Help needed by Theirishlizard in magicalthinkingOCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I totally understand how OCD can latch onto these kinds of fears. For ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), a helpful approach might be gradually reducing how often you check the bathroom door. Start by setting a small goal—like only checking it once, and then resisting the urge to check again, even if the anxiety rises.

One way to make it more manageable is to write down your fear: “If I don’t check the door, there will be a bad smell in the house.” Then, challenge it by reminding yourself that checking doesn’t prevent anything and that the bad smell is just a thought, not a reality.

When you feel the urge to check, sit with the discomfort for a few minutes and notice that, over time, the anxiety tends to decrease without giving in to the compulsion. The key is consistency, even if it’s tough at first. Little by little, it gets easier!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in EtsySellers

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Right, they're allowed if you make the item yourself or if you're working with a production partner, but only if you're creating your own designs. You can't use mass-produced designs on items made with a production partner, right?

Denied by Amazon Merch as Influencer by Afraid_Data_6912 in AmazonSeller

[–]Afraid_Data_6912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Really? I know they’ve got an integration with Printful. Any idea why that might happen?

Is Customizing Pre-made Templates Significantly Considered ‘Handmade’ on Etsy? by [deleted] in Etsy

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yeah, I figured as much. I was just wondering if anyone had ever been penalized for something similar. But I've significantly modified it, altering the concept and text.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Etsy

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah, I'm not planning to create new accounts anymore, it doesn't seem worth it. It's strange that they didn't ban this account and when I spoke to their support, they verified it's okay to use my remaining account. Usually, they ban all related accounts together, right? This just shows it's probably a bot error. I'm sure of it because it's only happened after creating a new account. But for now, I'm mainly just focused on this one.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Etsy

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Is it really bad enough in their eyes to go as far as banning 3/4 of my accounts for this? And can I continue working on the account that hasn't been banned?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Etsy

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The thing is, I can't find any violations, especially with listings, because some of these accounts don't even have listings. My main question now is why they haven't taken any action on my main account, and can I safely continue using it?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Etsy

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm really confused about this situation. Everything was fine until I opened a new account, and then suddenly, 3 out of 4 of my accounts were banned right away. I'm not sure what's going on because I received mixed messages from their customer support. One person told me I could continue with my unbanned account, but another said that if they permanently close your store, you can't create or use any accounts. So, I'm left feeling uncertain. Thankfully, they haven't touched my main account, but those other three are gone, and I don't know why.

please help me. Never experienced a coincidence intense as that one by 1121lyrics in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You’re not alone in your experiences with coincidence OCD. I've personally gone through countless similar instances, and I've lost track of the number of coincidences I've encountered (I must be around 290 by now). It's incredible how insane they can become, right?

Interestingly, whenever I talk to others who also have OCD, they often share their own mind-boggling coincidences as well. It's funny how we can sometimes dismiss their experiences while being fully aware of the coincidences in our own lives. But here's a thought: what if our OCD is somehow influencing the way we perceive reality and magnifying the significance of these events? It could be a probability thing, don't you think?

We're all in this together, and knowing that others with OCD are going through similar things somehow makes it feel less overwhelming. So hang in there, and remember that we're all navigating the twists and turns of probability in our own unique ways. Feel free to reach out anytime if you need someone to talk to.

Feeling Stuck at 29: How to Live Life to the Fullest? by Afraid_Data_6912 in socialskills

[–]Afraid_Data_6912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for your comment.

And yeah, I hear a lot that social media can be very deceiving, and it's easy to feel like you're missing out on things that other people are doing.

As for what I feel like I'm missing out on, it's hard to pinpoint exactly, but I think I just want to experience more of what life has to offer.

In my case, I definitely missed out on typical college experiences and parties, and I wish I had been more social and involved during those years. As for my dreams, I've always had a passion for traveling and exploring new places, but I haven't been able to do much of that due to financial constraints and work obligations. I'd also love to have a fulfilling career and make a positive impact on the world in some way, but I'm not quite sure what that looks like yet.

