OCD & Hypochondria

[Emilyll]

Hi everyone,

I have not been diagnosed with OCD or hypochondria but I feel like I do…(yet to see a therapist for this)

For years, I’ve had 24/7 thoughts about my health and the health of loved ones. Especially the fear of my loved ones dying or being diagnosed with a long term health condition. If I don’t do something I constantly ask myself “what if?”… what if I become sick because I didn’t check the cutlery? What if I lose my partner because I didn’t tell him to drive safely? What if I get sick because I washed my hands and then contaminated them again from touching something afterwards?

There are so many other examples that I experience every day but my health (especially thinking that I have viruses and diseases in me) is the worst thing I have to deal with mentally and physically every day. I constantly monitor my heart rate and always google my symptoms once I feel “ill”

I’m always upset because it is mentally exhausting having to worry about myself and my loved ones like this but I fear that if I stop worrying, everything horrible will happen

my brain never switches off and I don’t know where to start or what to tackle first… advice would be greatly appreciated 🧡

[Banksy92]

Hey Emilyll,

Thanks for reaching out, it sounds like you're dealing with a lot right now, very understandable you're feeling exhausted. My first recommendation would definitely be to speak with a doctor or psychologist to see if they can assist with a diagnosis. It may or may not be OCD, but if it is, this is definitely a treatable condition.

How are you currently coping when you're not feeling your best? Do you have any stress relief or self-care tools you like to use? With so much on your plate I'd definitely recommend giving yourself some love and being gentle to yourself while you explore this part of yourself. Opening up is a big step, be proud of yourself.

[Sophia16]

Hi Emily,

Welcome to the forums! I am really sorry about what you are going through. It looks look you are feeling confused and exhausted.

As Banksy92 said, seeing a psychologist can help you see whether you are diagnosed with OCD. They will also give u tips on how to cope.

I know that one thing that can cause OCD, is stress. So here are a few stress techniques that may help in the mean time:

1. Deep breathing exercises when you are having bad thoughts. Realise that you are having bad thoughts.

2. Eating well and healthy

3. Make time to do things that you love

4. Exercise

5. Mindfulness

Please stay safe and I am here if you need to chat.

[missep123]

Hi Emilyll,

I hear you. I related to your post so much when I read it. Constantly worrying and thinking about the health of your family- absolutely crumbling when and if something does go slightly wrong. This has also extended to worrying about the health of my pet as well!

One thing that helped me was to realise my triggers- for example at night when I could feel my worries building I would then research on the internet and that would result in a spiral of researching and worrying for hours. It was not helpful to my mood. Once I realised I was doing this, I would stop myself from doing that because I would remind myself what would happen if I did begin to research.

As the others have mentioned, seeing a psychologist is honestly a great idea. They are equipped with amazing knowledge and can teach you tools to learn to cope.

In the meantime mindfulness has really helped me. Listening to a guided mindfulness or meditation video on youtube helps to 'reset' my thoughts.

It is challenging and tiring but we can fight against our thoughts and eventually try to win over them. It is definitely a journey.

Please keep us updated! We are here for you!

[Emilyll]

Hi there!

Thank you so much for responding. My partner and I will be organising couples counselling together (after lockdown) as he has ADHD and we both think it will help us work through things together with our own struggles and how our mental health plays a role in our relationship.

My self care involves face masks, trying to stick to a healthy diet, walking a couple times a week and watching my tv shows. It does help a lot but I find them to be temporary distractions- not sure if I consider that as good or bad but I want to focus more on mental health self care.

🧡

[Emilyll]

Hi there, thank you for your response!

Thank you for listing some great techniques for reducing stress. I do some of those things already and they definitely help. I definitely want to focus more on self care that will help my mind “pause” so that I’m not constantly thinking the same thing over and over again. One day at a time 🧡

Thank you!

[Emilyll]

Hi there, thank you so much for your response!

I have two dogs so I definitely understand how you feel

I absolutely know how you feel about researching on the internet when you worry. I try to stop myself too when I realise how long I’ve been researching this one thing. Some people say “just go to the doctor so you are sure” and I understand what they mean but to me, I just need that constant closure and because the internet is more accessible for me at the moment, I will rely on that for an answer.

I will definitely give the YouTube videos a go too!

Thank you so much for your help!

[Petal22]

Hi Emilyll,

Im so sorry you are going through this………. I totally understand what you are going through it’s horrible! I used to do all the things you are describing……..

I was diagnosed with severe anxiety OCD……. I was diagnosed by a psychiatrist……… OCD is a vicious cycle….

The good news is I’m now recovered and have been for the past 4 years! Thanks to the help I received from health professionals…..

My recovery started from seeing my gp we did a mental health plan together, my gp also put me on a antidepressant to help me to manage my anxiety….. I also saw a clinical phycologist and a psychiatrist who diagnosed me this then led me to a clinic that specialised in OCD…… I did a group therapy at this clinic this is where I learned to master my OCD! The therapy I did was an intervention into the OCD it was metacognitive therapy this clinic changed my life! I learned what my OCD cycle was and I learned how to disengage from the OCD cycle…… I’m now free of it and I’m flying…… I learned so many strategies at this clinic I use them in my everyday life…… I’m for ever grateful that I was able to do this therapy… it took time to practice the skills I was taught and a lot of perseverance…

I used to google symptoms aswell but I learned that this was part of my OCD cycle and I now no longer do this……. Please try to stop doing it because it only makes things worse…

Try to practice meditation, I believe meditation got me over the line… we aren’t our thoughts but the watcher of our thoughts….

When you see a psychologist please ensure you see a clinical psychologist a normal psychologist can’t diagnose….

This condition is very treatable! If I can recover there is HOPE that you can too…

Ive written two threads

Someone who had OCD and recovered

Effective treatment for OCD Metacognitive therapy

Please have a read

I learned one of my compulsions were reassurance seeking I no longer do this…..

Im here to chat to you, please ask me any thing

[Emilyll]

Hi there, thank you so much for reaching out!

I am happy that you have recovered from OCD and I will definitely read your threads!

I am a bit skeptical about using medications but I will definitely be seeing a therapist soon to help me with my mental health.

I love what you said: “Try to practice meditation, I believe meditation got me over the line… we aren’t our thoughts but the watcher of our thoughts….” I have started to use the headspace app and listen their meditation videos and they have already helped me… thank goodness! So nice to have some relief

Thank you! 🧡

[Sophia16]

I am glad!

It is going to take time and I am sure one day it will all be over.

I hope you are feeling okay 🙂