Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

I have extreme OCD. It made my life miserable for ten years. Its really hard to explain this mental illness, but its basically all about controlling and obsessing over things (often times things that can't be controlled) by doing compulsions or rituals that usually don't make sense. I would get physically sick from the stress I put on myself on a daily basis, so I FINALLY went on Paxil. I'm wondering, now, after taking paxil for about two years, if there are any more natural remedies? Things I used to try before going on paxil just became my new obsessions, like working out. Its terrible. I don't know what to do, and I really don't like the idea of being on a drug for the rest of my life. Yet, I'm terrified of the way my life used to be! Anyone ever had an experience like this, or any ideas on some natural, NON-medical remedies for OCD?

Hello and thank you for your question.

I have been treated for mental illness for over 15 years and over that period of time I tried many things to come off medication, and each time I would finally crash and burn so to speak. I would suggest what ever you do, to do it with the help and support of a qualified medical Doctor. In other words don't be a Loan Ranger and do it all alone. I got myself in some serious situations thinking I could go it alone. So be careful and good luck with what ever you do. Blessings

I'm with LDB449.
When i try to find a natural substitute or go off my meds , my life tanks. and i have to struggle back up to where i was.

If it keeps you functioning, i don't think there is anything wrong with taking a drug or the rest of your life.

I have a son who has OCD, PTSD and ADD. I just recently found out. He's had behavorial and anger problems since he was 5. You can't do it alone. I'm a firm believer that therapy is great as well as church. I'm not a fan of medication, but if you need it, take it.

Stay on the Paxil and stop working out so darn much.
I know what your going through.Been there,done that.

I was prescribed Paxil for severe depression, anxiety, and homicidal tendencies. Paxil saved my life, and maybe the lives of others.

Please talk with your physician/psychiatrist/therapist about your concerns. To my knowledge, the only treatment for OCD, other than medication, is a strong will power.

You can try Tyrosine. It is in health stores and bigger pharmacies.

While most people are apprehensive of the thought of needing to take a medication to treat a condition (especially a condition with emotional/mental symptoms), it needs to be pointed out that the cause of the condition is a defect in the body.

Everybody has imperfections in the physical structure of their body. With me, my serotonin levels are off. I take my medication; the serotonin levels are okay. I am not weak or evil or stupid or anything of that ilk. It is just a physical condition that is not my fault.

I am thankful that I have a treatment for my clinical depression; I am lucky that I have it. If I have to take 80mg of Fluoxetine every day for the rest of my life, that's a small price to pay to have a normal reasonable life.

There should be no stigma with needing a medication.

However, if you wish, you can try Tyrosine. It's quite safe.

Pills?? how about food allergies?? READ THE LABEL LIST OF INGREDIENTS--can't even pronounce the words---- there are chemicals in all of our canned products---processed foods---MSG---sugar--white flour----all of these have actually been found to cause manic behavior---never even attempted to see if there is an intolerance or an allergy to any of these things. MSG is a dulling, mind numbing, depressing food additive---sugar can have a really bad effect on people---insomnia, anxiety, panic, etc. I can go on and on-----I changed my diet with the help of a GOOD doctor--I lost 100 pounds--no longer bite my nails and forget stuff--I stopped arguing with people and fearing the day. better look to getting a healthy diet--no white flour, no barley, no sugar, no MSG, no chemicals, no soda, no fructose---in 2 months you will be better.

hmmm i have had ocd since i was 2 and im 15 now but i dont have it severe, i have severe trichotillomania, where you pull ur hair out, a form of ocd. try limiting it to a certain amount of hours, or times you do it. then try limiting it to maybe 5 times a week. this will obviosely take a while but it might work. im sorry im not that much of a help...=( but good luck!!!
<3

There are several, in OCD, in section 7, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris