I’ve had a couple bad days this week. Anyone have tips to not ruminate and how to learn to just accept OCD and not take it as a thing that’ll just ruin my life..I’ve got 3 boys and my beautiful wife and I just want them to get the most out of me and enjoy life with them. OCD as of late has made some events kind of hard..I do find joy in being around them. But at times the anxiety that comes with it can be tough. Please only share positive feedback! God bless everyone

breckw39

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3y

Allow yourself some grace. You can use a self-compassion statement to help, such as “I give myself permission to not need all the answers.” Compassion towards OCD can be another approach. “OCD, I know this will scare you, but I’m not going to do your compulsion/rumination. I’m going to be brave, and trust the process. I’ve got this, and we can handle it.” Take care and hope you feel better soon.

Kids4Christ

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3y

So talk to it kind of? I felt I was taking big leaps and just this week has been rough! I hope you have a wonderful day

breckw39

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3y

@Anonymous You bet. Through ERP my therapist at NOCD has been really helpful in showing me different tools to acknowledge the obsession, and sit with the uncertainty/anxiety. The self compassion piece can help, and is one of the many behavior and mindfulness tools out there. Mindfulness practices daily can help support as you do ERP.

Nica

Date posted: 3y

Are you in ERP therapy?

Kids4Christ

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3y

Yes. Been leaning into it. Jus feel so uncomfortable & anxious doing my exposures. I have HOCD. And reading about other peoples stuff I notice my ocd try to get latched onto their stuff. I notice how positive and uplifting you are in this app! Please give tips

Kids4Christ

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3y

Never knew I had OCD until about 3-4 months ago: always been a clean person sometimes over the top with it but just ignore it lol started having intrusive thoughts ab my family and looking up stuff and seeking that reassurance has kind of made this snowball

Nica

Date posted: 3y

@Anonymous Including ERP therapy, start practicing mindfulness, yoga or meditation, exercise, get on a daily schedule (including morning and bedtime schedule), limit phone/computer usage, get into a hobby or two, don’t ever give into your OCD because it’ll only make things worse, and remind yourself often that you have personal agency and you don’t have to put up with OCD. Feelings are not facts.

Anonymous

User type: Staff

Date posted: 3y

I feel for you so much. This disorder is hard. It can take many things from us and there is hope. We can live in recovery and OCD is very manageable. I am so glad to hear that you are doing ERP. The key is to be consistent with homework and practicing the skills. Give yourself credit for all that you are doing and recognize that you are in fact living with one of the worlds top 10 most debilitating illnesses and you are doing it. Join some of our free support groups too- these are super helpful. You are not alone in this.

breckw39

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 3y

John Hershfield’s book on Everyday Mindfulness is a great read, I’d recommend it to anyone in their recovery.

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond