Reply To: Please please can someone help me, I’m at the end of my rope

[klukeyParticipant]

When l started reading your post, my first thought was “who’s published info about me!?” I cant empathise with you enough. I was about 10 years old when my OCD kicked in. I remember suddenly becoming aware of my breathing, and became obsessed with it, along the lines of “what if l stop myself breathing, what if l make a total fool if myself”?

I’ve had this ever since, but can manage it better. Where l absolutely 💯 share your intrusive thoughts is surrounding harming children and disabled people. My mum had MS and spent most of her adult life in a wheelchair.  Around 1988, l was prepping lunch for her, and was cutting open a bun for ham and tomato. I had a sudden surge of fear, thinking “what if l take this knife and kill mum”? I was almost physically sick with the panic, and truly thought l was going insane. As it flared up, I then starting obsessing about my nieces and nephews, again “what if l sexually assault them and other loved ones”?

Just awful. But the reason I replied is, you are by no means alone. Something like 80% of the population suffer from various levels of OCD and intrusive thoughts. We are all here to support each other.

Hope this helps