tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post4168372082489773225..comments2023-10-08T08:29:47.056-04:00Comments on Bringing along OCD . . . : OCD: Struggling to live with uncertaintyUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-44656616531691766762013-05-24T12:08:20.919-04:002013-05-24T12:08:20.919-04:00Tina, I can relate to this so much. I am shaken, a...Tina, I can relate to this so much. I am shaken, and made anxious, all over again, every time I hear of some terrible freak accident, or natural disaster, or instance of man's evil against man - such as poor soldier Lee Rigby who died this week at the hands of brutal, machete-wielding maniacs. As you said in an earlier post this week, it is only be sticking together that we can face these things.<br /><br />It reminds me of when I lost a dear friend 4 years ago - she had had cancer for a long time and we knew she was getting sicker and sicker, but she was suddenly taken by pneumonia, when none of us expected it (not even the medical staff caring for her realised how close to the end she was). That just proved to me that you really can't be prepared for anything, even when you think you are.<br /><br />I am enjoying your writing and glad to have found your blog.Helen Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04932545445679328061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-30741126617537271042012-06-07T14:36:34.544-04:002012-06-07T14:36:34.544-04:00Good to have you reading and commenting! That'...Good to have you reading and commenting! That's a good thing to do, to remind yourself that nothing is certain as you do the ERP. That kind of drives it home. I hope to hear from you again, and feel free to "join this site" at the top of the page next to my photo.Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-8474908046716946932012-06-07T12:56:05.214-04:002012-06-07T12:56:05.214-04:00Hi Tina,
I found your blog accidentally as I brow...Hi Tina,<br /><br />I found your blog accidentally as I browsed through internet. I too have a chronic OCD and get to the point that I accept the fact that I have OCD. Mine is specifically related to harsh chemicals; things that are too acidic or too basic. Unfortunately, this includes gastric acid which contains HCl. I always excessively checked myself whether I vomited or I belched and some vomit came up. Yes, ERP is very hard to do. I will remind myself anytime I do the ERP that nothing is certain in this world. Thanks for the blog, and I am going to start following it closely! ;)Iman.Kartahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10606184874000762398noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-63274103790073836402012-05-01T13:45:30.383-04:002012-05-01T13:45:30.383-04:00Thank you, dear Nikky! You are so right--worry doe...Thank you, dear Nikky! You are so right--worry doesn't change any situation, and never will. And worrying about the future is worrying about things that may never happen/probably won't happen. Then we've worried about nothing.Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-1520740769399126942012-05-01T13:42:23.906-04:002012-05-01T13:42:23.906-04:00Very, very good points, Jodi. I need to remind mys...Very, very good points, Jodi. I need to remind myself of that, that I can only control my reactions to things over which I have no control. Not trusting yourself--that is a new way for me to think about anxiety. Thank you!Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-51519693869934179852012-05-01T13:40:55.628-04:002012-05-01T13:40:55.628-04:00Lisa, running is such a healthy way to deal with u...Lisa, running is such a healthy way to deal with uncertainty or any kind of anxiety or worry. I used to run and found that to be true. I want to get started again, but I've been saying that for a while :-(<br />Thanks for your comment!Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-57610522748622264052012-05-01T12:37:27.167-04:002012-05-01T12:37:27.167-04:00I used to worry a lot and be afraid of uncertainty...I used to worry a lot and be afraid of uncertainty. Life has proved that worrying hasn't helped change any situation, and I have enough things going on now to take care of. <br />I loved this post! Thank you Tina.Nikky44https://www.blogger.com/profile/06725453458357123087noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-47205591797149517612012-05-01T08:06:34.663-04:002012-05-01T08:06:34.663-04:00I think about how I can respond and that I have to...I think about how I can respond and that I have total control over that instead of the uncertainty I have no control over. I trust in myself. This gets rid of anxiety which is really not trusting oneself.<br />Love,<br />JodiHeal Now and Foreverhttp://www.healnowandforever.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-84550327724805058122012-05-01T07:07:35.204-04:002012-05-01T07:07:35.204-04:00Oh, I do worry about Alzheimers! I have a family ...Oh, I do worry about Alzheimers! I have a family history plus I had a skull fracture at one point - both bad news in the Alzheimers front. I read this book Still Alice and couldn't sleep for like a week.<br /><br />Mostly, I run, it helps me deal with uncertainty or anything else.Lisa @ Two Bears Farmhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03464839163693785901noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-23692119744696166882012-04-30T19:41:36.485-04:002012-04-30T19:41:36.485-04:00Krystal, I do the same thing--I'll tell myself...Krystal, I do the same thing--I'll tell myself things like, well, if the light isn't off (and I know it is) and a fire erupts, I will have to deal with the consequences then. It actually helps!<br /><br />I agree--worrying about the future, and the past, keeps us from enjoying the present. <br /><br />Now you've got my curiosity up. It's super exciting, and you can't write about it yet. Hmmmmm. I can't wait for you to share it! :-)Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-29126610645596289012012-04-30T19:32:11.141-04:002012-04-30T19:32:11.141-04:00Holy Cats Tina!
