Association anxiety
Hi I am new to this group. I was wondering does anybody make unusual associations to things that cause anxiety for them and that lead to anxiety when confronted with those things also? I have long felt insecurity anout the appearance of my hair on my head and then started getting anxiety noticing other people’s hairstyles and then even got anxious about their initials. Can anyone relate to this?
Do you have OCD? How do you fight OCD? Do you have any suggestions. I have been doing gratitude journaling, meditation, socializing with supportive people, trying to get adequate sleep and reminding myself that the OCD is a disorder and that thoughts are just mental habits that were originally created to protect myself from anxiety. I also have a therapist and psychiatrist.
@azureAcres1605 Hello! I read about your ocd symptoms and i totally understand youm.I am also diagnosed with ocd and for me it manifests as body checking. I don t like the way i am and i see that others look better. But here it is the ocd who trick us. It makes us wantinf to be perfect and noticing even the smallest details. I found out that the only way to manage ocd is to fight the obsessions and compulsion. I start fighting the need to compare myself to others, even if my anxiety increses. In time, it becomes easier.
Thank you for replying. By fighting the obsessions and compulsions do you mean refuse to do compulsive behaviors when you start to compare yourself h to others? I find that is helpful also, but i find it helps also to thank the obsessive thoughts for trying to protect me but then refocusing on something I enjoy and is productive.
It's such a crazy world when we suffer Anixety
@azureAcres1605
I'm not diagnosed with OCD because well my parentss won't let me.. but I absolutely do this. I'm not really sure why, but I do. if I hear some songs I feel really anxious and uncomfortable, or even feeling a certain temperature sometimes. but if I see somebody that reminds of my insecurities I get immediately self conscious and anxious. usually I'll try to avoid any of those triggering things, but when I can't, I just remember that I'm safe and I wonb't e judged by those close to me (that's hard sometimes tho) I hope this starts to lessen for both of us, just feel free to talk more about it on here <3
Hi lolery89;
I am sorry you get those association anxieties. I like the suggestion to tell yourself that you are safe. I think underlying our anxiety is the feeling that we are not safe and really we are in no danger, so that could help. Thank you hope reaching out to help me and I am here to support you. 😊
@azureAcres1605
I wanted to say thank you as well for bringing this up because I've never actually heard it talked about.. I didn't know this happened to other people either, so thx for posting this <3
You are welcome. I also did not know that other people got association anxiety. I guess we both feel a little more normal. 😊