I have Social Anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. What can I do?!

OCD is an anxiety spectrum disorder, and the obsessions and compulsions are a way of avoiding, or coping with it, so; treat the underlying anxiety effectively, replacing your habit with the EFT, below, or (hopefully only temporarily) something more socially acceptable, like using worry beads, stress ball, electronic palm held game, or stringing beads, etc. It's important to regularly monitor, and deal with a negative internal monologue (self talk), or mental process, such as disturbing thoughts, images, impulses, or emotions, by the process of (a): recognising it, and (b): challenging it immediately. Technique For Re-Programming Negative Thoughts: When you notice something negative, such as: "I can't do this/ am never going to get over this!" or: "Why am I always so pathetic/useless/such a loser?" or even an image, emotion, or a memory; recognise that it is being generated from the negative part of your mind. Having identified and labelled it, visualise a large, red, flashing, "STOP!" sign, and/or possibly a stern faced person wagging an index finger at you in a negative manner, then say to yourself as forcefully as you can, even aloud in a big voice, if alone: "I know this tactic: GO AWAY FOR A WHILE !!!" You may want to use either: "ruse", "ploy", "game", or "trick". In the case of an image, visualise a large "STOP" sign, or your preferred version. Some people go so far as to keep a wide rubber band in their pocket, then put it around their wrist, when they catch themselves backsliding, stretch and release it, as a method of reprogramming their mind sooner, but I don't regard it as being strictly necessary.

Remember to remove it, afterwards, if you use this method. Practice a relaxation method, daily, and when needed, such as: (free) http://www.drcoxconsulting.com/managing-… or http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mindbody… or http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate or the Yoga Nidra (easy mental exercises only) on page L at 8m.com, below. Tai Chi, regular yoga, or Qi Gong suits others better. Give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. Use the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com "EFT" & "EFT therapists" and/or see the 13 free videos at http://www.tapping.com - There is a version for use in public places, (if anyone asks, you can claim to have a headache, as you massage/lightly tap your temples, but you would then be restricted to subvocalising: saying it to yourself in your mind: "Even though I sometimes suffer from obsessions/compulsions, I deeply and completely accept myself." Herbal remedies, such as St. John's wort, are often effective, but the idea is (as with anxiolytic medication) to use them like water wings, or training wheels on a bicycle, providing initial support, and giving time for other treatments, such as therapy, and relaxation techniques, to take effect.

A free E course in CBT for anxiety is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome Books: Coping With OCD: Practical Strategies for Living Well With Obsessive-compulsive Disorder by Bruce M., Ph.D. Hyman and Troy Dufrene, and/or: Overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Client Manual: A Behavioral and Cognitive Protocol for the Treatment of OCD (Best Practices Series) by Gail Steketee, from your bookstore, or amazon.com Hypnosis is merely a heightened state of suggestibility, in which you are better able to communicate with your subconscious mind. 85% of people are suggestible, to some extent, so consider professional hypnotherapy, or more alternatives along such lines are at http://your-mental-health.8m.com/blank_2… and view page F. View pages 1, & E about social anxiety.

there are many things you can do. there is even computer programs that can retrain your mind. I was part of an experiment at my college that sort of cured me of it. it was looking at two sets of expressions side to side and choosing something about them.. i cant remember what..

But also there is magnesium that relaxes you and herbs such as Rhodiola that soothe over stress.. Many others to help you stay focused.

These "disorders" you have can be cured by breathing deeply, getting exercise and staying focus on the things that really matter. Other things become less important when you focus on just one thing.

Talk about it to people whenever you feel uncomfortable and they may provide insight and help you relax. Its difficult to retrain your mind but not unsurmountable.

Be comfortable with who you are even if you are that way, it will make things alot easier.

I do too plus I have more disorders than that. I have no idea if we will ever get over this or not. But if you go to out patient therapy then you will get better......God bless

experience