What are /r/OCD's favorite Products & Services?

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Have you considered getting a bidet? They’re pretty affordable and a lot cleaner than using TP or wipes. I used to spend a lot of time wiping, but now I just use one of these for a few minutes.

It was called the Didit Medicine Reminder. It might be hard to find though, so you could also try finding something similar like the link I've pasted here if you can't find one. https://www.amazon.com/Day-Weekly-Pill-Organizer-Take-n-Slide/dp/B078ZLCRFS/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=didit+medicine+reminder&qid=1620143578&sr=8-4

Totally true! Read What Doesn't Kill Us: How Freezing Water, Extreme Altitude, and Environmental Conditioning Will Renew Our Lost Evolutionary Strength https://www.amazon.com/dp/1623366909/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_LiRpCbX4D78KQ

I’ve had just about every theme of OCD there is...it’s been a journey for me. That said, this book changed my life. Literally, I read this book and put it in practice to this day. I’ve gotten to the point now in which I still have my thoughts (you might always have them) but now I just chuckle, shake my head, and say “more please...this is exactly what I want!”

Stopping the Noise in Your Head : the New Way to Overcome Anxiety and Worry https://www.amazon.com/dp/0757319068/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_P3AGE9C99G52WXEC0W7N

yes, they terrify me and make me upset to the point where I can’t function unless I know they’re dead/gone. for flying insects I started carrying this bug zapper around the house and it’s great and helps me feel a lot safer

My therapist once asked me, "If you have a song stuck in your head, what can you do to get rid of it?" The answer: put something else on.

What you need is something else to put on. I can't suggest anything specific, but finding some mind-occupying activity is essential. A hobby is great, or learning some skill or language you've always wanted to learn. Or maybe even just reading a book.

I would also suggest setting delay goals for yourself. Next time you want to wash or check the door, tell yourself that if you still want to in five minutes you can do it then. Even better, deliberately touch something dirty and make yourself wait to wash. And what would probably feel great is to plan little adventures into the world outside your home.

Hold your own feet to the fire. You will realize how much control you really have.

Not sure if you live in the US, but through Obamacare you can probably get a very good deal on health insurance. It's at least worth looking into. Depending on what state you live in, you can apply through the state program and get further subsidy. Be sure to find a plan that covers mental health outpatient care, which is what a therapist would fall under.

I know atheists are overrepresented on reddit, but I thought I would chime in that you don't have to believe in anything in particular to get over OCD. Belief certainly helps some people. For a heathen like me it was the uncertainty that I get any more time to exist than this life that motivated me not to waste another damn minute on OCD.

It really does. I recommend going through and doing a workbook as you wait to get therapy, or even while you get therapy. It will help show you the ways you're unintentionally making things worse. Here's a good one for OCD: https://smile.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-Breaking-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1572249218/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=ocd+workbook&qid=1611442175&sprefix=ocd+&sr=8-3

(And I have harm, too. Mine, thankfully, is self harm so I recognize that I'm honestly fortunate in that way.)

ALL THE TIME. You are not alone.

I'm currently reading and working through the exercises in "The perfectionist's handbook : take risks, invite criticism, and make the most of your mistakes" by Szymanski, Jeff (who is the executive director at the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation, IOCDF) and it seems like it could be helpful. I'm taking the results of some of the exercises in to discuss with my therapist today.

I would suggest reading The Miracle of Mindfulness, by Thich Nat Hahn, read the whole book, there is this part in there that talks about what to do with intrusive type thoughts, has helped me so much, like night and day, seriously I am a different person now! You don't need to be Buddhist to enjoy and learn from the book it is applicable for people from all walks of life. Like ultrapunisher said, exercise, even a 20 min walk can do wonders on a bad day.

I have this type of OCD, and this is one of the reasons why I haven’t gone to get help. I actually found this slideshow today and it is helpful.

I fear that because few know about sensorimotor obsessions and most experts don’t even wrote about it, that it is rare and hard to treat.

Brain lock is a good book on dealing with OCD, it should help her. Really she needs professional help. A person with Ocd knows their fears are irrational, but the fear is so all consuming they cannot dismiss it. I reccommend reading up about it in order to understand the illness better.

I know it's hard but try to have compassion for yourself.

I was doing this constantly related to one specific complication of a medical condition that I do have. The only thing that helped me was setting up blocks for searches using add-ons like BlockSite and Cold Turkey. They let you block by keywords/phrases and certain websites, and while it's not a perfect system, it certainly makes it much harder for me to get caught in those spirals now!

I recommend going on the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) website and finding an ERP (exposure and response prevention therapy, a subset of CBT) therapist in your area who is accepting new patients. Call them and ask for guidance re: broaching the subject of OCD with your brother; most providers will be happy to help in this manner. That way when you (and your parents) do have a gentle, compassionate conversation with your brother about his seemingly compulsive behaviors, you have a resource to offer him (in terms of someone he can see for professional help) which will hopefully make him feel less lost.

There is also a lot of educational info. for loved ones on the IOCDF website and you might want to try reading a book or two if you have the time. Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder by Jonathan Grayson is a great overview and is considered one of the preeminent texts on the topic.

My parents held an intervention for me re: OCD ~5 years ago (they basically did what I suggested above) and it was such a tremendous relief to realize that I might be able to stop doing what I was doing. They were told by OCD experts to anticipate that I might respond with anger during the conversation so just keep that in mind regarding your brother.

As far as a support group and medications, a good OCD / ERP provider will help your brother find those additional resources once he has gone through the diagnosis process.

Good luck to you and your brother. You are an amazing sibling for trying to help him like this.

I found this book (the language and exercises) really helpful! I also have the anxiety book from the same peeps.

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/1572249218/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_i_WW3XQ82PG07CJMRPAM62?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Because you're asking for reassurance which, if given, will only help feed the disorder and push you further into your anxieties.

If you want to break the OCD cycle, you need to start engaging in the necessary therapies and/or medications. You can discuss what's appropriate for you with your doctor.

If you are unable to get treatment, I recommend resources like the OCD Workbook for a CBT oriented approach (https://www.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-Breaking-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1572249218/) or similar works for other therapeutic practices.

Alternatively something like this would help without having to remember to click the buttons or worry about accidentally clicking buttons and not noticing.

It was called the Didit Medicine Reminder. It might be hard to find though, so you could also try finding something similar like the link I've pasted here if you can't find one. https://www.amazon.com/Day-Weekly-Pill-Organizer-Take-n-Slide/dp/B078ZLCRFS/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=didit+medicine+reminder&qid=1620143578&sr=8-4

This is called "compulsive flooding" - it's mentioned briefly here: https://www.slideshare.net/IOCDF/jon-hershfield-mind-washing-mastering-the-unique-challenges-of-metal-rituals

Treat it as any other compulsion!

there's a great book called 'loving someone with ocd' - not that you are in love with this person, but it sets out great support guidelines.

these are some good links to check out:

http://hubpages.com/hub/What-Not-to-Say-to-Someone-With-Clinical-OCD

www.ocfoundation.org

www.beyondocd.org

the last two are great info resources and the info is based on evidence-based treatments for ocd (not all therapy is equal, especially when it comes to ocd). they also have therapist directories if your friend is interested in getting help.

my other favorite book is 'mindfulness workbook for obsessive compulsive disorder' by corboy and hershfield. awesome workbook for someone going through ocd or wanting to understand it and how to best manage it.

good to see someone wanted to be supportive and open to learning!

It's by Richard MacKenzie. I uploaded the file for you to try out. If it helps you consider buying this audio session. http://www.4shared.com/mp3/pTzunLvd/ocddownload.html

Richard Mackenzie's direct link. http://www.richardmackenzie.co.uk/shop/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd-mp3.htm

If you try it let me know how it works out.

Alternative Reddit apps may not have ads. You could try others such as Apollo which according here doesn't have ads.

yes... it can be bad or good. The problem is, you have a tendency to Obsess, which is a sign that your mind is trapped in the bargaining process. We can become aware of how trapped we are and it can be very disheartening at first. However, self awareness is the process of recovery. I have written a recovery guide that may give you perspective. We, are not, our thoughts... but the sickness of modern society makes identification with that voice a form of False self. We become, our Egos. Feel free to check it out, there is no charge and I am happy to answer questions.

https://about.me/jeffrounds

1. Ants hate black pepper & red pepper- if you can tolerate it being everywhere.
2. Idk what they are called really, where I grew up we called them "ant cups" & used them for beds/cabinets, but the closest I can find on Amazon is an "ant proof bowl" for pets. Basically you would put your bed posts in the center and fill the moat with water to prevent them coming into your bed. Hope this helps somewhat! ((Amazon link to closest I could find!))

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07WGM8JWT/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_53BPCX1Y9RR90QJGJ3G8

https://www.amazon.ca/Complete-OCD-Workbook-Step-Step/dp/1641520175/ref=asc_df_1641520175/?tag=googlemobshop-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=319708037714&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=18216469667666098597&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&amp...

This is the one I use! You should check it out

Yeah it sounds like pretty classic contamination OCD. It probably would be best to see an OCD specialist because OCD can change and evolve on you, the theme really isn't that important. At the end of the day, the harder you fight this the deeper you will go down with your OCD. The way out is to accept uncertainty, maybe you got spit on you maybe not, and go about your life.

If you saw an OCD specialist they would do ERP with you, which stands for Exposure and response prevention. So in essence, you are exposed to something you fear. (Being spit on or being dirty) and then you do not perform any compulsions. You work on stopping rumination and you do not clean yourself. This is you telling your brain that these thoughts are not useful and the anxiety eventually subsides. Meditation will help decoupling the thoughts from what is actually real, but as you can see it's only a small part of the puzzle.

Freedom from OCD is a good place to start to learn about what is actually going on. Battling OCD is something that is that seems super daunting, and requires a fair amount of learning and research, but once you are outside of the hole it seems much easier than it seemed in retrospect.

