Rayma15
- Date posted
- 2y
Contamination OCD
Is there another treatment for OCD than ERP ? I really can't support ERP that hurts I got a lot of panic attacks and can't deal with them
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 2y
ERP involves sitting with the fear and being uncomfortable with being uncomfortable finding tools to get past the fear not avoid it. ALso ACT is used in treating OCD and CBT to help focus on doing the ERP not to minimize reduce or avoid anxiety. It is hard work but the gold standard of treatment for OCD. You gradually work your way up a hierarchy on step at a time doing ERP. Don't let ocd keep your from doing therapy you can do this. reach out for the support you need. Our care time can provide support and also talk with y our therapist about your concerns you have about doing erp.
blazedblazed
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
I’ve heard that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is another type of therapy that can be used for OCD!
Rayma15Rayma15
- Date posted
- 2y
Thank you. I will search for it
redmuse22redmuse22
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
I'm doing ACT as a supplement to ERP. The only way to face your OCD is facing the fear. It doesn't matter which therepuetic model you use. Its scary and hard and can be very discouraging, but its possible!
SteviebStevieb
- Date posted
- 2y
If the ERP is giving you panic attacks dial down the intensity and frequency.
BrittBrattBrittBratt
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
ERP worked if you stick with it. Start small. If you have to wash your hands after touching something. Give yourself 30 seconds before washing. Then a minute and keep challenging yourself until you can go without washing your hands. ERP is about baby steps working towards a bigger goal.
DutchgirlDutchgirl
- Date posted
- 2y
I have searched many years for treatment as ERP has been very difficult for my contamination ocd as well. ERP really is the gold standard to achieve recovery. You need to make a hierarchy of challenging yet manageable tasks, where you earn victories…then work your way up. I am still working through this process. It’s fantastic that we have the research to support the effectiveness of ERP…but , unfortunately for us sufferers, the only way past this is to trudge through it. Start small…for example, if you wash your hands a lot, try to cut of 5 seconds. Whatever it takes to achieve small wins will build your confidence. You are stronger than you know!!😊
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S. L.
- Date posted
- 24w
Contamination OCD
Does anyone have any tips on how to handle contamination OCD?
NotGreat
- Date posted
- 23w
Physical health consequences?
For many years I’ve had contamination OCD. I wear many layers of plastic gloves when awake. Take off a layer when needing to do things. Early last year it started getting worse when I began ERP. Much worse. Showering took 1 hour before, now 3-4h or longer. I always have to shower before bed because the bed is a clean safe place. But showering didnt feel clean enough anymore and took so long. I would get stuck repeating things over and over. The humidity was ruining my walls and ceiling. I’d stay awake up to 40 hours avoiding showering and sleeping. So one day I started wearing clothes covering all skin, plastic gloves, sleeves taped, hoodie on. That way I could easily just sleep still on my back on the couch. No more awake 40 hours or stuck in the shower up to 4h + bedtime rituals. But then slowly I found myself unable to do… anything. Stopped going outside, stopped talking to people, can’t even get up some days so I just lay on the couch. Fall last year was very stressful I think it broke something in my head. I don’t change clothes and I make sure the gloves last many days. My hands are suffering. The skin blisters and comes off. I think my nails are now separating from the nail beds, for real. I’ve also spent so many years holding pee when outside the home that now the pelvic muscles are weak and I’m becoming urge incontinent. Can’t do physical exams at the doctors. Can’t seek help. Can’t get out of the couch. OCD is ruining my physical health. ERP did not work. Has this happened to anyone else? What did you do if so?
Anonymous
- Date posted
- 15w
Tw/ Contamination ocd
Hello, i have very severe contamination ocd, and as i am writing this i feel my hands are dirty lol, but anyways i wanted to know if there’s anyone specialised in Contamination ocd? No matter what type because i really need help and i looked up things but it doesn’t help please!!
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