a week into a really bad episode and jm still coming into work. im nauseous, shaking, and taking cry breaks. taking a week off later this month. please send any success stories of overcoming extra dark times. need hope

Hey! I’m really sorry you’re going through that right now. A few weeks ago I was in the worst episode imaginable, and I was able to get out of it almost completely in just a few days (of not doing any of my physical compulsions and doing normal activities). I fell back into obesessing a yesterday, but I had a few days where I actually felt very, very close to my pre-OCD relapse self. So, just know that it is possible no matter how bad it seems. And, my obessions were extremely convincing, and even had “evidence” to back them up, so I think that shows even those can be overcome.

Last year was a bad ocd year for me, I was able to come out of the episode mostly on my own. Podcasts were my best friend and exposure therapy was too. I promise you your episode will pass, and you’ll learn a lot from it :)

Hang in there! You can do it! I too am struggling and your courage gives me courage. I’ve been dealing with ocd for many many years and I’m learning that it’s only by going through these bad episodes that I gain clarity. It does get better, keep moving forward. You are doing the right thing-going to work even though you are feeling bad. When I do what I value instead of giving into compulsions the horrible feelings to go away. This may help. I ask myself what I would normally do when I’m triggered. For me this highlights my compulsive behaviors. It makes me see my compulsions clearly and then NOT do them. What would a person without ocd do? I use my friend who is always very rational and think how would they handle this situation. Then I ask myself what do I want to do? And the answer is always live my life doing what I value-working, showing up for my family and friends and not following my ocd demands. Hope this helps.

You will be surprised how much difference a week or two makes when you’re consistent with ERP tools. You can do it!