Ok, OCD wise and with my checkin...Holy Cats Tina!<br /> Ok, OCD wise and with my checking rituals, I am constantly saying things like this: "This is my ocd and I see the door is closed, so it's closed and if if I am wrong, which I am not, then I have to just live with the consequences of that. I hate uncertainty - I like all my duck lined up in a row. But sometimes I think I am ruining the present just by worrying about the future..so I work on that all the time:enjoying the present.<br />But the reason I say "holy cats" is that I have something coming up that is super exciting but I will have to move forward with absolutely no certainty for the next few weeks and either I except this and do it, or I lose out on the whole adventure. I've chosen to face the risks and just "ride the waves" so to speak. I will be writing about it once it is over and I can't wait to share it all.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16288842067954888301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-31441091513495870932012-04-30T18:50:17.696-04:002012-04-30T18:50:17.696-04:00Thank you, Rebecca! :-) I do hope that even peopl...Thank you, Rebecca! :-) I do hope that even people without OCD can relate to what I write about. All of us have some anxiety--to a certain degree--at some point in our lives. Sometimes it's really difficult to deal with.Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-49297998435050719042012-04-30T18:48:25.261-04:002012-04-30T18:48:25.261-04:00Elizabeth, For me, too, some days are better than ...Elizabeth, For me, too, some days are better than others. I have just recently begun to see that the rituals are a vain attempt to find certainty. I have craved certainty in just about every area of my life.Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-68236828110063037532012-04-30T18:46:40.019-04:002012-04-30T18:46:40.019-04:00Janet, Thank you for your comment. So true: life i...Janet, Thank you for your comment. So true: life is uncertain. One day at a time helps to keep us focused on the present, I hope. :-)Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-69047644842606890872012-04-30T16:33:43.039-04:002012-04-30T16:33:43.039-04:00Your posts are so very interesting. I have never ...Your posts are so very interesting. I have never really heard the true perspective of somebody with OCD before. I think what you say is good advice for anybody who suffers from anxiety, though. Thank you again.Rebecca Lane Beittelhttp://rebeccaoftomorrow.wordpress.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-63066974981656845652012-04-30T16:08:55.279-04:002012-04-30T16:08:55.279-04:00I don't have a good relationship with uncertai...I don't have a good relationship with uncertainty. <br /><br />My therapist says this is the reason we OCD people do all we do is because we are craving that 100% certain whatever we are looking for. My therapist said most people accept uncertainty without having to do compulsive rituals like OCD people. <br /><br />I am trying to learn to accept uncertainty but it is soooooooo hard. Some days are better than others.Elizahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18279501398388972542noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-34420416524624171822012-04-30T13:40:16.153-04:002012-04-30T13:40:16.153-04:00While there are some things about OCD that are dif...While there are some things about OCD that are difficult for me to understand, not having the disorder myself, living with uncertainty is one I can relate to well. We all have to live with uncertainty, because life is uncertain. I think how we learn to deal with it is what is so important, as you say Tina. One day at a time for all of us; that's all we can do. Thanks for mentioning my blog!Janet (ocdtalk)http://www.ocdtalk.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-89596372283727714332012-04-30T12:04:59.402-04:002012-04-30T12:04:59.402-04:00Nadine, moving across the country is a major chang...Nadine, moving across the country is a major change, and it's understandable that would cause a lot of anxiety. I think you're handling it great! You've already gotten involved and started exploring things, including gardening. It's so wise of you to take it at your own pace. I hope the relaxation and full enjoyment come soon! And yes, you will get there.Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-48444342468539897152012-04-30T12:01:37.292-04:002012-04-30T12:01:37.292-04:00Keith, when I realize how much really is unknown, ...Keith, when I realize how much really is unknown, it can throw me for a loop! Thanks for your comment!Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-83874407655716663752012-04-30T12:00:39.205-04:002012-04-30T12:00:39.205-04:00Yes, one day at a time. That's all any of us c...Yes, one day at a time. That's all any of us can do! :-)<br /><br />I create folders, but I end up "stuffing" things into them or not using them enough. I bought some banker's boxes and folders, so I've got the tools ready. I probably do keep some documents longer than I need to. Thanks for your suggestions!Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-72246105373330512352012-04-30T10:47:08.288-04:002012-04-30T10:47:08.288-04:00I've been struggling with uncertainty lately w...I've been struggling with uncertainty lately with regard to living in a new town and state. Though we're having a lot of fun, I still have to work through the anxiety. I'm still figuring out the layout of the food co-op, so grocery shopping, normally a relaxing task, feels nerve-wracking.<br /><br />The good news is that I was able to move at all, and I am giving myself plenty of time and space to work through those anxious feelings. Having the tools to cope makes all the difference in the world. It may take me longer to relax and enjoy my new home, but I'll get there.<br /><br />Thanks, as always, for a thought-provoking post. Sounds like you continue to do great work!Nadine Feldmanhttp://nadinefeldman.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-17817328182459759392012-04-30T08:26:16.121-04:002012-04-30T08:26:16.121-04:00I think dealing with uncertainty, or the unknown, ...I think dealing with uncertainty, or the unknown, is definitely an anxiety-causing issue. Great post as always Tina.Optimistic Existentialisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11507986337866049924noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-64150546023283866402012-04-30T05:09:38.552-04:002012-04-30T05:09:38.552-04:00Uncertainty is obviously a big deal for me too. Wh...Uncertainty is obviously a big deal for me too. Whether it's dealing with germs or whether or not I may have/haven't touched something. Sometimes I get to the point where I'm just to tired to care. Like the bottle of Tide still sitting in my laundry room floor.<br /><br />Just out of curiosity when you do try to organize your mail do you label it or put it in a container or folder? Maybe once you've paid it you can mark it as paid and slip it into a notebook or box. Then only keep it for a few months and then dispose of it to add more. Maybe store it quarterly or something. I don't know all of the details with the mail and your anxiety, but it's just a thought. I'm sure it's been suggested before though. Anyway, I know you're going to eventually overcome the mail anxiety just like you've done with other issues in the past. One day at a time. :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-24607771688154218022012-04-29T22:37:09.816-04:002012-04-29T22:37:09.816-04:00Sunny, I love the "old, bickering married cou...Sunny, I love the "old, bickering married couple" analogy! And I totally get just getting so exhausted with trying to control everything and find certainty. I think giving up on trying to get certainty is a healthy thing.<br /><br />And you are so right--none of the rituals are ever enough. <br /><br />Thank you for your encouragement! :-)Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6831964660986535542.post-19011510523672071582012-04-29T22:33:58.605-04:002012-04-29T22:33:58.605-04:00POC, that is a good point--feeling certain doesn&#...POC, that is a good point--feeling certain doesn't equal certainty. I, too, can quickly flip back and forth between being OK with uncertainty and trying to achieve certainty. I guess it will always be a battle to some degree.Tina Fariss Barbourhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15659018994558471570noreply@blogger.com