- Date posted
- 3y
- Date posted
- 3y
every type of ocd happens "mentally" so I'm guessing you're talking about the type that doesn't have visible compulsions (pure ocd). Well yes, ERP helps with any type of ocd because it helps you accept uncertainty and desensitizes your reaction to the intrusive thoughts
- Date posted
- 3y
Yes but how can practically happen that? I know that in ERP you get exposed to the trigger, but you learn how to not do the compulsion. When you are mentally struggling with a though how can ERP help? I don't know much about it since in my country this therapy is not known.
- Date posted
- 3y
@anonymous34563 I would reccomend starting by doing your best to disregard your OCD thoughts. You might not be able to do that completely, but try to do it as much as possible. A good statement would be: “Ok OCD, I hear and understand you trying to tell me that (insert obesssion here) might be true, but I don’t really care what you think, so you can scream at me all you like, but I’m not scared of you. I’m going to go do (insert normal life activity here) instead.” This might all feel fake at first, but the more you do it, the more you will start to see your OCD fears as unimportant. The main thing is to show that you’re in charge, and OCD is not.
- Date posted
- 3y
@anonymous caterpillar 🐛 I know but sometimes it's like these second thoughts/doubts confuse me because they are triggered by an actual event and I can't distinguish reality from ocd. I have -among other things- rocd and generally ocd that has to do with my relationships with other people and the problem is that I get too sensitive if something happens and I'm starting to doubt them.. this can have in just a second destructive consequences. I overreact and then I feel sorry. The problem is that I can't distinguish when sth that happens is a red flag or is just absurd. I can't seem to have a reality. It's frustrating. I don't know when I have to worry and feel sad/angry about sth or not. This has a result me getting super sensitive and fill of insecurities and second thoughts. That's why I was wondering how ERP can help. Sorry for the long text I'm just so tired
- Date posted
- 3y
@anonymous34563 It can be hard to tell the difference between an OCD thought and a real life one. I would reccomend asking yourself if someone you know (you can choose a very responsible person, just make sure they either don’t have OCD or don’t have the same themes as you), and ask yourself if they would be concerned about it. If the answer is no, you should disregard it.
- Date posted
- 3y
@anonymous caterpillar 🐛 Thanks again 😊
- Date posted
- 3y
@anonymous34563 No problem!
- Date posted
- 3y
@anonymous34563 It helps because you get exposed to your fears and then your reaction get desensitized and then your fear simply stops bothering you.
Related posts
- Date posted
- 18w
Can I hear some examples of specific parts of ERP that has helped you? I've been doing talk therapy for a few years and the major issue I have with it is that I already have analyzed all of my problems from every angle, so I'm kind of just sitting there yapping about it for an hour. I need solutions and things that make me feel better.
- Date posted
- 18w
I’m starting NOCD. I had several years of cbt as a child (well over 20 years ago) and I see a trauma therapist. But now I’ll be seeking further help for OCD and just really scared. CBT wasn’t helpful for me. How has ERP been helpful for you? Do you feel like you’ll finally get your life back? I’m consumed by my obsessions 😢 Would love others feedback if ERP helped you ❤️
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 14w
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) isn't always easy, but as one of the most effective treatments for OCD, it's worth it. If you've started ERP, what has been the biggest surprise you've experienced in learning to resist compulsions? If you haven't started ERP yet, what is holding you back from starting?
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