Obviously, CBT/ERP. I stumbled on a Reddit post about “peripheral staring OCD,” and it hit me that while that doesn’t describe my symptoms 100% (I don’t believe I have the tourette’s type parts), it is far closer than anything I have thought about or explained to a doc to be diagnosed with.
It hits especially hard because even like 5-ish years ago, when I was binge drinking, it was half as bad (at worst, probably less even). And even before that, it was so manageable that I would go months or even years without any symptoms. I thought if I quit drinking, it would be some magical fix, but nah. It’s been months, and it hasn’t gotten better. Definitely affecting me at my job, socializing, dating, etc.
But yeah, I’m here because the Reddit page is a nightmare. Many people just give up or accept the worst. I got a feeling it’s something that can eventually be managed, and being a dramatic loser (and likely not even doing the therapy, let’s be real) is what that page was for.
If anyone has some insight here, I would greatly appreciate it. I had no idea I had these issues even a week ago, but I am extremely aware now, and it’s a scary concept.
TBH I don’t know a whole lot about peripheral staring ocd, I don’t have that, but it seems somewhat similar to what I have. I have taboo thoughts OCD (among other flavors, it kinda depends what’s going on in my life) and tbqh the only thing that really helped me was ERP/therapy. It got so bad before I went to therapy I was considering suicide. I was so anxious and spiraling I was spending 8-hours a day doing compulsions and the time spent not doing compulsions, I was so anxious it literally felt like a cat on my chest, I couldn’t breath well.
Anyway, fast forward to like 6 weeks after I started Therapy and symptoms much more manageable. Now I’m a year out from starting therapy and like, it’s still there, but I have a path forward/plan to deal with the intrusive thoughts. It’s very manageable and sometimes flare ups happen but they only last for a day or two at most before I get them under control
Thanks for your input. I’m doing a lot better now, but still thinking about therapy. I’ve been on the waiting list for months, so hopefully it opens up soon.
I’ll be honest, I do not know if I even have PS OCD atp bc apparently there’s… OCD about having OCD and this whole rabbit hole of stuff I never considered while diagnosing myself.
Anyway, you inspired me to really work towards getting that therapy. Thanks.