u/Slight-Bookkeeper838

I feel like OCD has robbed me of so much life. So many experiences. Love. I have always been so afraid of making mistakes, making a bad choice, or doing something “wrong” that I wouldn’t let myself just live.

Im 26 now, recently diagnosed and really taking stock of my life. It has made me realize just how little I’ve really lived because of my constant worry, fears, and overthinking every single thing. So many opportunities missed or chances not taken. It makes me feel really sad knowing I may have missed out on some great experiences.

Have any of you felt this way? What did you do to make a difference?

Sometimes I find myself feeling like a teenager who never grew up. I’m 26F, one year post-masters and living back in my hometown with my parents. So this feeling could definitely be in part due to these circumstances. But I’m also wondering if OCD plays a role.

Everything always feels so big and dramatic like it’s life or death. I have so much fear surrounding so many of life’s uncertainties. I don’t feel strong, or grown. I don’t feel like I can handle or take care of things. I feel ruled by my OCD, thoughts, and emotions. These things make me feel like I won’t be successful in my adulthood because I simply don’t have the confidence. How can I have confidence when my OCD makes me doubt everything?!!

Anyone relate to this?

I have OCD and something I’ve noticed recently is that I always feel busy/overwhelmed despite having nothing going on. My thoughts/ruminating take up so much of my mental space and time that I genuinely feel busy.

Even when I have time off I don’t go out of my way to make plans with friends, I neglect certain things (ex. Gym, cooking, cleaning) and I always feel like I don’t have enough time for things. Can anyone else relate??

I just got laid off last week. I am 26 with a masters degree and I am living at home with my parents so I am grateful to have the security but idk what I should do. Should I take a job outside of my field (waitressing, reception, admin, etc) or should I take my time and wait until I find something in my field.

Like I can’t tell what the smarter thing would be in my situation. I would like to be employed but I’m not sure if it’s worth taking a job that is not in my field/growing my career. But also I don’t want to be wasting my time without an income.

Any advice?

I just got laid off from a well paying full time job that actually utilized my masters degree. However, it was a toxic environment and it did not align with my broader career goals so I think it’s truly for the best but now I am unsure of what to do next while I collect unemployment.

I could work on improving my resume through trainings, and volunteer work and continue applying to jobs until something lands and appreciate my free time (less money). Or I could go back to waitressing part time and apply for jobs while making a bit of income (less free time, possible draining environment serving).

Any advice?

Anyone have experience applying for jobs with Strathcona County? I applied to a few jobs recently and they are all still marked “under consideration”. It’s been about 3-4 weeks and I’m not sure if they’ve already passed on me. Does anyone have insights on their hiring processes and the timeline for reaching out for interviews?

I recently finished my MSW and realized that therapy is not for me. I am very interested in getting into mental health literacy, promotion, and education but have no clue where to start. Is anyone currently working in this area? Any insights or suggestions are welcome!!

Sometimes I fear I should have gone into education or a different field to do this work so I am hoping I’m not out of luck…