Vacation Spikes

[Boxers1]

I just got back from a great vacation, but I was troubled that I found my OCD spiking while on vacation...I did my best to employ my therapy techniques but I was really annoyed that my vacation was scattered with various OCD spikes that seemed to put a damper on my mood. I can't tell you how many times I battled with the cancelling compulsion....I am really trying to replace the cancelling compulsion with "Oh well that's the way it goes" so I can get away from all the Nots and Nevers that are feeding the OCD. I have learned that it takes a really long time to learn the coping skills to ignore your OCD. It takes persistence and practice and the healing doesn't come overnight...It comes over a long stretch of time...So I guess we all need to be patient and EVERYTIME say "Oh well." Looking for a way to escape the thoughts is NOT effective...Allowing them to sit there and do nothing with them is the only "escape."
I am so grateful to all of you for this forum where I can learn about therapy and share in a safe environment with others who truly understand the pain of OCD.
Thanks for listening,
Boxers1

 

[jc9992]

yeah i know what you mean about spikes messing up a vacation.when im on vacation i usually have these "scattered" spikes that i remember the trip for.

I too have been battling the cancel compulsion constantly the past couple days,but hopefully i can get back on track and not give up.i hope you can stop too.

 

[ObsessedButBlessed]

Ooooh...going on vacation always brings up the toughest times with my OCD. I think it is because when I had REALLY bad OCD spell last spring, I was on vacation. Now, whenever I go, I find myself testing myself to see if I am obsessing or not... and eventually, find myself going down that path.

I think you should focus on the fact that you tried very hard to battle your OCD with these new techniques. Great job! You're right, we don't get better right away, but with slow, steady progress... you can get there!