anybody out there with perfectionism OCD? I didn't even know I had it, because my main safety behavior is avoidance. I am having trouble cooking, cleaning, and exercising! any advice? ("Just doing it" is too anxiety producing atm)

I have perfectionism OCD as well. What helps me is trying not to avoid it because that could be a compulsion. Just attempting to do it is an accomplishment even if you try to delay the compulsion to constantly fix things so they feel right. I have to try delaying fixing all the things that feel wrong to me. Sometimes I fall for it but I try to pick myself up and don't beat myself up for it. We are in this together you got this.

There are lots of great books out there on this topic! Many people struggle with this theme. I would encourage you to go to IOCDF.org and you'll find some great resources there for perfectionism OCD. I would encourage you to find ways to reduce our rituals rather than resisting completely since you're saying that "just doing it" is too hard. What rituals are you doing? What are some ways that you can reduce these rituals? Can you put a time frame on certain things and start at this particular time vs waiting? Can you just do the first step of cooking, cleaning, or exercising rather than doing the entire process? Eg for instance you can just get dressed for exercise and just focus on this part of the process rather than focusing on the entire thing. Also if you're worried about doing something perfectly - eg having the perfect workout or having the perfect meal - make the intention to do it wrong. Do it as wrong as you can with the intention of flustering your OCDs feathers. Youve got this

Thanks for sharing your current experience. I would say that you should be very proud of yourself for 1st noticing the anxiety, distress, and discomfort and letting those feelings of anxiety, fear, etc. be there.This is a perfect time to as I like to say "practice" ERP. Practice not analyzing any of those points you mentioned and place your attention on this present moment. Feel your feet on the ground, take a deep breathe, go for a walk, read, go hangout with a close companion, or play a sport. Not avoiding the discomfort, but choosing to do things you want to do and not give any attention to dwelling on that.The most important part being the response prevention. Not easy, but part of the work. When this type of situation occurs and we are in environments in which we are organically exposed to distress, use this as an opportunity to practice doing the work! This allows for two things; showing yourself you can handle and tolerate it, and also letting your body know that although you feel uncomfortable you are willing to keep doing whatever it is you are doing and getting on with your day! This is the foundation!