Obsessive thoughts

drussel · Post by **drussel** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:23 am

We just had a new water system put in and shower head. This morning I was obsessing about the shower and worked my self into a full anxiety attack while taking the shower. Now I wonder if I can get back in there to take a shower. I was fine until I started washing my hair. I have to be honest with you, this happen 5 years ago when we dug a new well and the force of the water was greater than before.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 3:32 am

How about washing your hair in the sink until you can get used to the new system? That will cut your shower time down, so you might not have an anxiety attack.

And maybe practice the relaxation techniques (listen to the tape/cd) BEFORE showering and then DURING showering.

And maybetry some visualization techniques - like picture the shower water as raining downpositive and good things on you and covering you in warmth and light. It sounds corny, but whatever it takes to work it not a bad thing!

You won't drown in the shower. I promise.

Blessings,
Dawn

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:04 am

I agree with Dawn - however I wouldn't have thought of it on my own - she's good. Isn't it weird how we can become afraid of everything? I am reminding myself while I type this "these are just thoughts".

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 4:38 am

Something similar happened to me. I got a new light put in my shower and it was really heavy and it would make noise and shake and I'd be convinced that it was going to fall on me so i'd try to stand away from it and everything but eventually i calmed down and realized it was fine. Just try to like someone else said fill your mind with positive thoughts and don't think about bad things like drowning.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 5:53 am

drussel,

Are you in a relationship? I'm only asking because maybe it would take the ease off if you showered together.

When my depression gets at it's worst, I have no desire to shower, so my husband and I hop in just so I'll feel a bit better and he's even washed my hair for me. A bit sad, eh?

...but it always leads to other things...

...*blushes like no tomorrow*

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:31 am

Originally posted by Shaky Susie:
I agree with Dawn - however I wouldn't have thought of it on my own - she's good.

LOL - Susie - you're so sweet! What can I say - us NC girls gotta stick together!

Best to you,
Dawn

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:45 am

I wish this was easy, but I had a pretty good anxiety attack. What if I can't do it? I still have some anxiety just thinking about it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 6:47 am

I feel like I'm kind of losing it over these obsessions.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:00 am

They are JUST thoughts...and thoughts can't hurt you. Try and keep that in mind.

Don't stress yourself out...maybe turn on the water and let it run a bit...put your hand in ...and then your arm (while you are outside the shower/tub)...tell yourself that you do not have to get in...that it is not going to hurt you. And then turn it off...and go to something that you enjoy.

And then try it again a little while later. Maybe try it for a little bit longer. Maybe try putting your foot in too...like the song The Hokey Pokey - you know? "You put your right foot in, you take your right foot out, you put your right foot in and you shake it all about!"

You can do this!! And when you make even a tiny bit of progress...come on here and post it so we can all celebrate with you!!!

You can do it. I believe in you. They are just thoughts. They can't hurt you. The water won't hurt you. You are OK.

Blessings,
Dawn

natalief · Post by **natalief** » Wed Mar 26, 2008 7:09 am

Thanks Dawn, it's just the obsessing over it. I never was a water lover and now it seems to be coming out.