Anxiety really high today

lucie · Post by **lucie** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:52 am

My neighbor was robbed last night, while I was at home watching tv. I can't seem to stop the what if's, to the point where I see myself as the robber. What if I did it? I know I didn't, but my anxiety is really taking off on this one. I remember we were robbed when I was little, so maybe that's why I am overreacting. Little ones at home to protect also increase my anxiety. Is this normal to think what if I did it? Any advise appreciated. I keep thinking of the Tylenol example, and it helps. My OCD is really in hyperalert.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 4:51 am

Well since your neighbor got robbed last night your anxiety is going to increase!! I know it sucks. And your OCD is exhausting ALL possibilities. You know you are not going to do that. And just think if someone came and robbed your neighbor last night the likelihood that they are going to come back and rob the neighbor is slim to none. I can totally understand how you are feeling though. That has been a fear of mine and I am sure your neighbor being rob has you on high alert. Our car was stolen out of our driveway 3 years ago and I was so freaked out after. I kept thinking what if they come back.
Call your neighborhood patrol unit express your concern to have them patrol your area heavily for a while. Try to calm down I know it may be hard right now. If you need anything just message me.
Anxiety is a natural reaction to what happen we just have a higher level of it in the circumstances.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 5:01 am

Lucie - Yes - you being afraid that you committed the crime is a very normal response from someone who has obsessive thinking. It is the nature of the beast. It makes no sense but we do this anyway. Keep yourself busy in the present moment. When your mind wanders bring your attention to your breath or to what you are doing in the moment. Eventually, this concern will go away.

And, yes, you can also call the police dept to see if they caught the robbers. This may or may not be comforting.

I think what you need to know is that your response is normal for OCD. Do not worry. It will pass. Practice the present moment exercise over and over again so it becomes easy for you to turn to it whenever you need it.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 7:17 am

Thank you everyone! Boon, I was hoping you would respond. You've been so helpful to me in the past with recommendations. This was just a little too close for comfort. I may need to listen to a few more sessions this week to "weather the storm." Peace-Lucie

Eileen M. · Post by **Eileen M.** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:00 am

My obsession with me possibly having done something wrong has increased. I've actually begun checking my home for the items my neighbor has told me are missing. I feel like I am driving myself crazy, but I need to make sure I check, check and check again. Xanax is helping, but how can I be sure everything is ok? I really need to know that this is the OCD and I truly didn;t do anything wrong! Any advice appreciated. I'm scheduled for accupuncture on Saturday. The problem is, the more I learn from my neighbors on teh items that were taken, teh more I am "weaving it" into my thoughts. Has this ever happened to anyone else? If so, what helps?>?>?

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 10:22 am

What you need to do, Lucie, is to stop checking. Stop it. Don't do it anymore. All you are doing is feeding the anxious feelings and the thoughts. If you stop checking the thoughts will eventually slow down, feelings will subside. Your scare voice is telling you that you must check to keep these thoughts and feelings at bay BUT YOUR SCARE VOICE IS LYING TO YOU.

Stop checking. See what happens. Stay with your breath. Use your breath to keep out of your head. Stop checking and you will be taking the first step toward your healing.

Go for a walk - rain or shine - go outside and walk. Breathe in the fresh air and notice everything all around you - no matter how you feel.

Be willing to feel the anxiety. It will not hurt you. Adrenalin is what is making you feel so crazed. It's harmless. I know it feels awful but it is harmless and nothing bad will happen.

Stop checking and stop talking to your neighbors about what was stolen.

pecos · Post by **pecos** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:44 am

Thank you Boon, I actually slept well last night. I listened to my breath, and realized my thoughts were actually being fueled by my inner anxiety. I need to stay focused and really start educating myself about this disease. In the meantime, I'm driving my husband crazy!

This has happened to me before, and I remember my doctor telling me that nothing bad is going to happen. But, I get in these cycles and they really make me terrified.

In hindsight, I think what started it was the police at my house the night before (they actually came to the door at 1:30 in the morning), and then my neighbor having to explain to me everything that happened. Not a good thing for someone with OCD. It's really fuel for the fire!

Thank you so much for being such a great support to me. You've been there for me in the past, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.

In the height of my anxiety, its sooo hard to realize that I'm not going crazy.

Have a great weekend,
Lucie

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 3:55 am

I understand exactly what you are going through and it is hard to think you are not slipping over the edge. What I have a hard time with is the disconnected feeling. My DR has prescribed Paxil and I have not started taking yet. Hang in there, it will get better.

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Mar 13, 2009 4:48 am

Good for you, Lucie. You will get a handle on it and one day you will stop the adrenalin at just one squirt. It won't escalate like it does now. Keep practicing and look for those moments when you MUST practice. You'll learn this way to not fear the anxiety sensations.

Justbreath - That disconnected feeling will not hurt you. No need to be afraid of it. Your fear is your resistance to it. Welcome it in. Use your breath work. Tell it to come on in and let it know it is doing a great job of disconnecting. You will become at peace with it and it will not show itself very often, and when it does you will know its harmless and dismiss it before it feels worse - BUT no matter how it feels, it will not hurt you.