Need support. severe health anxiety OCD

Mental health
1

Hi everyone!   Basically I just need some peer support.  I have severe health anxiety/OCD.   Had OCD 12 yrs and panic disorder 10 yrs before that.    I'm 47 yrs old.  Noticed my OCD is getting worse.   I'm coming to realize that almost every week I obsess over a new symptom.  I am exhausted and depressed of constantly feeling like this.   2 weeks ago I thought I had neuro illness because of a stupid lip twitch then I came down with a cold that progressed to a sinus infection.    Now I'm on antibiotics for 2 days and starting to feel very tired.   Now I'm scaring myself.  Starting to feel panicked.  First I was terrified of the sinus infection because I was sick for several weeks now I got diagnosed and prescribed antibiotics I'm freaking over how I feel after taking the medicine.   I was totally ok yesterday and feel off today.   I'm very upset and just frustrated.   I hope it's just anxiety and not the meds 😔

2

Hi Jennifer,   From my understanding, part of the cognitive behavioral  treatment regimen for OCD requires that the patient stop seeking reassurance and that caregivers stop feeding into the obsessions. It is supposed to work as a response prevention but seems like an awfully harsh treatment regimen to me. There has to be a kinder, gentler way. 

With that said I hope I am helping and not hindering with the following reassurances which I prefer to call support. First it is normal to feel tired when on an antibiotic and feeling tired is a also par and parcel of having a sinus infection. That coupled with anxiety and it would be understandable that your not only feel tired but exhausted. You  will get well. What you have is a common infection that people recover from.  Just remember to give yourself opportunity for rest and drink plenty of fluids to keep hydrated and of course continue a healthy as possible diet as much as your appetite allows. You will be fine. Everyday normal stuff. All good. No worries. 

 

3

I totally agree with the other person on here.

Also it is normal to feel tired if one has an infection and antibiotics are not pleasant things to be taking but obviously necessary at times. I am sure that you will soon start to feel better once the antibiotics kick in. Take care and try not to worry. x

4

Thank you I really appreciate it. Everything you said makes sense and I totally agree.   ❤❤❤❤👍🏻

5

Thank you so much!! I appreciate it ☺️

6

No problem you are very welcome.