I don’t know who I am anymore-Advice appreciated 🫶

Hello lovely people- one of the things I have really been struggling with lately is my sense of identity, and just not feeling like myself. For reference, I am 19- and only found out I had OCD in October, I also left for University in September so moved away from my childhood home. Recently, in light of a real event shame spiral, I feel like my previously strong sense of who I am and what I am like has been shattered. This is making me feel rather lost… I suppose what I am asking is does anyone have a similar experience or advice on this? Some of you who have struggled with OCD for a while… how have you coped? How do I begin to feel like myself again? Thank you 🫶

SinkingCloud

Date posted: Yesterday

I’m feeling this right now, I’m much older than you though. You seem to be going through a really turbulent time your life in general, so that could be contributing to all of those feelings… as for how to cope, I think it might take time and patience, and some self-compassion if you’re able to muster it.

recoveryisne...

Date posted: Yesterday

@SinkingCloud Honestly, it’s comforting in itself to know that you have felt the same. Its so complicated having all these thoughts isn’t it? Tiring too… thank you for your response I appreciate it very much. I hope that I find peace with time

Jcremone

Date posted: Yesterday

I wish I can give you positive feedback but your not alone I am 60 just turned and I have been dealing with mental illness for a century bipolar, ocd, adhd, Severe anxiety, along with insomnia so I have it all . All I can say is be blessed your so young and I think its great your trying to fix it now I wish I did in my 20 my life would of turned out way better. Instead I live with alot of regret and have bad ocd daily about my age, worried that my life is almost over and I have nothing to show for it. Fear of getting older and God for bid not being able to care for myself its very scary getting older. Good luck

recoveryisne...

Date posted: Yesterday

Thank you for your reply. I am sorry that you have had to deal with this for so long, and that it still worries you- your post has given me some good perspective that it is a priviledge to be this age and figuring things out. I can safely say from an outsiders perspective that 60 years old is definitely not too old to start living your life. You don't have to let your mental health define you. Life is still waiting, and still beautiful. Getting older is beautiful too. I hope you find peace and you can try living your life as though you were my age again. ❤️❤️

RinmynameisRin

Date posted: Yesterday

I feel like I was comfortable being who I was when I was young until 22. Now with OCD it feels like I lost my sense of self as well. I don’t know who I am. I don’t even know if I’m returning to myself or if I’d become a new person. I honestly don’t know. It’s a similar experience to mine.

recoveryisne...

Date posted: Yesterday

One of the cruellest things about OCD I think is that it does indeed attack and make you doubt the things which are most important to you, and in my case- that is definitely my identity and values- who I am and want to be. I am trying to reconnect with myself through music, hobbies and helping others- maybe this can work for us both ❤️❤️

RinmynameisRin

Date posted: Yesterday

@recoveryisneverlinear This is also what I’m doing! I was getting into my hobbies again! I hope it goes well for you and I!

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond