First time post: When OCD and Anxiety become innate

[Universal]

Hey, this is my first post within any forum. I would like to throw out there if anyone suffers from OCD or any other Anxiety related disorders? What have you found helpful in regards to therapy, as well any beneficial ways you can live with this when it has been part of your life for so many years? Thanks

[jess334]

Hi Universal,

Welcome aboard. We're glad to have you here.

I have suffered from a General / Social Anxiety Disorder along with panic attacks for over 15 years now.

I have seen various psychologists throughout the years when I am at low points. They help me get back on track, even if its information I've heard before.

I also really like the book Happiness Trap by Russ Harris. It really helped me sit with my anxiety instead of trying to avoid it.

As for living with it, I guess it has just become part of my life. I try to view Anxiety as an emotion, just like anger or sadness. It comes and goes. But its how you react to it that affects your life. Not the emotion itself.

Kind thoughts, Jess

[Emmen]

Hello Universal,

Welcome!

I've been told before that I've grown so used to being in a state of anxiety that I don't know how to live without it. That got me reflecting on how I used to think of anxiety as the state of life, my 'normal' life. It didn't make me feel any better 😞

These days, I consciously make the effort to really notice my anxiety (e.g. mental state, body tenseness etc.), and do breathing exercises/muscle relaxation exercises to reduce the symptoms. The anxiety won't disappear overnight, but I'm trying to make peace with it in the long run.

Cheers,
M

[Universal]

Hi Jess334,

Thank you for your reply I was daunted by the fact to join and did not know what to expect, but a kind reply like yours make it easier.

I can relate to seeing various psychologists and specialist at different points along the way. Sometimes the same information we have heard previously does not sink in or we feel may not apply fully to us at the time, but ultimately it is only once we surrender to this and be able to witness our true self and thought patterns that we can really feel the words and most importantly implement these methods/ ways into our lives.

I have suffered for many years also, 13 years of this the OCD was so extreme within my head I thought I that had psychosis/ psychiatric illness or schizophrenia. It was an extremely tormenting time. I received the diagnoses and professional help only once I saw this condition on television and as you would be aware the it is a journey within itself to obtain the correct help.

I have purchased the book 'The Happiness Trap' I have started it a short time ago and put it down for a while due to circumstance, but I think it is time to make a start on it again.

I like that what you said that anxiety is just like any other emotion, it is just how we respond. That is something I have learnt of late and try to apply to my life as much as I can. I have also found writing has given me an introspective way to deal with things.

I know in my case things had to break before things could be fixed. It becomes somewhat a delusional state of mind because if you are able to function, you feel like you are alright and if your condition is not recognized from people close to you it seems you become extremely harder on yourself and try too many different ways to do the simple things, but throughout this time you know that you are not well and things are no where near right. It somehow became for me that I couldn't accept any of my conditions if it was not acknowledged from those close to me. This unfortunately had to occur for me to rationalize and slow myself down.

I seemed to have so many coping mechanisms in place I was just in motion really just in survival mode for many years. Once this has happens you find it hard to relate to the person you were previously, but it is only through the stillness and accepting of all this that you find you are able to move on, but you need to realize what you are moving on from and where you are, something that comes in waves. Somewhere I am currently at.

Regards

[Universal]

Thank you for reply Emmen it has made the transition easier.

As you mentioned the breathing exercises and muscle relaxation has helped you, thank you I have found this to be a imperative part of my daily life and if I overlook these things it can really wreak havoc on me. I have found Yoga to be great, I have done many forms, but have found Yin Yoga to be the one most beneficial for me. The classes are great I know I sometimes find it hard to front up to the class and have to find my flow before I go but ultimately all is good and the benefits out weight the negatives.

I like what you said regarding anxiety being a state of mind not the person you are. I have fallen into that trap also for many years. Feelings of delusion where the simple things become hard and not being able to recognize who you once were and feelings of 'who am I now'. I think once you are at that point, an extremely deep place soul searching place you don't have a choice but to accept the things in your life that has caused so much destructive behavior on your mindset. It is the most isolating yet freeing place where nothing but ultimately everything makes sense or at least as much sense as it needs to to accept and witness where you are at for healing and life to begin and move forward.

Thanks for your reply, it makes a difference.

Peace