WHY do I think this way???? - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

rzak1964 · 01-06-2008, 12:10 PM

I have a great family.... with a beautiful daughter and 2 gorgious grandaughters.... and when I get into bed at night I lay there for hours (literally) worrying about "what ifs".... what if their house catches fire, what if they cant get out, what if something bad happens to the babies, or my daughter, what if what if what if....... I cant make these thoughts turn off and it's really taking a toll on me. I don't like sleeping pills cause I feel so bad the next day..... but I cant do this much longer! If I need a therapist so be it.... but does anyone know if this is ocd? Thanx in advance for your help! Rebecca

purplegirl1 · 01-06-2008, 02:16 PM

To me it sounds like it is OCD especially since your What if thoughts are bothering you! I would suggest going to your primary care physician for a referral to a psychiatrist and then you can get a referral to a therapist.....good luck and keep us posted!

plaidsafetypin · 01-07-2008, 01:34 AM

i completely understand what you go through. i do the exact same thing and its always at night while trying to sleep because you have nothing to keep you occupied. im 19 years old and i have had OCD for a very long time. i have a thing where i think if something bad can happen...it will happen...and then what if it does.
maybe try to do something to ease your mind. i try to watch tv or read a book until i just cant keep my eyes open anymore. it's not always easy getting up the next morning, but at least it helps a little.
how long has it been going on? and if it's really affecting you i would suggest going to the doctor and asking for more help.
good luck.

twiceshy · 01-07-2008, 01:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rzak1964

I have a great family.... with a beautiful daughter and 2 gorgious grandaughters.... and when I get into bed at night I lay there for hours (literally) worrying about "what ifs".... what if their house catches fire, what if they cant get out, what if something bad happens to the babies, or my daughter, what if what if what if....... I cant make these thoughts turn off and it's really taking a toll on me. I don't like sleeping pills cause I feel so bad the next day..... but I cant do this much longer! If I need a therapist so be it.... but does anyone know if this is ocd? Thanx in advance for your help! Rebecca

My general approach is to use the minimum to cause an effect. So before you see a professional try this: pick up Lawrence LaShan's How to Meditate and try one of his meditations. My personal favorite is breath counting.

Benjamin01 · 01-08-2008, 07:12 PM

This definately sounds like OCD. Most people think of OCD as consisting of physical obsessions only (washing hands, counting, etc), but obsessive thoughts are (arguably) the most disressing obsessions. I have the same problem at night and would like to share my personal tip:

The problem is adrenaline. When we think of worrying thoughts (such as you have described) we release adrenaline which is experienced as the classic 'butterflies in your stomach'. We cannot sleep with adrenaline in our system - its job is to keep us alert. I know it is much easier to say than to do, but you have to get rid of this adrenaline. My method uses boredom:

We all think with an internal 'voice' which translates our thoughts into language. When you are trying to sleep and this 'voice' is talking, try changing it from your voice into the voice of the most boring person you know. When you have done this slow the voice down to a very slow, monotonous voice. It is very difficult at first, but once you have mastered it I find it really helps me sleep (through sheer boredom!).

Nothing will work for absolutely everyone, but it is worth a try. I know how frustrating what you are experiencing is, but you are not alone.