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Possible trigger warning- Sensorimotor Ocd

subtlecollision

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Hi,

I am having troubles with sensorimotor OCD related to breathing. When I'm trying to fall asleep, I always end up switching my breathing over to manual breathing which then causes me to hyperventilate and hurts my chest. I can't stop thinking about it no matter how much I try. When I try not to do the manual breathing, then I end up holding my breath for a little bit. Throughout the day I can basically forget about my breathing and it becomes automatic, but when I lay down to relax or sleep it comes back. :(

Also, I have COVID so I'd really like to take care of this ASAP. Unfortunately, I was dealing with it before I got COVID.
 

Mari17

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Hi,

I am having troubles with sensorimotor OCD related to breathing. When I'm trying to fall asleep, I always end up switching my breathing over to manual breathing which then causes me to hyperventilate and hurts my chest. I can't stop thinking about it no matter how much I try. When I try not to do the manual breathing, then I end up holding my breath for a little bit. Throughout the day I can basically forget about my breathing and it becomes automatic, but when I lay down to relax or sleep it comes back. :(

Also, I have COVID so I'd really like to take care of this ASAP. Unfortunately, I was dealing with it before I got COVID.
I'm sorry to hear you have COVID! :( I hope you are doing OK. I've never had a sensorimotor obsession, so I can't offer specific advice related to that. I found this page, which has some information on the treatment of sensorimotor obsessions. This other page also offers some treatment suggestions, and there are more resources if you Google "sensorimotor OCD breathing." I know IOCDF is a legitimate resource, but I'm not sure about the other page and I didn't read the articles thoroughly so please don't take these links as endorsements to the material, just suggestions of places to start researching. It sounds like a frustrating obsession to deal with...I pray that you'll have wisdom to know how to treat it and courage to stand up to the OCD!
 
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Jeshu

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The way Jesus helped me deal with anxiety related symptoms was to face the anxiety with Him and in Him and i always overcame the anxiety and found peace. Even though at times it took some time to learn to stay with and in Jesus.

How that works for your conditions i'm not sure but do you focus on Jesus and what He says and does in your anxious state and find peace in His love, or are you focussing on your breathing instead?
 
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