What do I do when I feel Pure-O OCD cropping back up? :(

[Eflower]

I'm on an anti-depressant for pure-o ocd. I have been free from symptoms living a very normal life. My psychiatrist actually wants to start weening me off but I keep saying I'm not ready. Anyway, this past weekend I was a on a cruise with my husband and bunch of people and I was drinking a lot of alcohol. About two nights ago I got particularly drunk and was being pretty crazy (typical vacation cruise drunk girl lol) and now I am obsessing over what happened while I was drunk because I can't remember bits and pieces.

This is exactly how my first go around with ocd started last time; drinking and then panicking about what could have happened that I don't remember. I feel more in control this time because I'm on meds and I know what it is, my mind is wanting to obsess and I'm trying to keep it reigned in. But I am so scared I'm going to go into full on panic like I did the first time. I had to take a klonopin today and I haven't needed one in forever.

My question is, how do I keep this all from escalating?? Is there anything I can do to keep this from going into a full blow nervous break down like I had last time??

[sparky43]

JGF25 has it right.   OCD never really goes away and you will have it pop up now and then, but you got through it before and can again.   Panic attacks are no fun and I understand your fear of being afraid.   You had a flare-up and needed to take a klonopin.   No big deal.  To keep it from escalating, keep taking your meds, do some vigorous exercise each day, eat healthy meals, get plenty of sleep, pray/meditate and keep occupied.    If you can keep the thoughts that are bothering you from continuously rolling around in your mind, you will begin to forget them and the feelings will fade.

Since you have had two episodes that were triggered by drinking alcohol, you might want to think about quitting drinking or at least cutting way back.  Alcohol and psychotropic medications don't mix.

[JGF25]

Hi there....yes you can stop this.  You stop this by self-coaching.  You know nothing happened the first go around and nothing happened this time either.  It is just your OCD talking.  There are going to be times when we have a little set back but you got this.  I know because look how far you came from the first time.  If you can do it once, you can do it again and again and again.  YOU WILL ALWAYS GET BETTER!  Remember that.  Also, talk to your doctor about how you feel about the medication.  If you are not ready, then don't do it.  :)  JGF