It was called the Didit Medicine Reminder. It might be hard to find though, so you could also try finding something similar like the link I've pasted here if you can't find one. https://www.amazon.com/Day-Weekly-Pill-Organizer-Take-n-Slide/dp/B078ZLCRFS/ref=sr_1_4?dchild=1&keywords=didit+medicine+reminder&qid=1620143578&sr=8-4

>Hershfield

are you referring to

The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD ?

Please please please buy the OCD workbook, available on Amazon. I suffer a lot of what you are describing. It is eye opening and comforting and hard and triggering but relieving all at the same time. It has given me good tools to deal with the anxiety and OCD. It is around $25.00. If you can’t spare the cash now, I am happy to gift it to you.

Here is the link: The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD: A Guide to Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (New Harbinger Self-help Workbooks) h

Honestly, getting this diagnosis was one of the best things that happened to me. When I got therapy that was actually for my OCD and read books that were for my OCD, I made more progress in months than I had my entire life. When I got tired of my mom's guilt, I told my mom to read this if she wanted to know more: https://www.amazon.com/When-Family-Member-Has-Obsessive-Compulsive/dp/1626252467/ref=sr_1_2?crid=JHL5Q2XIDCQV&dchild=1&keywords=when+a+family+member+has+ocd&qid=1594775781&sprefix=when+a+family+m%2Caps%2C163&sr=8-2

I'm still in high school but I used to have the same anxiety that I would be kidnapped or something when I was by myself at home or walking down the sidewalk. I know my situation is different but what helped me was keeping a small alarm near me when I walked home from the bus and stayed in the house alone. The alarm I carried had a key chain that attached to your keys, backpack, etc and you activated it by pulling a pin out and it made a really loud noise. It also had a flashlight so you could blind the attacker or use Morse code. Idk if you would be interested in buying one but here's a link to one on Amazon

Hope this helps and good luck with school

Also. There's an app called NOCD that works with ERP that can be of help. Of course a real therapist is better, but I know this app is based in proper science and can be of help while you find a specialist

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.treatmyocd.nocd

I do, and it has taken me many years to come to terms with it, and I also had trouble with going to a therapist because my dad did not want me to, but it has helped me so much along with medicine. There's an app that I love called What's up for OCD that helps me when I can't go to therapy. Here is a link to install it: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.jacksontempra.apps.whatsup&hl=en

These are some recommended to me (I am still working on the first one so don't shoot the messenger if they suck!):

Wherever you go, there you are by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Peace is Every Step by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck by Mark Manson

I recommend Search Inside Yourself by Chade-Meng Tan.

Sure, the book is about mindfulness, but it has an entire section on how to coexist with the "monsters" in your head. You acknowledge, but don't feed them.

They can come, they can stay, but they get no food from you.

Check it out.

> I'm trying to meditate more, but even that's been really difficult, I keep feeling like I'm just not doing it right.

That's funny, because that's kind of one of the common feelings that many people who are meditating experience. Check out /r/meditation for some really insightful help on achieving good meditation habits.

Mindfulness and meditation are different concepts, but very related - one can practice mindfulness without meditating. Mindfulness is simply being aware of the present moment and letting thoughts of the future, the past, or anything that is not the present moment pass over you.

I've found some success with meditation, which requires daily practice over a long period of time to be helpful - however, when going through a rough patch with my OCD, it can be difficult to practice consistently, and I tend to rely on more traditional CBT techniques.

Practiced meditators, however, sometimes go through periods of non-practice before picking back up, so if you hit a wall with meditation don't feel like you're failing if you take a step back for a bit. Also, don't expect it to be a singular fix to managing OCD. It is more like a cog in the recovery machine that can help you tremendously.

I'd recommend Thich Nhat Han's "The Miracle of Mindfulness" for more information on how to practice. Also check out "The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD" (link in the wiki) for a more tailored approach. Guided meditation apps never worked for me, but if you decide that you want to try actual meditation give a basic timer a shot.

I have learned to manage it.

Now, that doesn't meant it doesn't crop up every now and then, because it does. But what it does mean is that I have learned that these thoughts, like emotions, are just physiological phenomenon. They are not me, but what my body is feeling. With that in mind you can let the "monsters" exist in your head. They can stay as long as they want, or they can leave - they just have to understand that I will not feed them.

I highly recommend a book called Search Inside Yourself my Chade Meng Tan.

I've said this many times before so it may be repetitive, but The Art of War says to use your enemy's strength against them. Your enemy is the catastrophic thoughts. It's strength is that it convinces you in the moment that the fear is real and will happen.

Its weakness then, is that of the ten thousand times it has whispered to you in the past that disaster was certain...it was always (or almost always) wrong, despite how real it felt.

The realness is an illusion. Next time you think to yourself "This time it is real, because it feel real", remind yourself that this illusion's strength, but it has been wrong every time in the past. And it will continue to be wrong in the future.

