OCD Free

Welcome to OCD Free! This blog is set up with two primary goals: 1) To raise awareness about what OCD and the lesser known form Pure-O are really like, to either those that don't suffer from the disorder but are interested, or to sufferers that want to know more about what they're experiencing. 2) To act as a support network to those with the disorder that need help, either anonymously or openly in asks. There’ll be informative posts that aim to clear up the misconceptions about OCD, as well as provide coping methods and optimistic messages. The disorder is taken very seriously, but posts are often written in a positive, motivated light. Don't worry if you can't find the ask box! It just means it's temporarily shut due to build up and/or revision due to upcoming exams. :) - Nathan

[ocdfree]

Update

Hello followers, I'm currently in the process of moving in with my girlfriend as well as sorting out university for this year. I'm sorry for the long absence and it looks like it'll stay that away until we're fully moved on July the 1st. As soon as I get internet again I'll start a fresh ask box and pick up the pace with getting back to you guys.

In the meantime please use previous asks I've answered as a means of advice and check out the resources page as there's a list of helpful links that helped me when I was really struggling. Take care and stay strong everybody.

Nathan

[ocdfree]

Porn Anon again, Also I should mention that I stopped taking my medication about a half a year ago and I've done really well off it, only having a bad freak out 2-4 months. And before I couldn't eat or drink anything with Caffeine, but since i've done so well off of the meds I have been drinking a lot more caffeine type drinks lately and now my OCD is coming back with a vengeance. I'm also considering get back on medicine even though I really don't want to.

I've read both parts but I'll reply to everything in this one! First of all, treat all your obsessions as one. The disorder is the problem as well as your reaction. The content of thoughts doesn't matter. Medication is great if you're using it as a boost alongside other coping mechanisms but I can't stress enough how important it is to keep fighting and using ERP, otherwise medication is no use. You understand you don't deserve to feel guilty so don't justify your thoughts; you have absolutely no need to. :)

[ocdfree]

Hey! Ok so I have hocd, well at least i hope i do. I like this boy and he likes me back, but lately i've been thinking: what if i like girls and i'm just doing this to fool myself? what if i'm a lesbian and i'll just end up hurting him? I want to be with him so bad but my brain keeps on telling me it's a lie. It's also telling me that i like one of my girl friends, but i don't. I just like her as a friend, it disgusts me to think otherwise. But I can't stop. I'm afraid i'll push him away..

I wouldn't recommend diving head first into a relationship if you're struggling right now. OCD does sadly affect those around us as well as ourselves. The best thing you can do is take things slow with this guy and whilst doing that be sure to practise the coping mechanisms recommended on this page. Let all thoughts be there and remind yourself that they don't have meaning. Trust your gut instinct and blame your condition for the thought you experience rather than relating them to a personal doubt. Remind yourself that anxiety clouds judgement and come back to your thoughts when the anxiety dies. You'll be surprised how clearly you'll see things when you can breathe properly!

[ocdfree]

I experience extreme stage fright whenever I have to get up in front of people to say/do something. I become paralyzed with fear. I have been diagnosed with OCD. Do you think that this could be a part of it?

Hello! OCD sufferers tend to be anxious people in general so it will at least be a contributing factor to your stage fright. However do you often find your thoughts to influence this anxiety? Do you fear a bad crowd response and that sets you off? If so you can tackle that with the same coping mechanisms I recommend to combat OCD as it at the very least follows the same cycle.

[everybodyhasabrain]

Here’s your mental health metaphor for the day: An otter mother teaches her baby to swim by dragging it by the neck through the water. 

When it comes to doing healthy things for your brain and learning to embrace anxiety, you need to do to your brain what the otter mother does to her baby: You’ve got to drag it into the water and throw it under if you want it to learn how to swim. Make your brain do the things it thinks it can’t do, the things it’s afraid of, the things it’s terrified of failing at.

It seems scary, but it works. 

[ocdfree]

Ask Box Update!

Hi everybody! :) I've gotten through half of my current asks. I'm going to bed now as it's 23:17 here but I have a few free days so tomorrow I'll finish the remaining asks and then reopen the ask box for everybody to use. :)

Stay strong and keep checking back!

- Nathan

[ocdfree]

Hi, I was wondering about the correlation between workaholism and OCD. I've seen workaholism be called an aspect of OCD, but I'm not really sure how they work together.. Could workaholism be considered a theme, a compulsion, something else? I'm asking because I have both.

I have a couple of theories on this but they’re nothing more than theories so take what I’m about to say with a pinch of salt and as an opinion:

OCD sufferers tend to be hyper analytical. Most sufferers I know tend to push themselves to be the best they can and think very deeply. On top of that they tend to really get into what they do. Therefore, it could possibly be a sort of perfectionist trait. I know I personally get really addicted to games and want to do the best I can, in a way that follows an obsessive-compulsive cycle, just without any discomfort.

On the flip side, it could be a way to battle their self-esteem issues that also tend to be rife. I know I work hard because I long for acceptance which helps me with my self-doubt, which OCD is prone to triggering in people.

I think it varies from person to person. Personally I reckon it can be a separate trait that’s coincidental, but in many cases there’s a link as responsibility is a big part of our personalities.

[ocdfree]

This is super embarassing but my OCD is making me feel guilty for liking to watching porn. I only watch porn about once of month, close to when I start my menstrual cycle because I usually get more aroused around then and want to look at that kind of stuff. But lately my OCD is eating away at me for liking saying that I'm a bad person and because I've watched it three nights and a row and now my OCD is trying to convince me I have a porn addiction (TBH)

Hello anon!

I read your second part but I’m going to reply to it all in this one.

OCD is fantastic at playing on and clouding emotions. Guilt is one of the most common and most affected emotions.

The good thing is, you see rationally about this. You know you have no reason to feel like you do. Separate yourself from your intrusive feelings and continue to work through them. You enjoy watching porn and have every right to do so guilt free. If OCD kicks in and tries to make you feel otherwise, keep watching. It may even be a good idea to watch it more if you’re feeling uncomfortable, in order to desensitize.

Hormones fluctuate throughout life and as long as you don’t watch porn for crippling amounts of time it is perfectly normal to have periods of watching it more. It totally varies from person to person.

Stay strong and keep me updated. Remember, you are not your OCD!

[ocdfree]

Pure O

So I'm currently seeing a psychiatrist for my Pure-O OCD but I'm afraid that it's getting worse and I'm going to act on these obsessive thoughts that I have about hurting my family, friends, etc. I just have a really uneasy feeling and I don't know if it's from the depression or anxiety. I also don't know what to do when the thoughts come on. I feel like I just dwell on them and get myself more worked up. Anything you suggest or any insight into this? Thank you. OCD Free Response:

Hey jimmyadamson!  What you're experiencing is your fight or flight response kicking in. Anxiety is a feeling that takes priority to us as it's a survival mechanism. However we can look at this survival mechanism when it comes to Pure-O/OCD as glitchy. Naturally you feel confused when these thoughts come on but the trick is to understand it as just a feeling. The feeling is connected to the thoughts you're experiencing, but you can break this connection by altering your response. Next time these thoughts enter your mind, remind yourself that sufferers of Pure-O/OCD do not act on these thoughts. They are the opposite of our character and there to protect us by scaring us. However, you don't need to be scared. You can trust yourself. Let the thoughts be there and continue about your day as normal. Do the things you enjoy doing. If OCD is ruining something for you that's an innocent activity then keep doing it. You can teach your body and mind that these thoughts are not a threat by doing this. If you want to give me some examples of your avoidance behaviours I'd be more than happy to give you some examples on how to get past them. Keep your head up!

[ocdfree]

Been struggling with OCD since November. Started with HOCD now unfortunately Harm OCD, and its so hard understanding it. Have you had any experience with this theme? It's super distressing thinking I may harm others!

Hello! I’ve not had much experience with it though it has occasionally tried to get into my head. Luckily I’ve got ERP down pretty well by now as well as ACT, so new themes don’t tend to stick for long.

It sounds riskier than it is, but trust me when I say to trust yourself. Exposure works wonders for this theme just like any other. Whatever makes you feel uncomfortable needs to be tackled head on. If you fear you’re going to stab someone, make a meal with a fellow family member. You’re not going to act on these thoughts because they’re ego-dystonic (the opposite of your true character), but your mind won’t believe that until you prove it to yourself.

For me, Harm OCD has kicked in when my girlfriend and I play fight (I always fear getting too aggressive). However I trust myself I’d never actually harm her and now I don’t get nervous about it.

You have control. Never let the illusion OCD provides tell you otherwise.

[ocdfree]

Read the ask box, I'll start getting back to them tonight! :)

Hope everybody is well!

[mentalhealthresource]

Treating Anxiety with ACT

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is used by many anxiety experts to treat excessive worry and anxiety.

[recoveryisbeautiful]

[anxiety-disorderr]

So, to my US followers, whenever you feel alone, guess what? You aren’t. I bet there is someone out there where you are right now who understands and will listen and not judge you. 

[ocdfree]

Creeping up from the 1 in 4 statistic; doesn't surprise me sadly!

[inspiring-pictures]

[ocdfree]

ERP ERP ERP guys!

[onlinecounsellingcollege]

[believeinrecovery]

1. Although it’s natural to feel stupid or bad, don’t stay in the pit of self hatred and despair. It doesn’t mean you’re evil, or that nobody should like you. It just means you are human, and this time you got it wrong.

2. Try and gain perspective by looking for exceptions – and remembering...

[ocdfree]

Hopefully this is helpful to you guys out there dealing with enhanced guilt due to OCD!

[arpeggia]

Crying does not indicate that you are weak. Since birth, it has always been a sign that you are alive.

Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre (via arpeggia)

[quotes-94-blog]