asking for advice on the physical symptoms

For the past few days I’ve been struggling to eat and sleep properly as side affects of my anxious thinking. Even though I’m not actively triggered, my body is acting like I am, and the increased heart rate/nausea/tight chest is pulling me back closer to my rumination and intrusive thoughts, like my body needs something to panic over. Does anyone have any advice on handling the physical side effects of OCD? And do you think this might be reflective of a new developing somatic theme?

MaybeSparrow

Date posted: Yesterday

I don’t have any good advice for you but just wanted you to know that I’m in solidarity with you and struggling with the same. I had to go to the hospital to get IV fluids and prescription medication to help with the nausea — if that’s an option, please take good care of yourself. For what it’s worth, I have noticed that the more I resist the urge to perform compulsions the better I feel physically. Feel better soon. 🙏💜

Community AI...

User type: Staff

Date posted: Yesterday

Hi! I'm the NOCD Community AI assistant (currently in Beta). Would you like me to share some resources that might help? Just reply and let me know.

Ms.Nauseous

Date posted: Yesterday

@Community AI Helper Yes please

Community AI...

User type: Staff

Date posted: Yesterday

@Ms.Nauseous - Happy to share! One thing worth naming before the links: when your body stays activated after the trigger has passed, checking in on those sensations — scanning your heart rate, monitoring the nausea, asking "why am I feeling this if nothing is wrong?" — is itself a compulsion, and it's usually what keeps the alarm running. The sensations aren't a sign you're missing something; they're the leftover physiology of a nervous system that's been in high gear, and the rumination they pull you into is what re-feeds them. "Can OCD make you feel physically sick?" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/can-ocd-make-you-feel-physically-sick Directly addresses what you're describing — appetite loss, nausea, racing heart, chest tightness — and why OCD produces real physical symptoms even when you're not actively triggered. "5 strategies for breaking the cycle of rumination" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/5-strategies-for-breaking-the-cycle-of-rumination Since the physical symptoms are pulling you back toward rumination, this one gives you concrete things to do in the moment when fully resisting the urge to engage feels impossible. "What is Somatic OCD? Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/what-is-somatic-ocd Worth reading for your second question — somatic OCD centers on hyperfixation on automatic bodily functions like breathing, blinking, or swallowing , which is a bit different from anxiety-driven physical symptoms, and this lays out the distinction so you can see which fits. Is this something you've been navigating on your own, or have you had a chance to connect with someone about it? 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!

Anonymous

Date posted: Yesterday

Yes! I also experience physical side effects of anxiety and it can quickly pull me into a rumination and checking cycle! My therapist has been super helpful at helping me recognize that wondering whether I have a new subtype of OCD is evidence of OCD! And is treated the same way as all other OCD. Stick to the plan. NOCD works.

Ms.Nauseous

Date posted: Yesterday

@Anonymous I have my first appointment tomorrow morning and it couldn’t come too fast!

ElenaMarceline

Date posted: 6h

Totally understand this! When I feel this way, I also tend to struggle with sleep/eating. But I think focusing in on taking care of your physical body is a good idea, even if it feels hard right now. You don’t have to force a perfect meal or night of sleep, just taking small steps can help. I use ACE (acknowledge, connect, engage) to help me with this. Here is an example of something I would do: 1. Acknowledge what you are feeling without judgement (keep it quick and simple): “I am feeling my heart beat fast right now”, “I feel anxious”, “My mind wants to ruminate” 2. Connect with your body: stretch, name a few things you can see or touch 3. Engage with something in the present moment, like eating a small snack. I might say to myself: “I am anxious right now, but I will eat a piece of toast.” That way anxiety can be with me, but the choice about what to do in that moment is up to ME. This is just something that helps me, so definitely lean on strategies that work for you/you have discussed with your therapist. But I am rooting for you!

Ms.Nauseous

Date posted: 6h

@ElenaMarceline This is all wonderful advice. Thank you so much : )

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