Hi,
Just curious if anyone has had this experience.
I was diagnosed with OCD a few weeks back (you can search my post history to see some of the worries that impact me).
I've actually been doing better in the last month or so since I started working with a therapist, practicing CBT and ACT. I've also read quite a few books which have helped give me some perspective on my compulsions, worries and just my general disposition to the world.
I'm curious though... has anyone had worries that have evolved and worsened and worsened? For example, I used to fear contamination from animals so I would avoid animals. Now my fears have evolved to not only encompass animals but nearly anything outdoors (for fear of an animal having interacted at some point in the day with that object - i.e. a bench, sidewalk, lamp post, garbage can, etc.) I notice I even have intrusive thoughts about my shoes having been contaminated when I'm outside walking so I don't want to touch them when I'm taking them off.
The funny thing is.... I get those thoughts and I know exactly what they are. They're my OCD telling me to worry about contamination. It's odd because they've become more and more irrational, however, I am having long, extended moments during the day (like a few hours sometimes!) where OCD and intrusive thoughts are kept at bay (as in they don't take over my mind - theyre still there). It's great. I can focus on things I care about and enjoy watching a film or reading. It's been a while since I've done that. However, the OCD thoughts are way way way more out of touch with reality.
Has anyone experienced this or could provide insight? I'll ask my therapist this week too.