How do u guys find the courage to do something like ERP. I can’t seem to find it in me

I am 45. I started having intrusive thoughts at age 8. But I had no idea what I was experiencing wasn't normal. I thought everyone struggled the way I did. So I lived with undiagnosed untreated OCD for 37 years. I had done years of therapy but never made any progress. This past summer, I listened to a podcast (not mental health related) when a woman shared her story about living with OCD. I was shocked when I realized I could relate. So I started researching OCD and everything started making sense. So when I learned about ERP, I jumped right in. I realized I had a choice. I could keep doing my compulsions and stay stuck or I could try something different. I wasn't going to lose anymore of my life to OCD. I'm not going to lie. Doing ERP is one of the hardest things I have ever done. Its terrifying. But the benefits that come from doing it are so worth it. Only you can decide if you are ready to start treatment and take your life back. But just know that OCD will not go away on its own. The longer you go untreated the worse your OCD will get. ERP has been lifechanging for me. I am now in recovery.

I think you get to a point where you are fed up with the compulsions, the anxiety and fear itself. Maybe you aren't there yet. Which is ok. Is not something to feel guilty about it. Just remember, it is you who has to decide if you want to face your fears. Nobody can make that decision for you.

If you haven’t read some of these other people’s advice/responses, I say you check em out! I am one of the advocates here at NOCD and I am so blown away by some of these people who reached out to you. I think it’s awesome that you are on here and willing to surrender. That’s a huge step! It’s all up from here my friend. Stay connected with this community. When I started my battle/journey with OCD, this stuff was not in existence. It made it that much harder to get better. ERP is one of the toughest things to do in any area of mental recovery. But on the flip side, with great struggle comes great strength. Start small, don’t expect immediate results, and be in it for the long haul. Continue to help others within the OCD community and continue to stay positive no matter what. God bless you and your journey. Ty D

Yeah Years and Years of Suffering , I’ve HOCD, POCD,Harm OCD, Suicidal OCD, now Existentual OCD where I can’t stop thinking about death and after life