For learning to cut out the judging compulsion, maybe "Peace is Every Step," by Thich Nhat Hanh, would be a good place to start, or "The Happiness Trap," by Russ Harris could be useful for understanding why the feelings you're chasing only lead to more problems.

Often, without treatment, OCD gets worse. Luckily, there are options besides medication if that isn't for you. Exposure and Response Prevention is the most effective psychotherapy treatment for OCD. It is probably best done with the help of a psychologist who specializes in the treatment of OCD but there are books available, such as this one: https://www.amazon.com/Freedom-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder-Personalized/dp/042527389X if you'd rather try to do it on your own. Best of luck!

Read the book "Freeing Your Child from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder" by Tamar Chansky. It will help you know what you can do to help and support your daughter and teach you all about OCD. I think it will really help you to support your daughter in her treatment and give you the information you need to answer the questions you posed here. https://www.amazon.com/Freeing-Your-Child-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/0812931173/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1475542903&sr=8-1&keywords=freeing+your+child+from+ocd

I've read this book and listened to the audiobook version of it, it is one of the best I have come across about dealing with these issues. You can see on the amazon page here http://www.amazon.com/You-Are-Not-Your-Brain/dp/1583334831 that is has great reviews. The author also wrote Brain Lock, which is another great book.

I do the same thing. It helps me a ton at my job, but I have to actively do something to switch it off when I am not working. Exercise helps a lot, especially when I take n-actetyl selank before (slows endorphin degradation). Overall, it can be quite the cognitive hurdle.

When I was reading this wonderful book, I saw a few exercises on habit releasing, and am tempted to try them to see how it helps.

This is the best advice. I personally want to get some Judge Doom style gloves, just in case I reach too deep.

These look about right.

Try this out:

http://www.amazon.com/The-Mindfulness-Workbook-OCD-Compulsions/dp/1608828786

I have Pure O OCD and have been meditating for about 6 years. It has helped me a lot. Subtly at first. It isn't a lightswitch, but it can be a huge help. Your brain is right now a fiend and an enemy, but it can so easily be turned into a friend and give you insight.

I know it sounds fluffy, but I have had similar situations as you. Recognize your mind as mind, your thoughts as just thoughts, like clouds in the sky. You are not them. You are not your compulsions.

Also consider a new therapist, one who REALLY knows OCD.

I read your post and felt the need to reply. You sound a lot like me.

First off let me say, I feel for you and am terribly sorry this is affecting you so.

I have mostly O with a little bit of C, and what you're describing sounds a lot like O to me. I've head the violent sexual thoughts too and know the feeling. I've had a lot of luck with medication and therapy (Currently taking effexor) and have been mostly symptom free for a year. It would probably be a good idea to talk to your doctor and see if he could recommend a therapist. Most take insurance now.

As for the intrusive thoughts. I know they can be scary and terrifying, but what helped me most was learning to accept them. No person with OCD has ever acted on thoughts like those so there is nothing to worry about. It is just your brain misfiring.

I actually got alot of of this book: http://www.amazon.com/Anxiety-Phobia-Workbook-Edmund-Bourne/dp/1572248912/ref=pd_sim_b_17?ie=UTF8&refRID=1VV4GNXHEF4EX5NC3MR5

Get ahold of your doctor and if you do have pure O the best advice I can give is to learn as much about it as possible. There is a ton of help out there and the disease is totally manageable.

Hope this helps.

I believe that ERP (sometimes in combo with medication) has been shown to be the most successful in treating OCD. While I'm sure it's best to work with a therapist with experience using ERP, there are also a number of good self-help books out there. I haven't been able to work with a therapist regularly due to my crazy schedule this past year, so I've been doing my own self-guided ERP with this book: http://www.amazon.com/OCD-Workbook-Breaking-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1572249218/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1423436368&sr=8-1&keywords=ocd+workbook

It's helped me (I'm also on an SSRI). I wish you the best!

I'd rather have a therapist who has actually had OCD than one that hasn't.
We can learn so much from each other, even just on this Reddit board, because we all share this in common. We all struggle with OCD.
The book on OCD that I read was co-written by someone who has OCD (Pedrick) https://www.amazon.ca/OCD-Workbook-Breaking-Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder/dp/1572249218

In this book, they talk about how OCD is comorbid with depression.
I find my OCD is at its most out of control and distorted when I feel depressed.
I feel hopeless and damaged. This distorted thinking is a mindset, part of all-or-nothing thinking, black-and-white thinking, and it feels so real.

OCD is a can be vast and there are many umbrella terms. It’s also much more difficult because the themes could change. In my youth I had contamination OCD, as a teen it was harm and as an adult it’s religious. We have no control (obviously) on the themes if they change. I didn’t take medication and did minimal therapy (because of the pandemic) but I read a lot. A LOT. And that’s what helped me. I’m in a place where I could do self guided CBT lessons and pushed myself to do ERP—both of which have seen success with OCD. Not everyone can do that and need more assistance from a trained therapist or doctor because it OCD can be debilitating. There’s a lot of great advice in here so I’ll just wrap it by throwing in a book I read three times over and what helped the bulk of my OCD. He can read it as it was made for people with OCD but even if you read it, you can get an idea of what may be running through someone’s mind.

https://www.amazon.com/Needing-Know-Sure-Overcoming-Reassurance-ebook/dp/B07MMQ7HRK

Hats off to you for wanting to understand. I hope you don’t get overwhelmed and I hope your son is able to get the assistance he needs in one way or another.

