So, I am concerned about one of my thoughts lately about whether or not I really have OCD. Is it possible to have a moderate or minor case of OCD? One of my reoccurring thoughts are "I don't have thoughts like that,I must not have OCD." Or "My intrusive thoughts aren't that upsetting today, I must not have OCD. I must be making it all up." And I'll feel so certain one day and then have a ton of doubt the next. Does anyone else experience this? How best do you combat this fear? I have just started ERP so be sure to let me know if this is reassurance seeking or not. (I myself am definitely not sure).

OCD can present itself in people in different ways and it varies a lot…

Hey, I'm a couple weeks into doing erp and this is 100% one of the things I can be ocd. "What if I don't really have it?", "What if it's not bad?" etc etc. Mine also comes with the contradictory "what if it won't get better?". Being ok with some things, having *loads* of doubt on others is pretty classic ocd, for what it's worth. And some people can have more more severe symptoms than others. But overall it's another uncertainty we can practice living with. "Maybe I do have it, maybe I don't, it's not possible to get an answer for sure right now". Ha makes me uncomfortable thinking that too! But think we gotta learn to live with that :-)

Thank you. This was very helpful!

Does having ocd have you fearing sleep

It depends. If I am alone at my apartment then yes. But I had to go back to my parents temporarily until I can figure things out and I am able to sleep at my parents with very little issue. So yes/no.

My OCD was considered moderate when I started treatment. OCD tried to make me feel guilty "Your symptoms are only moderate. You should quit treatment and let someone whose symptoms are more severe take your place"

Ahhh thank you! That's exactly what I needed to hear. And exactly what I am dealing with.

OCD is a jerk and a bully. It will say anything to keep you from resisting compulsions or starting or completely treatment. It doesn't want to be ignored or to lose its control over you. But you are in control of your treatment and your recovery. Just ignore OCD and keep going.

Another thing my OCD used to tell me is "ERP won't work for you. It's worked for countless others, but it won't work for you. You are the exception" But it HAS worked for me. I have made more progress than I ever thought possible. I still get intrusive thoughts, but I am able to handle them much better now. And I get them much less frequently now.