This might tie in with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). I've actually had similar obsessive thoughts regarding blinking; I find that if I start thinking about it too much, I start blinking at regular but unnatural intervals, and it's very annoying.

The only thing that works (for me) is to just not focus on it. I know it's easier said than done, since I don't have a severe blinking obsession and it's never been something I really need to work on, so I wish I had something more useful for you. All I can say is, the more you focus on blinking, the more noticeable it'll be. If you know anything that could distract you from such thoughts, I'd advise trying that.

(Maybe somebody else here will have more concrete advice.)

 

hello,
i am also facing the exact same problem and passing even a single minute is like hell to me.
but i think sharing each others experiences might me helpful for us
hoping for a reply soon

 

Hello, I used to have this problem. I know how hard it is having this. It goes away with time, try finding something else to do when you get nervous or that feeling of anxiety like chewing gum or doing something with your hands. That helped me out a bit. I dont have any of this kind of problems anymore!

 

Like someone said, try not to focus on it. Again, of course that sounds easy but that's what it's about. Try not to be in your head. What i mean is, try not to think of anything when you're out or when you're looking at them.

I think we all have to develop a sense of "i don't give a f***" attitude. That's a start. After a while you'll get more comfortable with yourself & stop getting so self concious. I'm currently working on it.

Or maybe you just have OCD like someone said. That's different from SA though so i wouldn't be able to give you an answer on that unfortunately.

But what i have developed these past years is to move my lips/tounge alot when i'm about to get anxious. I sometimes start spitting alot to. That's usually when i see old friends or something that i don't feel like greeting. So to avoid them i start to get anxious & doing the things just said.

 

hello,
i am also facing eye blinking problem from past two weeks.
Every time i think of eye blinking,my eyes starts blinking very fast.it twitches a lot.and because of constant eye blinking or twitching i am not able to concentrate on my daily routines and activites.if i try not to blink my eyes i feel irritation in my eyes and my eyes suddenly blinks as u know its really difficult not to blink your eyes.as this thing is creating difficulties in my work and concentration because of which i have developed anxiety towards it and i experience rapid and constant sweating in palms and legs,severe headache,rapid heart beat,tiredness etc symptoms.

as you know eye blinking is a subconscious thing but for me it has become a conscious thing now.i am scared to think of it because of all above mentioned things i am facing.At some times i forget about it.but then i feel my subconscious blinking of eyes and my awareness goes towards it.
Please help

 

Stop thinking.

Jimmy Hendrix didn't play so good by worrying about quarter notes (or scales or anything -self taught). What is so scary about blinking, or having attention called to the way you blink? And wouldn't you blink naturally if you stopped thinking about it (considering blinking is an automatic thing)?

 

It's OCD

What you are dealing with here is called "Sensorimotor OCD" or "Neutral Obsessions." I am currently dealing with this and am in therapy for it combined with an SSRI (anti-depressant that is shown to decrease OCD symptoms in some individuals.) It's most common forms are a conscious focus on blinking, breathing and swallowing. Due to it's OCD nature, it is not something you can "stop" thinking about and with all forms of OCD, don't try to distract away from it, that will only reinforce it. I would suggest reading Dr. John Grayson's book about living with uncertainty and acceptance. You may also want to check out Dr. Steve Seay's articles on Sensorimotor OCD, just do a google search.

You are most likely dealing with anxiety associated with the fact that these feelings will never go away - don't lose hope. You should find a therapist that uses ERP as a primary treatment option and you should also look into mindfulness, which as a previous poster stated, is summed up as " an I don't give a @$%# attitude" - it is all about living in the moment and accepting things just as they are without judgement.

OCD is a treatable illness; however, it is a chronic illness, meaning you will have to learn how to manage it, like diabetes or asthma. Don't kid yourself into thinking it will go away and life will be the way if was before all this started, that is fantasyland, you need to accept reality for what it is. Your treatment goal should be to co-exist with the OCD, not get rid of it.

I hope my post has helped you in some way, please feel free to send me a message and I can discuss further. Don't lose hope, you can get control with a lot of hard work and persistence. Don't give up.

Joe

 

If you’re having a lot of anxiety and can’t stop thinking about a bodily sensation like blinking, breathing or swallowing, then you probably have what’s called sensorimotor OCD as mentioned above.

I’m fortunate to be someone who successfully recovered from sensorimotor OCD. As theres still a lack of information on how to treat it as well as a lack of access to a suitable therapist for many, I've written a brief guide on overcoming sensorimotor OCD at A Guide to Overcoming Sensorimotor OCD (Introduction) - SensorimotorOCD.net. It's based primarily on CBT and ERP. I hope it is useful to people who are struggling with this, though of course does not replace a qualified therapist who can address the issue.