Things that help besides meds/therapy - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Message Board

BlueSprite555 · 07-08-2003, 08:27 AM

Hi all!
I just thought is would be nice to start a thread of things that help us besides or in addition to our meds and/or therapy. I personally am not on any meds now, but still see a therapist every 2 weeks or so.

So other things that help:

Exercise (I run and I never feel better than when after I go jogging)
Music (takes my mind off of things)
Comedies (laughing is always good for the soul...and it helps me not to take life too seriously)
Having someone to talk to about everything and anything!

Feel free to post your ideas!

MysteryGrl · 07-09-2003, 12:16 PM

I'm not in therapy or taking meds. But other things I do are: watch a movie, read a book, take walks, go out with friends. Anything that pushes my OCD to the back of my mind for a while is a great thing!

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Lori

laurgan · 07-09-2003, 02:54 PM

Hi all,

I agree with the above. The world has become very complex. I enjoy old movies which seem to be less complex and violent and more focused on people then special effects. As you say, takes your mind off OCD for a while. Sometimes I wish I did not have a computer job as sitting in front of a screen gives one lots of time to worry about OCD! Thank goodness for these forums!

All the Best

BlueSprite555 · 07-10-2003, 09:17 AM

I looove movies too...especially old ones!

I am working on meditation too...mainly for stress as I tend to be a total stress-case (even though everyone thinks I am so care-free and relaxed). I am getting better at it, but it takes a lot of practice...I think I am learning how to not lock onto obesessive thoughts once they enter my head...like in a way shifting my focuse to something else, and not letting the anxiety that comes with the thought to cause the type of reaction that leads to obessive or looping thoughts. It's teaching me how to live in the moment.

MysteryGrl · 07-10-2003, 09:31 AM

I'm a pretty stress-free person except when it comes to my OCD. The minute these thoughts come into my head, I worry. I follow the suggestions in the book "Brain Lock" and in addition to that I am a big believer in the "15 minute rule." I say to myself, "It's not me, it's my OCD. I'm not giving in because I'm stronger than it is." I wait 15 minutes and focus on other things, and usually my urges subside. I'm going to start going for 30 minutes and hopefully work my way up from there. Hope everyone is doing well!

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Lori