I sympathize with you - it's no fun to obsess about your body, speech, etc. The swallowing obsession has been the absolute most annoying one that I've ever had before - I've had the blinking one before and taking my pulse/heartbeat as well. Those simply went away on their own, as did the swallowing and then it decided to come back again years later. I actually found someone on another board with the swallowing/blinking obsessions and we've chatted and become good friends. I continue to keep my faith in God and thank Him for my healing when I ask for it in prayer. I think without my faith, I would have lost it a long time ago. I think obsessing 24/7 is one of the worst nightmares/cycles that people can go through, although I'm not dismissing other conditions, either. I go back to therapy again tomorrow. My therapist is helping me work on self assertiveness and self esteem, I guess thinking that these issues are contributing to my anxiety. At some point in time, though, I want to learn some behavior therapy. How in the heck would you do it, though, for the fear of swallowing too much? I honestly think that is the root of my obsession. I hate to swallow in front of people, even though I observe others who swallow in front of me as a natural process. What aggravates me the most is that prior to this last episode, I felt SO normal. It's as though it suddenly came on me while stressed out. How about everyone else? Were your episodes gradual or sudden? Do any of you have an opinion of whether or not it's a wise choice to stay off of meds, if at all possible? Some days are much better than others. Some days I think to myself, just go to the psychiatrist and get some MEDICATION to help your life become normal again. However, I'm petrified of the side effects. I think the worst thing was that the other night I was OCD in my dream, which normally I'm not in my dreams. Ugh - I just want a break. By the way, how long before behavior therapy should start helping? I've heard 3 - 6 months.

danni