I feel like my obsessive thoughts are beginning to take over my life... 24/7?

Question

A lot has happened to me in the past... and because of a traumatic event, I've become extremely paranoid and anxious. I saw a psychologist for a couple of weeks three years ago... he said that I had GAD. I would get anxiety attacks at the weirdest times. Like this stinging sensation in my chest. That has finally gone away, but some things haven't. I used to open and close doors repeatedly. Over and over again. I stopped that. I forced myself to. But I do get weird images in my head. Like if I'm washing my face in the sink, my mind flashes an image that the water is really blood and that some killer is behind me waiting to murder me. I'm afraid of someone breaking into my house EVER NIGHT. I have obsessive thoughts of how I might become blind and how I might get wrinkles. I'm beginning to check things repeatedly now. I've noticed that I keep on checking the lock on my door all night. I lock it sometimes because I don't want someone to kill me.

What should I do?

Also, my obsessive thoughts have allowed me to suffer from body dysmorphic disorder.

Answer 1

so you have GAD, of course, OCD and sounds like paranoid personailty disorder, and maybe even OCPD (obsessive compulsive personality disorder). what i suggest you do is first, go look up the DSM-IV-TR in the library reference section and look up all these disorders, and if any others catch your eye, read about them too. this is the manual of mental disorders, it tells a bit about the disorder and gives the signs/symptoms you must have and how long you must have them (if applicaple) in order to have the disorder. then i suggest that you go see a psychologist, not just any, but a behavioral or cognitive or one that practices both (usually they do cause behavorial and cognitive kind of go hand in hand). tell them what you experience, what you do, how you feel, etc. and i hate to suggest it, but i would also talk to him about getting on meds, only because your disorders are really bad, and meds could actually help and not just be a quick fix. but talk to him/her about it first and if you guys decide that you need them, then get on them, but remember its totally up to you whether you want to or not, and you can stop them anytime you want, you are in control, remember, its your body!!! but yes see a psychologist and dont stop. it will help, but you have to be totally open and honest about what you are going through for the therapy to work, if your not, then there is no sense in going. i do hope that you get help and that everything works out for you!!

Answer 2

I'm sorry about what has happened to you. I have had some similar things to that and it's not fun.

It sounds like you've developed an obsessive compulsive disorder. Unfortunately there isn't a quick fix--it takes time to replace negative and unhealthy thoughts with the right ones. I'm not sure how you feel about God, but if I can be honest, He is the only sure thing that has really helped me. I too have compulsions like getting up over and over to check the locks, look all around the house, and fear of someone breaking in and all that. I just lie there and pray, and tell God what I'm feeling. Sometimes I pray out loud--hearing my own voice speaking the truth helps to keep my mind on it too. I also recite scripture out loud. Some of my favorites are Isaiah 41:13, Psalm 23, and Psalm 91. It's all a matter of convincing yourself of the truth. Somewhere deep down you know that the thoughts that you are having are lies, and you have to make the truth your reality. For compulsive behaviors like opening and closing doors and things like that, just consciously make yourself stop. Tell yourself over and over that nothing will happen to you if you do. The world will go on, you will be fine, everyone you know will be fine. Even name the fear and the obsessive thought. This is going to sound strange, but put a name on things--even if it's just "Fear" and "Obsession". To some people that may seem strange but to you these things are very, very real. Talk to them and tell them that they have no place in your life. Acknowlege the lie and replace it with the truth. It's not going to work like a charm right away, but repetition is key. Challenge yourself and your thoughts--right will win out.

Also, you mentioned seeing a psychiatrist--find a good therapist that you can go to. Memories of trauma are extremely hard to deal with on your own, and someone like that can really help you sort things out and get to the root of your behavior.

Anyways I hope this helps at least a little. I'll keep you in my prayers.

Take care,
Beth

P.S. I just read the answer below me and it is really good--it actually helped me alot too, since I have suffered from a severe panic disorder and depression and alot of other stuff for a long time. Even though this isn't my question I just wanted to say thanks!

Answer 3

Seems like everything you said comes from FEAR....and superstition. I used to do a lot of this...and I know what you're feeling. If it's any help...it gradually goes away. I still do it a little...but not much. I try to reason with myself. It's kinda like everything has to "feel right"...or something bad will happen. That's how it was for me anyway. Just remember this...we can't save the universe!! Could you be having panic attacks? or PTSD? Have you been thru something traumatic? I take risperdal (fourth mg) for it and it helps me a lot. You might want to ask your dr. about it. It's been used lately for PTSD. O..I just saw you went thru a traumatic event !! WALLA !!!That's it. Google the symptoms for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Bet that's what it is. You can try everything else first...it took me years of trying other drugs to find risperdal. Maybe you can try it first..just a fourth or half mg..anymore will make you legarthic. Good Luck !!

Answer 4

You should live with someone you feel safe with. Being alone for a long time isn't good for your thoughts and can make you feel more scared than you have to. You have a lot of OCD. I have a few OCD issues myself and new ones can develope at anytime, the best you can do is make a conscious effort to control the ones you have, when you catch yourself doing them.

