So I completed treatment on December 7th. I am so proud of myself. I want to share my story more publicly and be an OCD advocate. I eventually want to become an OCD therapist, so I think this would be a good next step. But I have a question How do I become a peer advocate on this site? Is it something I have to apply for? Second, I feel a lot of shame and guilt as a result of some of the intrusive thoughts I have had in the past, especially the ones related to harm and suicide OCD? Any ideas on how to overcome that?

Paul123

Date posted: 3y

Wow thats good. What helped you get though it? Im still on my journey to inner peace and putting it all together.

Lms526

Date posted: 3y

Well...I'm 45 and started having intrusive thoughts around age 8. I didn't know I had OCD until this past summer. I listened to a podcast featuring a guest who lives with OCD. I was shocked to realize I had many of the same thoughts. Up to that point, I had no idea what I was experiencing wasn't normal. I thought everyone struggled the way I did.i also had a limited understanding of what OCD was. I thought it was handwashing and liking things neat and organized. I had no idea about the other subtypes. So once I learned about NOCD and ERP, I jumped in with both feet. Just prior to starting treatment was one of the lowest times of my life. I had tried years of traditional talk therapy, but never made any progress.

Paul123

Date posted: 3y

Wow im currently 18 and have been going through it for a year now. My goal is to have inner peace through all the chaos and what my head tells me. Would you have any tips by chance?

Lms526

Date posted: 3y

The best advise I can give is to go all in when doing ERP. Halfway won't cut it. Expect it to be hard and terrifying. The more you do ERP the easier it gets. Its kinda like learning a second language. When you first start out, it feels very awkward and uncomfortable. But the more you practice the easier it gets. If you stick with it, eventually you will be fluent. But I promise you, the benefits of doing ERP is so worth it. Also, you will feel worse before you feel better. Also, setbacks will happen. But they don't undo the progress you have made. Take it one day at a time. You will have good days and bad days.

Tyler Devine

Date posted: 3y

Lms526, So awesome that you took the leap of faith to not only start therapy, but to finish and fully embrace your OCD! Congratulations. You know, we all struggle with something. Some people have more than one, unfortunately. But, what my battle with OCD has taught me is that when we face and admit that we struggle, like me and you with OCD, all of a sudden OCD and anxiety in general lose their power over us. Throw some daily ERP, meditation, and faith building into the mix and I believe you have the 🔑 to success in not only your battle with OCD, but in life in general. I think that you wanting to share your story and knowledge to help others is a wonderful thing. It is definitely a major stop on the road to a lifetime of recovery. I remember a couple of years ago I would just hop on this app and reply to random people in need of advice in the areas of my expertise/experience. Helping guide others through the darkness that is all subtypes of OCD is truly the definition of taking something negative and turning it into a positive. You can also meet and connect with therapists/leaders in the many support groups that are offered on the App! Keep staying positive, continue to get better and better everyday, and know that OCD is not going to take away from the destiny God has planned for you. Stay fearless. Best, Tyler

Lms526

Date posted: 3y

Thank you so much!

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond