OCD Relapse - overanalyzing everything I think and say?

[avocado]

Ugh- I felt really good for several months but this week I moved in with my gf. I was looking forward to this for a long time, but it's just been causing me a lot of stress and I've relapsed into my old OCD themes.

Anyone else sometimes feel like they over analyze their thoughts and words in regards to the action of speaking? I feel like in the past I would just say what is on my mind really easily but lately I feel like I have to think first, then talk and its been giving me a lot of anxiety because it feels weird. I feel like I keep ruminating about the process of interacting with other people and it stresses me out because this has never been a problem for me. Whenever I relapse, I just want to feel like the old me again.

 

[MATD]

Been there. Have a great book title on anxiety if interested.

 

[avocado]

What's it called?

 

[MATD]

“It’s Only Anxiety” by Carl James available at Amazon for $11 plus shipping. There is also a web site, same name as the book, gives you a very good look at the book. I’ve been using the method and it is working for me.

 

[Doug97]

Why are you finding living with your gf so stressful?

 

[avocado]

Why are you finding living with your gf so stressful?

I have ocd and my major themes are Harm OCD and schiz ocd. So being close to her makes me worried that I’ll accidentally harm her like in my sleep or something or I’ll go crazy. Idk ocd sucks haha

The other part is that I’ve never lived with a SO in the past so this is the first time and it’s just different. Like I used to be super independent and stuff but now things will be different and I’m moving forward in my life which is kind of scary and very uncertain for me. Also I used to use video games as a major coping mechanism for my anxiety but now that we live together I’m going to cut down on my video game time by a lot- which is a good thing but at the same time not having that coping mechanism gives me anxiety.

 

[Doug97]

Are you seeing a therapist?

 

[avocado]

Not at the current moment- I did in college, which is when I was first diagnosed with OCD. Now I'm just doing self exercises, taking care of myself, fixing my sleep schedule, etc. I've gone through the whole gauntlet before and have managed it quite well. But now with all these new stressors I've definitely relapsed so maybe I never fully dealt with it!

 

[Camden]

Ugh- I felt really good for several months but this week I moved in with my gf. I was looking forward to this for a long time, but it's just been causing me a lot of stress and I've relapsed into my old OCD themes.

Anyone else sometimes feel like they over analyze their thoughts and words in regards to the action of speaking? I feel like in the past I would just say what is on my mind really easily but lately I feel like I have to think first, then talk and its been giving me a lot of anxiety because it feels weird. I feel like I keep ruminating about the process of interacting with other people and it stresses me out because this has never been a problem for me. Whenever I relapse, I just want to feel like the old me again.

I can definitely sympathize with what you’re feeling. 5 years back when I was in college, I roomed in an apartment with my best friend. It was so much fun and really special to spend my semester living with a good buddy, but I still felt like it awakened my inner OCD.

I thought to myself as we shared a living space if I would inadvertently do anything to offend him or say anything in our conversations that he would take the wrong way. Deep down it really bothered me how a fun living situation was causing me to have so many irrational thoughts. I know rationally my friend likes me and doesn’t expect me to be perfect, but it’s the my fear of making mistakes and my people pleasing hang-up that caused me to stress out about it.

Simply changing your environment/living space is also a common trigger for bringing on unwanted OCD and anxiety. Getting used to your new home might take some time, but I have faith that the familiarity of a new place will make things better.

Just relax and be yourself in your living situation. Moving in with your gf is a great way for you both to mutually grow your relationship. Sure you guys will have a challenge or disagreement here and there, but you’ll have many more special and joyful moments too. Focus on the positive and remember that you have a caring companion with which you have an opportunity to grow a rewarding relationship with.

Hope it all goes well!

 

[Doug97]

I know I'm certainly more likeable when I just relax and be myself. Even manage to make people laugh now and again, when I'm not preoccupied with my self-obsessions.