Other than a licensed therapist that specializes in OCD, there is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure response prevention (ERP) which apparently have some of the best results.

There are a number of book resources that could help. I just finished this one

Needing to Know for Sure: A CBT Based Guide to Overcoming Compulsive Checking and Reassurance Seeking

My favorite healing ointment has been Amazon - Dr. Christopher’s.

I use it on all my picking spots and any and all wounds that come naturally with life. Sending support and understanding! I hope you can comfort and love yourself kindly through the process. Also come and join us at https://www.reddit.com/r/Excoriation/

Your parents sound awful. I highly recommend this book https://www.amazon.com/Toxic-Parents-Overcoming-Hurtful-Reclaiming/dp/0553381407. It helped me extremely, and i think you can even find a pdf version for free on google somewhere. If you can't dm me i can send it to you.

It's not your fault. Please don't blame yourself for something you can't control. You are doing amazing. Don't doubt yourself.

Really sorry to hear how much you're struggling. Obviously a very short term fix, but have you considered disposable gloves?

I have contamination OCD too, and I use them for eating greasy food, taking out bins, and the times I'm sitting in my house and I don't feel like having to wash my hands after doing something

These are great, and absolutely no bad smells get through. https://www.amazon.co.uk/MediHands-Nitrile-Gloves-Powder-Medium/dp/B087X9NZDQ/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3ME28KUS9XL2H&keywords=farla%2Bmedihands&qid=1669664353&sprefix=farla%2Bmedihands%2Caps%2C63&sr=8-5&th=1&psc=1

Be careful on sizing, I have small to medium size hands for a man and I'm a large in these.

Also, try to think about how you can make things more efficient. If you clean off a surface in your house, and you clean your belongings before putting it on that surface, suddenly you can pick up and put down item without having to clean them everytime.

I need therapy to get over my OCD long term, but in the mean time I have managed to do well in college and subsequently my career, which is getting off the ground very nicely. You can too!

Take care.

Please consider speaking to a professional before making any decisions or going through with anything!!!

I've read multiple times that giving in and trying things could, as you said, relieve anxiety, but if it's the wrong thing, it can also be very traumatic. There are a lot of online ocd counseling options (NOCD) that you should try before you do anything physical. I have the same type of OCD and have had the same thoughts as you so many times. It's distressing and you feel like it's pushing you over the edge. The first thing you should do is find a workbook if therapy isn't affordable. Don't do it tomorrow, don't do it in a week, order it now and start doing it until you can go to a therapist.

Also remember, getting better and getting through these thoughts isn't linear. You're going to relapse, but it doesn't mean it's won again. Go online tonight and order a workbook (I just completed week one of this book: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/Marisa-T-Mazza/dp/168403289X). I relapsed today and it was terrible, but I'm telling myself to keep going.

Basically, do self help work before you decide to make a decision that may cause you more harm than good. Helping yourself first might give you a chance to have a more clear mind before making decisions. I'm not in your head of course, but the way you're writing sounds very distressed and it sounds like your decisions are being made by anxiety and the OCD.

I've had this too since I was a child and started having an interest in computers (age: 9/10). I've gotten a bit better since childhood, but at my worst, I reinstalled windows at least once a month, because I felt the same things as you; old programs leftover traces and registry leftovers. But also things like if I accidentally turned the pc off incorrectly because that might have damaged some system files, when installed new hardware had to reinstall windows because of fear of driver issues from the replaced hardware.

In my mind the system would no longer be in perfect condition and the files on the hdd/ssd would be out of order. Do mind that this was back when booting windows took around 2-3 minutes, and fragmentation was a real issue. If I sensed the system getting slower or unstable I just had to do a reinstall of windows or else I wouldn't be able to think about anything else.

Another slightly related issue: I fear to max out my electronics i.e. maxing out my speakers because I fear it will wear on them and make the sound worse or even worse blow up. Or fear of electronics catching fire while out/sleeping.

Btw. I can recommend you to download Geek Uninstaller. It's a tiny program which doesn't require installation (just a single *.exe file) which scans for leftover traces and registry files when using it to unistall programs. It has helped my ocd a lot on this point, but it sadly has created a new one too. Now I fear I remove too much and make the system unstable, so I always check the list before pressing delete.

And if you're like me reinstalling windows often I can recommend ninite. It's a batch installer of some of the most essential programs one tends to use, which has made my life so much easier.

I feel for your family. Has your family tried getting her a therapist that specializes in OCD and CBT treatments? Sometimes it takes going through many therapists to find one that works for her.

