Anxiety/OCD/intrusive thoughts books/reading

[Geekaysee]

Hi everyone,

First time posting so I’ll keep it relatively short but I just wanted to know if anyone recommends any books on anxiety/ocd/intrusive thoughts that they found helpful? There are so many out there I’m overwhelmed. I’ve recently been diagnosed with ocd on top of my over a decade long anxiety & with the ocd comes intrusive thoughts that are consuming me. I take medication, see both psychiatrist & psychologist however my 10 sessions for the year through Medicare are finished so I’m really trying to read/ practice methods I can do by myself. Thanks

[Croix]

Dear Geekaysee~

Running out of sessions is a common problem. The system is not set up to really cater for the treatments many need.

I can't recommend any particular book, as you say there are tons out there - as well as YouTube videos by people like Brene Brown.

Could I suggest you have a look at Mindspot which has tests and free online CBT related courses for anxiety/depression. As a supplement to your formal treatment they may well be helpful. If in doubt have a word to your (hopefully bulk-billing) GP first.

Croix

Croix

[geoff]

hello Geekaysee, I can only say how sorry I am for you to be diagnosed with OCD, which is caused by being anxious, it's a curse of an illness and for those people who don't have it well it's difficult to explain to them why we have to do these habits/rituals, to them they believe that it's easy to stop, so 'why go and check the door lock again, you've done it 4 times and know that it's locked, are you crazy ?'
There are so many different books on this topic but start off by googling 'books on helping with OCD' this will lead you onto other areas.
There are also free online courses for you to participate in, which may benefit you and I encourage you to try some of these out.
Please get back to us, and by the way I've had OCD for 58 years. Geoff.

[Geekaysee]

Hi Croix,

Yeah it most definitely is, if I could have my own way I’d love to see a psychologist every few weeks but would use my sessions in three months. Looking into different health cover but still expensive.

I had no idea about these online courses, that sounds great. Will definitely have a look at the website. Thanks so much

G

[Geekaysee]

Hi Geoff, thank you & also sorry to hear you also suffer. But we’re here so we’re taking positive actions for it which is great.

Oh yeah definitely agree, I’ve been told to just ‘snap out of it’ & it’s frustrating because it is THAT easy for some but obsessively trying not to think about something just makes it worse..

Yes I think I’ll just have to good books for ocd & pick one but as you & Croix both mentioned about online courses I’m very eager to try this out. Thanks for the help.

G