Any recommendations on things to do after a ERP session? Working out, go for a walk, meditation?

Hi Tyler thanks for the reply! I have my assessment call tomorrow so I haven’t began any therapy yet. I’ve never been diagnosed with OCD but have struggled with Anxiety and intrusive thoughts over the 2.5 years. Mine hit in mid 2019 like 6 months before the wedding on a very turbulent flight while watching a horror movie and then the pandemic + having our first child in June 2021 it all adds up + work stress. I was on celexa since April 2019 and came off it once a few months after but then had more anxiety and went right back on it. So I stayed on it for since right after Our son was born and was fantastic until I had an anxiety attack a week before thanksgiving so I decided to go back on my celexa 5.5 weeks ago so it’s starting to provide relief.

Hey there! My name is Tyler Devine and I am one of the advocates here at NOCD. Let me start by saying I’m sorry you are having a rough time. OCD is a very, very debilitating area in the realm of mental health and anxiety disorders. However, we know this. Saying how hard it is and continuing to dig a deeper hole is not how you win this daily battle. Learning to face OCD head on is something that comes with time and practice. I’m not sure where you are in your journey with OCD, but let me give you some background on myself: I’m 27 years old and have been dealing with ocd since I was young. About five years ago, I finally surrendered to the monster that is OCD (particularly SO-OCD, which if you’re unfamiliar with some of the main subtypes of ocd, is obsessive thoughts, feelings etc of a sexual relation). Ever since then, I have never looked back. I know it’s tough but trust a vet like me who has put a lot of time into this stuff when I say you are far from alone. Some big things that helped me tame the beast and still do to this day are meditation, prayer, ERP (both staged and in real time), help from a specialist, faith, and medication (if necessary, as a supplement to your training). All these things combined with a positive attitude toward yourself and your OCD will lead you to victory! Keep helping others and keep utilizing the wonderful community of therapists and people who struggle with the same stuff like you and me. ERP is hard to do there’s no doubt about that. I always like to encourage people to do something fun and non-serious post therapy. Maybe go get your favorite food and watch your favorite funny movie! OCD training can get super serious (in your mind) so the goal to bring down the anxiety meter is to subtract being serious. Working out is great too, as long as you go into it with a clear mind and have fun with it! Strength and prayers, Tyler D