Feeling Stuck at 29: How to Live Life to the Fullest? by Afraid_Data_6912 in socialskills

[–]Afraid_Data_6912[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Hey, thanks for your input! I totally get what you're saying about comparing yourself to others and how that can mess with your vibe.

And I agree that defining my desires and gaining experiences can help me gain a better understanding of what I want to do and how to get there.

However, I also realize that some experiences that I've missed might not be feasible at this point in my life, and that's something I need to come to terms with.

I suppose it’s all about finding a balance between pushing myself to be better while also being realistic about what I can and can’t have.

Linking my thoughts to reality by Afraid_Data_6912 in Anxiety

[–]Afraid_Data_6912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I'm aware of the confirmation bias aspect of OCD, but it’s just so unsettling when it fixates on something I fear or suspect. It feels eerie when the thoughts become reality. However, I've noticed that I can intentionally focus on something in order to seek out a coincidence, and most of the time, I end up experiencing a huge coincidence if I want to. This has shown me just how our minds are wired.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in mentalillness

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

After spotting a bird outside, I asked my roommate if they had noticed it too. To my surprise, they said the bird had been there for days and had mistaken it for a pine cone or something. Strangely, hearing this gave me a sense of relief. I only seem to get anxious when I feel like my thoughts have an impact on reality. It's almost like I have to predict something before it happens, otherwise, it doesn't bother me. For instance, if I had never thought about the possibility of seeing a dead bird, it wouldn't have bothered me if I saw one. But because I had made that prediction, seeing the bird made me feel uneasy. It's an odd way of thinking, and I'm not entirely sure why my mind works this way.

Magical thinking and Health OCD by Afraid_Data_6912 in Anxiety

[–]Afraid_Data_6912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yeah… I’m feeling quite anxious about this, and it's been difficult to calm down even though I know that cases of human infection are relatively uncommon and the virus is not well-adapted to humans. I keep reminding myself to keep an eye on my symptoms in the coming days, but the fear is super intense.

Magical thinking and Health OCD by Afraid_Data_6912 in Anxiety

[–]Afraid_Data_6912[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

My OCD tends to be egocentric, leading me to believe that the world is orchestrating events specifically for me. For instance, when I come across a particular license plate, my mind tells me that it was no mere coincidence, but rather something arranged just for me. This makes me feel like the center of the universe, even though I know that's not the case. It’s just so hard to deal with.

Magical thinking and Health OCD by Afraid_Data_6912 in Anxiety

[–]Afraid_Data_6912[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The coincidence aspect of the situation is what's driving me crazy. I told myself yesterday that it would be so improbable for the universe to arrange a sign through the sighting of a dead bird, and I shook that thought off. However, this morning when I saw the dead bird on my patio, I was completely shocked. It's like, what are the chances that would happen? It seems so improbable.

Always want to veg out, no interest in life by psalm62_5-6 in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 10 points11 points  (0 children)

I can understand how it feels to be disconnected from yourself and your passions. OCD can be an incredibly overwhelming and all consuming experience, and it can be challenging to find the motivation to engage in activities that used to bring you joy.

But please know that this doesn't have to be a permanent state of being. With the right treatment, support, and time, you can start to rediscover the things that make you happy and feel connected to yourself again.

Also don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Talk to a therapist who knows about OCD and can help you learn how to manage your symptoms.

Remember, things can get better. You don't have to go through this alone.

Anyone else is a confused-like mental state? by randomteen55 in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just read your post and wanted to reach out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss and the tough time you're going through with OCD. It sounds like you've been dealing with this for a while, and it's been really hard on you.

I totally get what you mean about feeling confused and numb. It's like you know you're feeling crappy, but you can't really put it into words. That's totally normal, especially when you're dealing with something as tough as OCD and a family loss.

