Rohan123
- Date posted
- 3y
Lms526Lms526
- Date posted
- 3y
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.
Warrior25Warrior25
- Date posted
- 3y
I have a very similar story. I went to therapists and psychologists and they didn't help at all. Asking God for an answer on what was going on with me I found a video on YouTube about OCD and from there it's been a journey. Some days harder than others but like you said worth it. OCD has made me realize that I need to be compassionate with myself. I didn't understood that at first. I thought that it was something that I needed to fix and that I wished with all my heart to go away because I felt shame and guilt for having it. Now I realize that even when this thing is so unpredictable and hard it's been a tool to learn, grow and help others too. I've met amazing people with the same disease. OCD people are so sencible and insightful but most don't even know it. They are usually kind because they know the pain of being tormented in their own mind. Even when this thing came as a curse, I can say today that it's been used as a blessing. You are strong. Thanks for sharing.
Tyler DevineTyler Devine
- Date posted
- 3y
@herdel25 - Incredible words my friend!💪🏼 Stay with that mindset! God bless and good luck with your journey 🙏💯
Warrior25Warrior25
- Date posted
- 3y
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.
Tyler DevineTyler Devine
- Date posted
- 3y
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
Rohan123Rohan123
- Date posted
- 3y
Thank you for this!
InaPanicInaPanic
- Date posted
- 3y
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
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Jennifer Dal...
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 20w
Let’s talk about Therapy
So you got to ask me anything… Now I’d like to ask you something! I’ve heard from Members that they were so scared coming to their first ERP session. They were terrified that I would think they were crazy, that I would tell them their worst fears were true. That I would confirm they are some form of a terrible person or have them hauled off to prison for their thoughts. I’ve also had Members share how they’re very scared to begin ERP treatment because they’ve researched enough to know it means facing the fear, without the compulsions that have kept them feeling safe (but not really safe) this entire time. They struggled to see how they could be capable of doing this, while simultaneously acknowledging that they did not want to live like this anymore. If you have had your first session, what were your thoughts before? Did you have any hesitations or fears going into it? How did it turn out? If you haven’t yet begun to work with an ERP specialist, what is holding you back?
Stacey353
- Date posted
- 10w
ERP makes my driving anxiety worse
Everytime I do exposure therapy and even if it ends up good I get more nervous for the next time. How do I get past this I really need some help please. Now I am scared to even move the car after I drove on the main road 2 days ago.
TrustGod24
- Date posted
- 7w
ERP
I’m thinking about doing erp but my ocd is so severe the thought of accepting my fears happening to me makes me sick to my stomach. I also believe in the power of my words and saying I accept this Bad thing will attract it into my life. I’m not sure what I should do🥲
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