Okay, here's what I'm working on now. Just going to social events because they sound fun (or in the case of some, because I should or need to) without doing a massive analysis: what will the weather be like, who else will be there, will they be sick, is someone close to me doing something important soon such that I want to avoid being sick, etc., etc...
I'm shy enough that I know some events (such as dates) will simply always make me nervous. But I REALLY want to skip the OCD piece of the social anxiety puzzle.
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You are stronger than you think!
7 months ago
I'm not a doctor or therapist. Maybe some of these suggestions will help you. So here goes my list of things that may help, and things that may not...
ReplyDelete* Group Therapy may not help. Talk Therapy one-on-one might
* Admit that your OCD obsessions are a delusion
* Ask those people around you the most not to talk about, focus on, or draw attention to your OCD. Stick to your therapist when discussing your OCD. NOTE: This one may be hard for you because you keep a blog with thoughts on OCD. Your blog may be helping you, maybe not. I know, I'm adding my thoughts to your blog, at the same time suggesting that talking about it with others may be a bad idea. This is just food for thought
* If you can adopt or buy a puppy as your own, do so. But keep in mind that the puppy will think you're strange if you act strange (OCD behavior). The puppies love will serve as a reward for your improved behavior. Think that the puppy will know how you're doing (it just might). And know that the puppy will want to know you are doing well
* Get plenty of sleep
* Stick to routines as much as possible
* Draw a mental picture of yourself on one side of a road block barricade. On the other side of the road block picture everyone (OCD free) else. Now, in your mind go around the road block to be with all the other OCD free people. Think while you're there, you are OCD free; you left your OCD on the other side of the road block. At first stay there for a short time and enjoy how it feels to be OCD free with everyone else. Return to the OCD side of the barricade when you must. Think about your time with the OCD free people. Overtime, work on staying there more. It's ok to go about your normal activities while you work this mental picture. Just remember what side of the barricade your on and pat yourself on the back for the time you spend OCD free
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ReplyDeleteI posted this comment because I think it's just truly bizarre. Um, thanks??
ReplyDeleteI agree, Ann, that comment is bizarre. :) Oh well...I guess we can't expect that we're the only brand of crazy out there, right? lol ;)
ReplyDeleteAnyway, good luck on your progress. As always, your blog is a great inspirational pit stop for me on my daily trip through blog land. :)
Karin says:
ReplyDeletegood luck. It's hard to socialize when you're wondering whether they will notice any ocd behaviors. So good for you for making the effort. You may also find that after a while it will get easier. Spending time imagining how it will go (positively of course) may help decrease the ocd anxiety as you are acclimatizing your mind to it ( i use this when i have to do something i find OCD says yuk to and i imagine all the good things that will come of it once i am free of that compulsion). That way you are only dealing with social anxieties that may be just normal if you have avoided this kind of activity for awhile.
again, good luck :) Hope you have a great time!
Karin (myjourneythruocd.blogspot.com)
I just saw your blog and have been reading your post. It is comforting in a strange way to know that I am not the only one that has these thoughts and feelings regarding my anxiety and OCD. Thank you for sharing. I recently started my own blog and have found it therapeutic in a way. It is freeing to tell all my feelings and fears without fear of being judged!
ReplyDeleteThanks! http://ocdandanxietyblog.blogspot.com/
I just found your blog and am cheering you on....my son suffered from severe OCD several years ago and with intensive ERP Therapy he is now doing great. I am a big advocate for OCD awareness as there is so much hope for OCD sufferers...good luck as you continue your journey.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Janet. All support gladly accepted! I'm so glad to hear about your son's success.
ReplyDelete