Getting better without the NHS, any suggestions?

[NomoreOCD98Participant]

My intrusive thoughts are pretty much all the time so I have real trouble relaxing. My GP offered me something but was not at all helpful, it was called a guided meditation, and he told me about a book to read but it didn’t do any good. I think he’s trying to stop me seeing him in person, because doing stuff at home is not as expensive as an appointment.

I think the NHS pushed him to do this and then they made getting an appointment with a mental health person a thing that takes ages, with long waiting lists. I’ve given up trying to follow my GPs suggestions and recommendations. Nothing helps, can anyone with bad intruisve thoughts tell me what made you feel better? Please, because I can’t rely on the NHS.

[Forum Moderators]

Hi

We want you to know that you can also contact the OCD Action Helpline and Email Service to talk to or email someone who understands OCD.

Our Helpline volunteers provide confidential and unbiased help, information and support for people with OCD (and their family members too). Most volunteers have personal experience of OCD; all understand OCD and how it can impact a family’s life.

Contact our Helpline by:

• phone: 0300 636 5478 (this is a UK number).
• email: support@ocdaction.org.uk

You can also find out about support groups on our website – these are open to people with OCD and some involve family members too. They offer a safe place where you can talk openly about OCD and support and encourage other people too. Our information about UK-based groups can be found here:

• Local independent support groups: https://ocdaction.org.uk/i-need-support/local-support/
• OCD Action Skype/Phone/Zoom support groups: https://ocdaction.org.uk/i-need-support/ocd-action-skype-phone-zoom-support-groups/

If you don’t live in the UK, you can look for groups near you on the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) website. Look in the section “Find Help” and then under “Listing Types”, choose “Support Groups”: https://iocdf.org/

And please remember that you’re never alone – OCD Action is always here to help and support you.

Regards,

Forum Moderators

[FoxesandPenguinsParticipant]

I’m not sure I’ll have the best advice as I am struggling with intrusive thoughts myself at the moment, but my first question is do you have any hobbies that take up a lot of concentration? I have been learning the guitar (and singing along) and I find that this is really relaxing and takes a lot of concentration, so I feel a lot better when I play regularly. It might not cure my OCD but it certainly gives me a break from the anxiety, which is always helpful.

Also, it is worth thinking of if there is anything in your life outside of your intrusive thoughts that is causing you severe stress. This may be me stating the obvious, but my thoughts are always a million times worse during times of stress. So, is there anything you could do to remove any stressors from your life right now?

Additionally, my intrusive thoughts are always horrendously worse when I don’t get enough sleep or rest. I would NOT recommend this as a long term solution as they will lost their effectiveness, but I take nytol to help me sleep during rough patches to ensure that my brain is rested enough to deal with things.

I try my best to ignore my intrusive thoughts and just let them wash over me. This does not always succeed but I do feel better if I am at a point where I can think ‘that’s ridiculous, moving on!’. At this point, it really depends on what your intrusive thoughts are about – it can help to think that they are intrusive because they distress you, and therefore are not a reflection of who you are. I get very distressed that I will eg, start insulting people with slurs, and I remind myself that in the 17 years I have had this fear I have never actually done it! (Touch wood!) Additionally, I get worried people can hear my thoughts – at this point I have to remind myself that if people could actually do this the government would have weaponised this, also anyone who could hear someone’s thoughts would be insane and would never actually go outside to public places it would be too overwhelming!

I am thinking of joining an OCD support group to help me, as it worked to calm my partner’s intrusive thoughts. Perhaps one of the ones on here would help for you too?

I hope this helps a little bit, good luck with everything!

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