In this episode, the Anxiety Sisters talk about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with a special guest who has been suffering from this disorder for more than 30 years. Join them for an honest and revealing look at this form of anxiety–and laugh a bit too!
I agree that lots of folks think they have a touch of OCD when they worry about leaving the stove on or if they unplugged the blender. But I actually think that’s just the cost of multi-tasking. True OCD is characterized by crippling and time-consuming obsessions and rituals designed to counteract those obsessions. These episodes completely disrupt sufferers’ lives. Very few people actually have this disorder–only 1% of the US population. (Lucky me!)
Good call on the Girls reference. Lena Dunham’s character definitely suffers from OCD.
I love the “cancel cancel” comment Susan said. It can be used for many other things besides OCD. Depression is one of them. As long as we remove the negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts it can help in certain situations. It’s not the cure all, but it helps.
She also said. “To know me is to love me.” It sounds like you know her very well and love her very much. Keep up the good work you two are doing. And God bless all three of you.
Hi there. This is Abs, and I am going to sit with you for a bit while we get this anxiety under control. If it helps, you can close your eyes and hear my voice, or, if you’d prefer, you can read along on your screen.
Before we begin, let me just say that I know how uncomfortable you are right now. It’s really awful to be taken over by anxiety but, I promise you, I have been there many times, and I am 100% confident that you will get through this episode. I am going to help you. You are not alone.
First, take a breath in through your nose as deeply as you can; then release it through your mouth with a whooshing sound. This is a calming breath—the intake of oxygen signals your brain that it needs to send out some “feel good” chemicals. Let’s see if we can get those to kick in.
Take another breath.
Now, this is going to sound weird, but try not to resist the panic—don’t try to cut it off or stop it in any way. Panic operates in a cycle: the more time you spend trying to stop it, the more intense it gets. You know how they say you have to ride the wave instead of fight it? Well here is your wave…just go with it. You will not drown.
Take another breath.
Next, start talking to yourself—out loud works best. Tell yourself, “this too shall pass” or “I am okay.” Keep saying the words over and over again.
Another breath.
Are you still talking? Good. Now try to make yourself more comfortable. Loosen anything constraining you, like a bra or tight jeans or even a hair scrunchie. Naked, if possible, is good.
Breathe.
Okay, last step: cool down. Panic tends to produce heat so grab a cold washcloth or icepack. Splash cold water on your face and neck. Blast the a/c. If it is cool out, you may want to take a walk.
Keep repeating your mantra and stay cool (literally) until your body starts to regulate.
Sally Cannon
I think some of us all have a little bit of OCD. I do this with the what did I leave on in the kitchen? Reminded me of the show Girls.
Abs
Sally–
I agree that lots of folks think they have a touch of OCD when they worry about leaving the stove on or if they unplugged the blender. But I actually think that’s just the cost of multi-tasking. True OCD is characterized by crippling and time-consuming obsessions and rituals designed to counteract those obsessions. These episodes completely disrupt sufferers’ lives. Very few people actually have this disorder–only 1% of the US population. (Lucky me!)
Good call on the Girls reference. Lena Dunham’s character definitely suffers from OCD.
Best,
Abs
Paul
I love the “cancel cancel” comment Susan said. It can be used for many other things besides OCD. Depression is one of them. As long as we remove the negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts it can help in certain situations. It’s not the cure all, but it helps.
She also said. “To know me is to love me.” It sounds like you know her very well and love her very much. Keep up the good work you two are doing. And God bless all three of you.
Paul
Abs
Thank you, Paul, for your kind words. We are so glad you enjoyed the podcast!
Abs and Mags