My name is Andrea and i'm 24. I've been struggling with OCD since high school. This year I moved from Ohio to live by myself in California and attend Make-up School. After having a weekend long bout of panic attacks brought on from stress and other things, i've been struggling with anxiety, panic, and scary obsessive thoughts. I never felt that way before and it has been about a month since that started and I have been struggling. I am on my second week and scared that I won't be able to get over this or get through my panic attacks. That I won't be able to control my own mind. I know I bring this on myself but I have periods where I get scared and hope that others have gone through this too and that they got through it. Will this get better?

Dear Andrea,
It will get better, you are getting better moment by moment. You asked if others have felt as you described you are feeling...yes I have. Be kind to yourself, rest, eat healthy foods, breath deep, and approve of yourself. You are one of a kind and the world is better because you are here. One step at a time. You are on week 2, week 3 is very helpful. I wish you good moments each day, confidence to smile and care for yourself. Do something special for someone today and expect nothing in return, be aware that you made a difference.

Dear Wanita,
I really appreciate you responding to my post. I was really scared about coming on here because I was worried that this peer support would scare me more or not have any answers..or I would be crazier than anyone on here. I am struggling because OCD is hard and repetitive thoughts make you tired. So it gets hard to have hope that things will get better but more and more I am starting to believe I just might have the ability to get well.