When my younger sister was diagnosed with OCD in her teens, she really resonated with reading this book.

First I got rid of "intense anxiety" through the tips in the book. This is really the easiest step. Within a week or two my panic attacks stopped completely.

But I had residual anxiety because my ocd would constantly point out that "my obsessions werent solved". This was constant nagging anxiety all the day. I remained at this stage for months. But eventually I hit on the correct way of thinking, which was to stop trying and solving the obsessions. I just let my brain to solve the obsessions by itself during the exposure, making no effort whatsoever. All my obsessions automatically started to sort out by themselves. It took about 2 months before the residual anxiety also became nill.

I hope that helps!

No. I mean somatic symptom.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/somatic-symptom-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20377776

Also no...I have been in therapy my entire life. I can tell you with certainty I do not suffer from those disorders. Have you heard of OCD or hypodchondria? That is what I was experiencing. Hard to separate fantasy from reality as in...worrying about if my symptoms are real or not.

Interesting. It says it’s been shown to reduce depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder, and reduce “hair pulling” (I’m guessing they mean trichotillomania, which is a type of OCD)

Bipolar disorder. Taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth seems to help reduce depression symptoms in people with bipolar disorder.

Hair pulling. Taking N-acetyl cysteine by mouth seems to decrease hair pulling by up to 40%.

https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-1018/n-acetyl-cysteine

Thank you U/Drinkythedrunkguy for showing an interest in your teen's welfare - that interest alone will go a long way. I can highly recommend this book by Jon Hershfield:

https://www.amazon.com/When-Family-Member-Has-Obsessive-Compulsive/dp/1626252467

That isn’t true if what is causing it is food insecurity caused by being an abused child for instance. It doesn’t sound like he knows anything about hoarding. Go to the website Iocdf.org and you can find a provider there (maybe) but they have a bunch of info sheets and book recommendations etc. It’s all based in science and it’s informed by people who really know how disorders like this actually work.

You might try reading this : https://www.amazon.com/Hoarder-You-Happier-Healthier-Uncluttered/dp/1609618963/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=3c741db9-2b97-48f8-8c0d-0d1b5eca0a82

I don’t love the show Hoarders. And I know she can come off condescending on the show. But I’ve worked with her and she is very kind and very caring and she knows her stuff. This book is a good hand holding through hoarding and how to overcome it.

Source: I’m an OCD specialist and I sometimes work with hoarders.

i love lion's mane supplements they really help me feel focused and grounded. been taking them awhile and i defiantly notice a difference if i take a break from them. i take these but they are getting easier to find at a lot of drug stores

https://www.amazon.ca/Exposure-Response-Prevention-Therapy-Recovery-ebook/dp/B01D04CLYU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1YD91ORKX75PV&keywords=erp+therapy&qid=1659499166&sprefix=erp+ther%2Caps%2C74&sr=8-1

Are you on medication? Therapy does help but if it’s bad OCD then you’re gonna also need medication like Lexapro or Zoloft. What also helps is to buy a good book on cognitive behavioural therapy and reading it on your own time. This is a good one https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B08XZQ82LB?pd_rd_i=B08XZQ82LB&pf_rd_p=9627ac0e-6337-47a9-883f-138494190b2e&pf_rd_r=K0KWJZR4RAYKTYE0JTJM&pd_rd_wg=BITbY&pd_rd_w=RMRVv&pd_rd_r=19057e54-f684-4f35-a8a6-4291adb87ba4

Also search up on YouTube breathing exercises for anxiety and find a good one and follow it. Exercise also helps like walking/jogging, pushups, etc. Remind yourself that your OCD thoughts are just that and not to take them seriously. Let the thoughts pass through and don’t act on them or dwell on them. Try to focus your time on other things.

I really used to be, to the point of not being able to eat or leave bed for a week from the intense fear. It was agony so definitely feel your pain. The only thing that helped was to stop believing but obviously that isn't a cure all. For me, all of the research I did into christianity (its origins, who actually wrote the NT, lack of proof, existence of other religions whose followers believe the same about it, etc) was what helped to see that it's a long shot that it's actually true.

further, and more personally, I've been in the worst place in my life the last couple of years and I have begged and cried pleaded if there was a god/jesus to help me, that no help ever came and things continued to worsen makes it pretty evident (for me) that there's no deity out there really, and if there was they don't care the way the religions say they do.

This book might be of some use as well:

https://www.amazon.com/Leaving-Fold-Former-Fundamentalists-Religion/dp/1933993235

i had an obsession on the vanilla type of scent but now, everything i own is smelling like rose. once i get back to my house, i could show you! for the cream, here's the link on amazon: https://www.amazon.ca/-/fr/beauty-planet-murumuru-lotion-beurre/dp/B07GYYZ31R?ref\_=ast\_sto\_dp&th=1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/Myo-Inositol-D-Chiro-Inositol-Powder-90-Day/dp/B07YYM6FDL?pd_rd_w=9umMT&content-id=amzn1.sym.94349326-ca8a-4b0d-94f0-6931485b8573&pf_rd_p=94349326-ca8a-4b0d-94f0-6931485b8573&pf_rd_r=32WSYQG5VQQQEGE5GSFZ&pd_r...

Idk about you, but my OCD makes it too easy to rationalize the stupid stuff. So I try to combat it with logic. Check out Brain Lock:

Brain Lock, Twentieth Anniversary Edition: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior https://www.amazon.com/dp/006256143X/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_MX8ZFAGE8QAPJ24M3WVW

It basically made me think of my obsessions and intrusive thoughts in a formulaic way, which is super helpful when trying to remember what's actually real.

Of course, please talk to someone close to you and call emergency services for help if you need it.

I totally understand this. Is there anyway you could ask him to use one of these pointy sticks to pick up trash? Cigarette butts are especially gross to pick up because they have been in peoples mouths 🤢. You are not out of line for being upset.

One book that helped me a lot is https://www.amazon.com/Everyday-Mindfulness-OCD-Tricks-Joyfully/dp/1626258929
I can send it to you if you want :)

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Self-Compassion-Workbook-OCD-Difficult-Emotions/dp/168403776X/ref=asc_df_168403776X/?tag=googshopuk-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=500798696358&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=16327466307027201919&hvpone=&hvptwo...

this is the link here, im sure there should be a translated version somewhere:)

This book is really helpful and talks about that as an example. Hope it helps.

Healing from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Mindfulness-Enhanced CBT Approach to Regaining Control and Restoring Peace of Mind https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734344806/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A6J43KBQW2ANE3MEMMN2

Yes! Amazing book that helped me so so much.

Healing from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Mindfulness-Enhanced CBT Approach to Regaining Control and Restoring Peace of Mind https://www.amazon.com/dp/1734344806/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_A6J43KBQW2ANE3MEMMN2

Into books? I finished a goody the other day explaining intrusive thoughts and a lot of other stuff. You can take a peek here. Worth a try?

Do you think a book might help? I just finished a good one about shutting down intrusive thoughts and guilt and other stuff to open up your life. Maybe help you understand what's going on? Take a peek here?

Do you think a book might do the trick? I just finished a good one about shutting down intrusive thoughts to open up your life. That's the way to find your true self. It’s really good! Have a peek here maybe?

How about a book? I just finished a good one about shutting down intrusive thoughts to open up your life. It’s really good! Have a peek here maybe?

How about a book? I just finished a good one about shutting down intrusive thoughts to open up your life. It’s really good! Have a peek here maybe?

How about a book? I just finished a good one about shutting down intrusive thoughts to open up your life. It deals with all sorts of negative thoughts so it’ll include paranoid thoughts. It’s really good! Maybe have a peek here?

How about a book? I just finished a good one about shutting down intrusive thoughts to open up your life. It’s really good! Maybe have a peek here?

How about a book? I finished one the other day about intrusive thoughts (and other stuff). It was good - talks about how we shut ourselves down all the time! Take a look at it here maybe?

How about a book? I finished one the other day about intrusive thoughts (and other stuff). It was good! Take a look at it here maybe?

If you're into books, I finished one the other day dealing with intrusive thoughts and other stuff. It helps explain what's going on and how to shut them down. You can have a peek here. I hope it helps. Good luck!

I deal with this as well because of my over-hand washing. What works the best for me is cortizone 10 intensive healing lotion for eczema ❤️https://www.amazon.com/Cortizone-10-Intensive-Healing-Fragrance/dp/B00314GCJU/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?crid=GBM85D00C0ZA&keywords=cortizone+10+eczema&qid=1650852411&sprefix=cortizon%2Caps%2C133&sr=8-3

Oh my friend, I can relate. My OCD was at its worst in 2017 and my hands looked just like this. I tried so many lotions and creams and nothing worked. But one day I finally discovered O'Keeffe's Working Hands cream. It worked wonders for me. My hands cleaned up in no time. Put some on every night and morning. It’s pretty expensive but to me it’s well worth it. I still use it today when my hands get dry in the winter.

You can buy it here.

I hope you don't mind me saying, but maybe you have a tendency to be narcissistic. Basically, you make yourself feel better by dominating others. That's how you relieve your anxiety. It does that by raising your Dopamine levels. What you need to do is find other ways to raise your Dopamine levels. I published a book last month on Amazon that I think will help you. It talks a lot about narcissism. It's written more for the victim than the narcissist, but if you're trying to understand yourself as a narcissist, it will do that for you. BEING ME BEING FREE explains everything with simple words and pictures. Change your thinking, change your life! Learn more here.

