!

Just felt a need to let you know!!!

Have a great day...

Boon,
I know with my logical mind what you are saying is true... I will work hard to let go of the conrol and let the true healing come in. Thank you for always taking the time like Ms.T Bones said to care for everyone to make them feel supported it helps beyond words!

Boon,
Forgot to ask you in the last post what do you mean write about how I am "put away" do you mean deal with the worst case scenario or just know that it is my scary thought in control not me and it is the liar?

Well, it IS a lie. We already know that. But your fear is that you may have to be "put away" because of your OCD. That's what you need to write about. Describe where "they" (whoever they are) would put you and what would that experience be like for you. That's what you are afraid of. Expect to feel anxiety with this exercise. But the more you read it the more you become desensitized and pretty soon you find that you are very bored with your worst case scenerio. You'll even see how ridiculous it is.

When the anxiety comes while you are writing it just be aware of it and where you feel it in your body. Breathe into it and allow it to wash over you. Take a moment to experience it. Then go back to your writing. You are telling that scare voice that "No matter what you do, no matter what you say, this is what I'm doing right now." Be aware when the anxiety leaves - because it does.

Keep us posted. You are closed to ending this fear once and for all.

Thank you, Ms. T. I sincerely appreciate your posts as well. Very helpful and beneficial to ones healing. Thank you for being on this forum.

Boon,
Once again thanks beyond words! I can't tell you what having a place like this to go to does for someone like me and everyone else suffering. I will give much thought to what you have suggested. I pray know its got to get better.