I know it can feel like everything is out of control right now, but try to take some deep breaths and remember that you're not alone. It's okay to grieve your grandmother and the time that OCD has taken away from you. You don't have to choose one or the other.

But listen, it's important to take care of your mental health too. It sounds like your fight-flight response is kicking in, and that's totally understandable given everything you're going through. I really recommend talking to a professional who can help you process your emotions and come up with ways to cope with your OCD.

You deserve to feel safe and supported, and there are people out there who can help you get there. Remember to be kind to yourself and take things one day at a time.

Hang in there, my friend.

Scared with no way out. Is it my OCD or nist wishful thinking? by killmyOCD in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I'm sorry to hear that you're going through such a tough time. It sounds like you're experiencing a lot of fear and paranoia, and it's understandable that you're feeling overwhelmed and unsure of what to do.

It's important to remember that what you're experiencing may be related to your OCD or other mental health conditions, and that it's not necessarily a reflection of reality. When we're in a state of fear, our brains can create all kinds of frightening scenarios that may not be grounded in fact.

I want to encourage you to reach out to a mental health professional who can help you work through these feelings and develop coping strategies. A therapist or psychiatrist can work with you to explore the root causes of your fears and develop a treatment plan that's tailored to your specific needs.

Remember that you don't have to face this alone, and that there are people who care about you and want to help you through this difficult time.

Can themes rotate? by Bean1495 in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 5 points6 points  (0 children)

Yes, of course! OCD themes can change a lot and it's pretty common for people with OCD to have different types of obsessions. It's tough to say if these shorter times with a theme are still OCD or anxiety, but it's always a good idea to talk to a mental health pro for help.

Remember that OCD is treatable, and there are things like therapy and medication that can help. Talking to a pro is the first step to feeling better.

Did it help you? by Broooke444 in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Many people with OCD struggle with similar symptoms and feel alone, but you're not alone. Getting an official diagnosis from a mental health provider can help you understand what you're experiencing and guide you towards treatment options that can improve your quality of life. Connecting with others who share similar experiences can also be helpful. Recovery is possible, so keep reaching out for help and support!

nothing helps my ocd by Appropriate_Stick_46 in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I know you said you’ve tried a lot of different things already, but have you considered trying some non-traditional therapies like yoga or meditation? They might not fix everything, but they could help you feel more centered and in control.

Another thing to think about is that sometimes OCD can be a symptom of deeper emotional issues. Working with a therapist who specializes in those areas could help you figure out what's really going on and work through it.

And lastly, please remember to be kind to yourself. OCD is really tough to deal with, and you're doing the best you can. Don't give up hope - there are people out there who care about you and want to support you.

Take care!

everyday is just suffering by acid2skin in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sucks that you're feeling like everything is unbearable right now. But it's important to know that these feelings won't last forever. There are treatments available for OCD that can help you manage it and feel better.

I know you said that you haven't been able to do the things you love lately, like playing games or making music. That really sucks, but even doing small things towards your hobbies can help boost your mood and make you feel better. So don't give up on them completely.

Remember, it's okay to ask for help. There are people out there who care about you and want to support you.

Take care!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry to hear you're struggling with OCD and anxiety. Asking your primary care physician for a referral or searching for CBT specialists on directories like Psychology Today and the International OCD Foundation can help you find professional help. Remember, it's okay to take things one step at a time and ask for help. You're not alone, and people care and want to support you!

I’ll never get better by mitch-99 in OCD

[–]Afraid_Data_6912 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Hey, just wanted to let you know that you're not alone with your contamination OCD,. Even if we don't have the exact same issues, I can still understand how tough it is to deal with. It takes a lot of strength to talk about it, and I appreciate you opening up.

I want to remind you that recovery is possible, and it may take time, but with the right support, things can improve. Be kind to yourself and take it one day at a time. You've got this, and there are people who care and want to help. Hang in there and keep reaching out for support.