Advise you to start ERP therapy with your therapist. According to people's experiences, it is the best treatment for ocd. A helpful tool

You’ll be fine. If you’re that worried just sleep with your back slightly elevated. Or you could always get a mouth guard that keeps your airways more open when you sleep. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B098KNKV96?pd_rd_i=B098KNKV96&pd_rd_w=ktNcO&pf_rd_p=424785d2-553c-4023-a368-1b6acfe2c2f8&pd_rd_wg=BvyXf&pf_rd_r=AR6B7FY4N20X9DDWWYNT&pd_rd_r=50f52bc1-fcdb-4dbf-90eb-3ca0d93d0d75

But you’re going to be fine. I promise. Sleep apnea won’t kill you. Sleep apnea can make other existing problems worse, but when your brain senses a low level of oxygen it wakes you up. Dying from sleep apnea snoring isn’t going to happen unless you’re morbidly obese or have other serious health complications.

Ah ok. CBT with Exposure & Response Prevention therapy is indeed the best way to beat OCD. And yeah it’s hard but it’s much easier if you have a specialist therapist helping you. It’s pretty standard for mental health professionals to be quite useless when it comes to OCD until you get to a specialist, unfortunately. Then it’s like someone suddenly turned the lights on.

I understand losing motivation. I fought for nearly 20 years to get the treatment I needed. But it’s definitely worth it and you can get rid of your OCD.

I would encourage you to look for a specialist. ERP can be graded so you start small and build up. In the meantime I’d really recommend the book ‘Break Free from OCD’ by Fiona Challacombe and others. Link below.

Break Free from OCD

One of the most helpful things I did was read Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts. It helped me understand why it happens and how to cope. I’ll include the link in case you’re interested.

Therapy and medication helped me a lot. I take Zoloft. I hope you get the support you need soon! I know it can be hard but always remember, you are strong!

Overcoming Unwanted and Intrusive Thoughts

sure! I take one of these every night, the suggestion is two but I take one otherwise I’ll be too drowsy

OLLY Sleep Gummy, Occasional Sleep Support, 3 mg Melatonin, L-Theanine, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Sleep Aid, Blackberry, 50 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0145QI7O0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S92B3WC1788K8D67TB18?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

hi! I take these ones, I take one instead of two a night

OLLY Sleep Gummy, Occasional Sleep Support, 3 mg Melatonin, L-Theanine, Chamomile, Lemon Balm, Sleep Aid, Blackberry, 50 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0145QI7O0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S92B3WC1788K8D67TB18?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Thoughts are just visitors , let them come and go.

That's our goal. Wish you all the best. A recovery tool.

This therapeutic journal inspired by ERP it may help you

Focused journaling may help you

I can't eat during the day due to food restriction abuse as a child. So until late night, I live on drinking these:

BOOST High Protein with Fiber Complete Nutritional Drink, Very Vanilla, 8 fl oz Bottle, 24 Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B084HFV4MM/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_NV5DR94GHNSA13YN2ZHH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

I read a book recently by a preacher who had a similar obsession. You might find his book helpful - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F2GXVKW/ref=kinw_myk_ro_title

"Breaking free of OCD" by Jeff Wells.

Satanic related obsessions are really common, especially with people who have been raised in a religious environment that focuses on 'Sin' & 'hell.' That's how my OCD got triggered. I mean, the religious training was during grade school. When I hit puberty the "you had a demonic or sexual thought' type sins attacked. Then the obsessions morphed into harm OCD. It is a very insidious, albeit creative disorder.

I would suggest getting this workbook: Getting Over OCD, Second Edition: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life by Jonathan S. Abramowitz. Despite being diagnosed with OCD for years, I have only gotten proper treatment within the past 2 years. With that help and this workbook, I have been able to make amazing changes. The workbook gives you a good overview of intrusive thoughts and why they seem so scary. It also helps you create a structured treatment plan. Once you get a counselor, you can bring the workbook with you to help explain what is going on. This especially helps if you can't find/afford a counselor who specializes in OCD.

Things start to move along pretty quickly once treatment starts, and you can pretty much just be supportive of the ERP and therapy he's going through for OCD.

I would add though that reassurance is the worst thing you can do to help someone with OCD. It makes things significantly worse, here is a great book that will explain why in more detail.

https://www.amazon.com/When-Family-Member-Has-Obsessive-Compulsive/dp/1626252467/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2L0T7GYFES7H1&keywords=loved+one+ocd&qid=1646930064&sprefix=loved+one+ocd%2Caps%2C72&sr=8-2

Hey, take a breath and just focus on your breathing a bit. Remind yourself that you are ok and you are safe and just focus on breathing for 20 seconds. It sounds silly but when I’m really panicking if I put down my phone, close my eyes, and try that it helps. It was hard to read this, please remember you aren’t alone ive been exactly where you are. You don’t have to keep living like this, seek out a specialist like a psychiatrist or therapist for help. If you are unable to access mental healthcare for any reason, I highly recommend this book from Amazon. It helped me develop healthy coping skills that I’ve been using for about a year now and my anxiety/ocd has been a lot more manageable. Hang in there ❤️

The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD: A Guide to Overcoming Obsessions and Compulsions Using Mindfulness and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) https://www.amazon.com/dp/1684035635/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_i_MX34A9TGXY32E4XV14B2