Dear Drew: You are welcome and no worries about when you respond. I want to thoroughly read and reply to you Wed morning (it’s Tues afternoon here).

anita

Dear Zenith:

And how are you feeling about it, about the manager talking you out of applying to the internal job and about you changing your mind about it?

anita

Dear Aj:

Thank you for your thoughtful response. I’m glad to read that you’ve started recognizing the patterns of reassurance-seeking and how it affects you. This awareness is an important step towards managing your OCD.

It’s great that you’ve taken your sister’s advice to give into the uncertainty and stop your compulsions, even if it’s challenging, and that you deleted the internet for now and feel better for it. The “Maybe, maybe not” technique can be difficult at first, but it’s encouraging to read that you’re starting to feel clearer-minded.

Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Seeking professional support from a therapist who specializes in OCD can provide you with the tools and strategies to manage these thoughts effectively.

Wishing you strength and clarity as you navigate these challenges.

anita

Dear Aj: I am working on a reply for you.

anita

How are you, Peter?

anita

Dear DREW:

“I continually find myself vocalizing my own thoughts (unintentionally), mostly noticing sometime through doing so, but also after I’ve finished saying them aloud!… Think of it: how often have you started scratching an itch BEFORE you’re aware that you’re doing so?”-

– It’s possible that you could be experiencing vocal tics, which can be a symptom of Tourette Syndrome (from which I suffer) or other tic disorders. Vocal tics are involuntary sounds or words that a person makes, and they can range from simple sounds like grunting or throat clearing to more complex vocalizations, including speaking words or phrases.

Many individuals with Tourette Syndrome report that their tics are preceded by uncomfortable sensations, often likened to an itch that needs to be scratched. From a UCLA study (escholarship.org): “Tourette syndrome (TS) and chronic tic disorder (CTD) are characterized by sudden, rapid, recurrent motor and/or vocal tics… In addition to these observable symptoms, many individuals with TS or CTD also experience frequent, uncomfortable sensory phenomena that immediately precede the tics… These sensory phenomena have been variously described as an itch, pressure, tension, urge, or ache that is temporarily relieved by the completion of the tic.”

“A few years ago I was temporarily prescribed a medicine by a specialist, and while on it a problem began which persists even now”- tic disorders, including Tourette Syndrome, can sometimes be triggered or exacerbated by certain medications. This phenomenon is known as “medication-induced tics.”

Medications such as methylphenidate (Ritalin) and dextroamphetamine (Adderall), commonly used to treat ADHD, have been reported to cause or worsen tics in some individuals. Certain antipsychotic medications, such as haloperidol (Haldol) and risperidone (Risperdal), can also lead to the development of tics as a side effect. Other medications, including some antidepressants and antiseizure medications, have been associated with the onset of tics in some cases.

There are several other potential explanations for your experience of unintentionally vocalizing your thoughts, aside from tics, or in combination with tics. Here are a few possibilities: (1) High levels of anxiety and stress can sometimes lead to involuntary vocalizations. This can be a way for the mind to release tension or cope with overwhelming emotions, (2) Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can involve intrusive thoughts and compulsions, which might include vocalizing thoughts out loud, (3) Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Individuals with ADHD may have difficulty with impulse control, which can lead to speaking thoughts out loud without realizing it. This can be part of the impulsivity associated with ADHD, (4) Medication side effects as mentioned above.

If in your evaluation, Drew, any of the above is a possibility, it might be helpful for you to seek an evaluation by a neurologist who can conduct a thorough evaluation and provide an accurate diagnosis and potential treatment options.

Personally, I have suffered since childhood from high levels of anxiety and stress, ADHD symptoms, and I was eventually diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome (TS) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). SELF CONTROL (in capital letters) has been indeed a core problem for me: I couldn’t control the motor and vocal tics, couldn’t control the OCD compulsions, couldn’t react to people and situations the way I wanted to.

“Have any of you managed this? If so, how? If not – PLEASE DON’T RESPOND!”- I did manage the OCD so well that I no longer fit the diagnosis, and my impulsivity problem had greatly improved! I am still working on reducing the frequency of the motor tics.

“This one is lifelong: something will happen to me, and I can’t / don’t respond in the way I want to. E.g. a person will ask me something, say something to me, or DO something to me, and instead of responding in a way I’d like, I just react, often in a way I’d prefer not to. I’ll either have done it before I know it, or find myself in the process of doing it and feel it’s too late to stop. Either way, I always regret it… What I WANT to do in all such situations is be fully aware of what’s going on, be fully aware of what I’m doing, and RESPOND in a deliberate, controlled, assertive way; and ideally be calm too.”-

– I can relate to this big-time as it’s been a lifelong problem for me until recently. I managed my impulsivity with what I call the NPARR method, which I’ve been practicing every day for years: first, I Notice stress within me, a disquiet. Next I Pause (before I act, before I say or do something that I may later regret). Next, I Address the situation. I ask myself: is there a situational problem that needs to be solved? What is the problem (define it)? Can I provide all of the required solution or pat of it? If I react mindlessly, automatically, will I be adding to the problem or creating a new problem? Etc. Next, I Respond, or not: I say or do something, or not. Finally, I Redirect my attention elsewhere. There is more to my method, and if you would like it, we can talk about it further.

anita

😊💖🤗

Dear Little Buddha:

Thank you for sharing your thoughts and struggles. It’s clear that you’re going through a very challenging time, and I want to offer you some support and encouragement.

First and foremost, it’s important to acknowledge that you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people experience similar challenges, and it’s okay to seek help and support. Here are a few suggestions that might help you navigate this situation:

While it may be difficult, finding a way to communicate your feelings to your spouse is crucial. Choose a calm and quiet time to have an honest and open conversation. Express how you’re feeling without blaming or criticizing, and focus on how their support could help you during this time.

If your therapy sessions are infrequent, consider seeking additional support through support groups, online therapy, or self-help resources. Sometimes connecting with others who are going through similar experiences can provide comfort and insight.

Prioritize self-care and find activities that help you relax and recharge. This could include exercise, meditation, journaling, or spending time in nature. Taking care of your own well-being is essential.

Understand that your spouse may also be struggling with their own challenges. Setting realistic expectations for support can help reduce feelings of disappointment and resentment. Focus on small steps and gradual improvements in your connection.

If you feel comfortable, suggest couples therapy as a way to work through these challenges together. A therapist can provide a safe space for both of you to express your feelings and work on strengthening your relationship.

Remember that it’s okay to seek help and take steps to prioritize your mental health and well-being. You deserve support and care, and taking proactive steps can lead to positive changes.

Wishing you strength and clarity as you navigate this journey.

anita