Ways of dealing with OCD?!


Question: Ways of dealing with OCD.?
I'm a 25 year old male, who has been dealing with OCD for probably about the past 10 years now. Mainly described as "Pure-O" with various health obsessions. For instance recently I went to the public health dept. clinic to be tested for HIV (even though I was told I had no risk.) I saw a 'spot' on the test tubes and thought it was blood; however it was not, as all the tubes had this red marker. But now it cannot get it out of my head, that 'what if' the tube collection was contaminated with someone elses blood, I did not see anyone elses blood in the tube, I even went to the clinic the next day and the tech explained the process to me, that they can't even reuse the tubes because they wouldn't work (they have a vacuum inside that once exposed to air, no longer works).

But back on the subject at hand, I ruminate all day long about whatever present obsession is in my head, whether it be a doubt of something, or a disease. I'm currently seeing a psychiatrist but it seems he wants to talk more about my 'life relationships' and the past (possibly to get to the root of my OCD...?). I took Zoloft for 6 months, and unfortunately went off cold turkey which was a mistake, and I'm not looking to use any medications unless they're herbal. If ANYONE has any ways of coping with OCD, herbal treatments, or even just a good word, please help. :)Health Question & Answer


Answers:
I'm 25 and I also have OCD. Mine has changed and been less or more throughout my life, but it is always worse when I am stressed out. I worry that I may get a disease or lose control, and I get panic attacks too.

Fun right.? I try to figure out why I have this problem, along with so many other people, and I think it's about control. A lot of people with OCD are control freaks and feel that everything is okay if they are in complete control. The irony is, nobody is ever in control.

I never went to therapy, and never took any drugs for it either. If it gets really annoying, I take herbal remedies...some good ones are:

1. Valerian extract tincture, it smells kind of like feet, but if you are suffering from bad anxiety and OCD and can't sleep it works really well! A few drops in water or juice and it calms nerves really well.

2. Chamomile tea, calms nerves.

3. St. John's Wort, pill form.

4. SAM-E an herbal pill for depression/anxiety.

5. EXERCISE! It boosts serotonin to your brain, just like Zoloft does, but NATURALLY.

6. It really is about the fact that you can't turn your brain "off." You need to figure out a way to do this, sometimes its as simple as saying "STOP" to yourself, or sometimes it helps to do something else, go outside, call a friend, go out with friends, talk to someone you love, watch a funny movie, etc.

A lot of people with OCD need someone else to ASSURE them that they are okay to feel better, but even that doesn't always work. Try to look deep into yourself and realize this is not anything to worry about, you are a strong person who doesn't need to worry! Live your life! Go outside and be in nature, have fun with your friends, life is too short!Health Question & Answer

I was diagnosed when I was 13. I know exactly how you feel. My obsession was with the safety of my family and I would protect them by trying to stall them from their daily activities by doing things in multiples of eight. They would get angry and it would hurt me because they didn't understand that I was just trying to protect them. I tried the psychotherapy thing and it didn't really work. Honestly, medication was the only thing that worked for me because it allowed me to make my own decisions. The thought were still there, but the medication helped me to ignore them. I wish I had better advice for you.Health Question & Answer

I have these troubles too. St Johns Wort can be good for some people, and other kinds of calming herbs. It's important to see a QUALIFIED Naturopath for herbal medicine. I personally think the most important thing is routine. First, you need to eat regular, nutritious meals and sleep at the same time every single night. PLEASE avoid anything with caffeine and of course alcohol and drugs. Exercise regularly, an hour every day is good, something to get your heart rate up somewhat. Walk out in the sunlight, you need visual stimuli and also vitamin D from the sun. Between doing that, distract yourself with things you enjoy, like internet (avoid search engines and things you can use to fuel your obsessions with certain things), games etc etc. Consider going to church, I have found that helps me (if it's the right church). Cognitive behavioural therapy has shown good results for a lot of people but can be very expensive. Some pharmaceuticals can help, but to be honest they should be a last resort, not only because of the side effects but because of long term effects. They did no good for me.Health Question & Answer



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