Answer 5

It sounds to me like you are going through what is called catastrophic thinking. This is a result of an extreme amount of stress in your life. You mentioned you suffer from GAD and anxiety is also a result of stress. The reason people go through catastrophic thinking is because they have a HUGE amount of stress in their life and so their brain comes up with the worst and scariest thoughts it can to distract them from dealing with their real life issues. I'm not sure what has happened to you in the past or what the circumstances of your life are now but it sounds like you are weighed down. I STRONGLY suggest looking into www.stresscenter.com

I did this program because I had HORRIBLE panic disorder and post partum depression (great combination let me tell you - that was about as sarcastic as I could get). I had awful scary thoughts all the time. Some like yours, like someone was going to break into my house or try to kill me or my baby. I live near a train track and my worst scary thought was that one night when a train would come I would not be able to keep myself from walking in front of it. This scared the hell out of me because I knew I didn't anything bad to happen to me or anyone else for that matter. The program addresses scary thoughts like mine and yours and how to handle them.

There are some tips online and if you decide to order it it takes about a week to get to you. In the mean time here are some tips that I use.

1 - Address what is stressing you. What is it about your past or future is causing you all this stress. Be very honest with yourself about ways to help take some of the stress out of your life. For example say you are stressed about money so when you have your scary thoughts repeat to yourself that it's money you are worried about and nothing else.

2 - BE POSITIVE. As stupid as it sounds it helps so much. When your scary thoughts come into your mind address them don't run and then say to yourself THESE ARE JUST THOUGHTS AND THOUGHTS ONLY. I am able to take care of myself, I am strong, I am smart, I know how to handle my life and the situation in it. Talk yourself through. It takes some practice but it will get easier the more you do it.

3 - Take some time to yourself if you can. Relax. Find a comfortable place, make sure there are not distractions, the temp is just right, and your clothes are comfy. Lay on your back and breath for awhile. In your nose for 2 seconds, out your mouth for 4 seconds. Do this for a few minutes. Then start to work the tension from your muscles. Flex your feet and hold for 5, release. Flex your lower legs hold for 5, release. Work your way up you body. Do this over and over for about 10 minutes. It also helps to imagine BLUE. When I need to calm down I imagine a dark blue night sky with stars. Cheesy maybe but again, it works.

All the best to you and I hope this helps.

Answer 6

Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety / Panic Attacks / Stress / Depression(Bereavment) / Mood Swings :-

ANXIETY / PANIC ATTACKS & STRESS :-

Sudden with restlessness and fear of death, Panic Attacks, Aconite 30X or 200X,1/2 hourly (3 Doses)

Prolonged with periodic and panic attacks Arsenic Alb.200X, 4 hourly (3 Doses)

With fainting spells; profuse sweating; worse in the morning Sulphur 30X or 200X 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Makes patient walk fast; due to anticipation Argentum Nit 200X, 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Worse lying in bed and closing the eyes Carbo Veg 30X or 200X, 4 hourly (6 Doses)

Anxiety aggravated by upward or downward motion; going in an elevator; worse till 11 P.M, Borax 200X or 1M, 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Anxious about business even when seriously ill Bryonia Alba 200X 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Full of apprehensions in the evening Causticum 200X, 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Anxiety and fears in the evening with restlessness and palpitation Calcarea Carb.200X or 1M, 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Anxiety worse while lying still. Sad music ameliorates the complaints Manganum Acet 200X 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Anxiety due to fright, fear,exciting news; stage fright; worse while appearing for examination or interview etc Gelsemium 30X or 200X 3 hourly (6 Doses)

Mood Swings, Anxiety due to grief or shock in the subconscious mind Ignatia 200X or 1M, 3 hourly (3 Doses)

Anxiety; better after eating Anacardium Or 30X, 4 hourly.

DEPRESSION & GRIEF(Bereavement) :-

Severe shock due to sudden death of loved ones; restlessness, anxiety and fear Aconite 200X. 10 min (3 Doses)

Prolonged mournings; cannot overcome the loss of loved ones and/or Mood Swings. Ignatia 1M or 10M, 6 hourly (3 Doses)

When the grief is in the conscious mind; patient weeps; does not like sympathy Natrum Mur.200X or 1M, 6 hourly (3 Doses)

For chronic grief and indignation Staphysagria 200X or 1M, weekly (3 Doses)

Depression with suicidal thoughts feeling of worthlessness, Aurum Met 30X, three times a day half hour before meals.


Take the remedy which is similar to your symptoms. No side effects or complications if taken as directed, please do not exceed the given dosage and under any circumstances do not try to mix any remedies and avoid Chocolates, Mints, Coffee, Red Meat, Alcoholic and Carbonated drinks, Spicy Rich Food while taking any Homeopathic remedies, and keep the medicines away from direct sunlight, heat strong smells and perfumes and do not store them in the fridge.
Curing without any side effects or Complications Thats the Beauty of Homeopathic Medicine (Cures Par Excellence)

Take Care and God Bless You !

Answer 7

Well I understand some of what you are saying, I have OCD. It can really get annoying. You should try to obtain medication, or just talk to a psychotherapist, and if you really dont want to. Talk to a counsilor or a really close and wise friend it really helps to talk about it. =]

Answer 8

that reminds me of the next segment.DO NOT SMOKE CRACK.