Holiday blahs - Why do i feel so "off"? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

dksea · 12-27-2007, 09:53 PM

Hey all, just thought i'd see if anyone is/has exerienced what i'm running into this past week.

I've read about post-holiday let down, especially after Christmas, but for me i've felt a bit off even before. Normally I LOVE this time of year. My brothers and I are all home visiting the parents, i get to sleep in and do whatever I want, but something just hasn't felt quite right. Its hard to describe, its not really anxiety, but it is just a little, its a little OCD, thinking ABOUT worrying mostly, and it seems like it might be a little depression, I feel more tired, less enthusiastic, etc.

I'm usually fine when I get going, we went to see a movie last night and i had a great time. Christmas morning was fun, we've played some games and I've enjoyed those. It seems like its mostly when I'm not doing much. So is it just too much time? Or is it the fact I've been more sedentary? Or is it the change in routine? Usually I work fairly regular hours M-F and have weekends off, now i've been on vacation for a week, a vacation I have been looking forward too a lot! But its hard to FULLY enjoy it with whatever this is hanging over my head.

It's tough too, because compared to some of the struggles I have had in the past few months with my OCD spike/reocurrance, this is really not all that bad. Instead of sharp pains or strong pain, its more like a dull ache that comes and goes, annoying in its own way.

I'm trying to keep my CBT stuff in mind as I deal with this, and I'm trying to keep a positive attitude. Its not lifethreatening or urgent so I want to just wait til my normal scheduled doc appointments in early January. Its just frustrating that I'm not able to fully enjoy what is supposed to be, and what I want to be, such a good time! ARGGGG.

Can anyone else relate to this? Any suggestions on how to improve things in the short term? I'm on vacation for a few more days and want to make the most of it.

I hope the holidays are going well for others!! Thanks to all this board is such a great place.

BadMalibu · 12-27-2007, 11:02 PM

Hey Dk-

I'm glad you're having fun over your Holiday Break! I think you pretty much answered your own question:

Quote:

Originally Posted by dksea

It seems like its mostly when I'm not doing much. So is it just too much time? Or is it the fact I've been more sedentary? Or is it the change in routine? Usually I work fairly regular hours M-F and have weekends off, now i've been on vacation for a week.

Sometimes when there's a change in routine or schedule it can throw us off which can cause a little anxiety, which in turn can trigger the OCD. Usually when our brains are resting or not doing much, this is an opportune time for OCD to come out because we're just at rest. I notice my OCD is at it's least when my mind is busy or I'm at work or tired because during those times my mind is either too occupied to notice, or too tired to care! lol =)

I'm sure once you get back into your regular routine you'll be ok. Just enjoy the rest of your Holiday break!

CatGirl1975 · 12-28-2007, 06:41 AM

Yeah Im with ya! I have always loved the Christmas season..Starting with day after Thanksgiving shopping..I was one of those that stood in line all night and shop all day..Then I would rush home to put the tree up..This year I could really care less..I did stand in line at 2am for shopping, but was bored and not excited at all..I came home after that and went to bed, didn't care about the tree..

We had Christmas on the Eve..The kids opened their presents and I pretty much sat there in a daze..Family came over and I couldn't wait for them to leave..Yesturday I took down our tree..I was tired of looking at it..

I have had a rough few months with OCD so I believe this is just depression settling in..

Christian73 · 12-28-2007, 08:41 AM

I've been going through the same stuff. I do think it's having too much time on my hands to think about what's bothering me.

dannic1 · 12-28-2007, 12:02 PM

Hi,

Don't feel alone. I've been off work for awhile now and my OCD flared up, I guess in anticipation of the holiday travel and because my brain was more idle. My OCD will go away completely when my mind is occupied or when I'm tired or very, very relaxed. It went away when I got to my mom's house and started to finally relax. I have the most difficult times when I'm trying to watch a movie or while I'm driving. My mind is more idle then, I guess. It's so annoying, because prior to this last flare-up, I didn't have any problems at all watching movies, driving, etc. My faith in God sustains me. This, too, shall pass.

danni