kels89
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y ago
NicaNica
- Date posted
- 2y ago
Look at OCD like a toddler having a tantrum over not getting another cookie: The toddler’s already had 2 cookies but wants 2 more, so the toddler starts having a tea trim to get what he wants. But as a parent, do you give him 2 more cookies to make him stop? Some parents do but other parents absolutely don’t because they know that’s reinforcing the bad behavior. It’s the same for OCD: don’t give into its silliness and tantrums or else you’re reinforcing its bad behavior.
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 2y ago
Absolutely. I like that. It is like a little child. A very manipulative, trouble causing child. As adults, we wouldn't stoop to the point of getting into arguments and fights with kids. Why give OCD the attention. Some might think it helps to feel better, but you are right, it just reinforces it and gives it more power.
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 2y ago
Unfortunately, that is the nature of the beast. The OCD beast can really push you to the edge at times. It can make you feel like you no longer have control over your own mind. Oddly enough, it was at one of these points that I made the biggest breakthrough in overcoming the beast. I felt like I could no longer deal with the constant uncontrollable ruminating. I literally gave up and surrendered to the OCD, thinking it would take full control, but to my surprise, it actually starting getting better instead. Strange, but it was then that I realized you cannot overcome OCD by fighting it. Only by accepting it and learning not get caught up in it's drama can you really make progress over it. Have you ever tried ERP to help with your OCD?
kels89kels89
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y ago
I did briefly but I plan on trying it again. I will need to take it slow though because I am pregnant and I don’t want to get too high up in my heierachy during pregnancy.
kels89kels89
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y ago
@Songbird27 Thank you so much!
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 2y ago
@kels89 - Congratulations. Is this your first? You never really know how OCD will affect someone when they are pregnant and after they have the baby. You may see it creep up in severity. Good time to start back ERP then. ERP can be effective in a short time to some extent, but it does require you to be willing to face uncomfortable feelings, however, I would rather face uncomfortable feelings for a short period of time in order to develop the skills to manage the OCD where it is no longer a major problem, then to avoid ERP and live with the distress OCD creates for the rest of my life.
kels89kels89
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y ago
@NOCD Therapist - Rex P. I absolutely agree. This will be my second. I have a three year old son as well and I went through this when I was pregnant with him and also postpartum. Thank you for your support, I am scared to do ERP but I know it will help.
kels89kels89
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y ago
I can relate to that analogy ALL too well. 😆 thank you
NicaNica
- Date posted
- 2y ago
You’re welcome! Ah, toddlers… 🤣🤣
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