Adaptability and OCD

I was diagnosed with anxiety disorder and OCD some years ago. I take medication for the anxiety disorder. And as long as the medication holds the anxiety disorder in check, I can manage the OCD. Both of these conditions manifest as a desire to prevent terrible things from occurring.

I personally find that the best way to combat such feelings is by increasing my competence. The more I know how to do, the less anxious I feel. I have studied physical self-defense. I have built a very basic understanding of the law in my country. I have learned how to survive in the woods and how to understand my taxes and my insurance. Capability is comforting.

Roughly six months ago, the elder of my two chihuahuas had something not unlike a heart attack. He stopped breathing, we could not find a pulse. My wife drove us to the all night emergency veterinary clinic. And I performed CPR and artificial respiration on our little man. he recovered in the car. He started breathing again. And although he now need heart medication twice daily, he is happy and as healthy as can be. We still have our little man because I could perform these first aid treatments without having to think about them. My competence saved the life of a family member.

Learn. Become competent. Nothing banishes anxiety as well as competence.