- Date posted
- 2y
Triggers
I've been exposed to an absolute barrage of triggers over the last four days after months without any exposure. Doing my absolute best to practice ERP but almost in a state of shock.
I've been exposed to an absolute barrage of triggers over the last four days after months without any exposure. Doing my absolute best to practice ERP but almost in a state of shock.
Ugh, I’ve been there, this sounds so hard. Shoutout to you for doing your best to practice ERP even in the midst of all the triggers. Be gentle with yourself, too. Even when you do engage in a compulsion, you can always undo it or try again with the next exposure. Perfection isn’t the goal, just practice. For what it’s worth, for me when I am exposed to a lot of situational exposures I create a couple of lower-level intentional ones, too, so I can get back in the practice of choosing to do them rather than constantly feeling like I’m on the defense. It helps remind me that I’m in charge, not OCD. You got this. Rooting for you 💜
Thank you, fantastic advice! Really appreciate the support 🙏
You’re not alone! I have felt that way lately too, like it’s just one thing after another that really messes with me. Do your best not to let it get you down ❤️ try not to let OCD brain spiral 🌀 and try to treat it all as opportunities for ERP that can benefit you in the long run. Short term discomfort and anxiety for long term happiness and a better life for future you. I just had to do exactly that ^ yesterday because someone had to come in to my apartment, and with contamination OCD I swear I can almost SEE the germs coming out of people’s mouth and nose and landing on all my stuff 😱 and it was really really hard but I didn’t sanitize anything afterwards. There have been a lot of other triggers lately that I won’t overshare and haven’t been 100% successful ERPing, haha! My point is that if I can do it, you can do it. You got this!
Thank you so much ❤
Can earbuds help
I'm not sure? Have you heard about ways in which they can?
@Anon2294 Soundproof ear buds block out outside noise
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) isn't always easy, but as one of the most effective treatments for OCD, it's worth it. If you've started ERP, what has been the biggest surprise you've experienced in learning to resist compulsions? If you haven't started ERP yet, what is holding you back from starting?
I find while doing exposures, rarely does my anxiety lessen. It usually amps up and stays that way for the remainder of the day. I could be having a fairly decent day, but dutifully do my exposures and then the rest of my day is anxiety filled. I guess that’s just how it is now? Also, I’m wondering if my therapist even believes I have OCD. I totally understand my therapist cannot provide reassurance. But it’s to the point it seems my therapist acts like I actually did the thing I fear. I feel so isolated.
I am doing ERP by my own because I can’t afford therapy. I exposed myself to babies photos online, changing diapers videos, baby genitalia . All was done with google . I honestly feel like I am predator by viewing these photos even though they are just babies. I seen also a picture on research article of a female patient she is a minor and they have done sexual abuse check on her . The image was so triggering, it was literally a vagina. ℹ developed lots if obsessions with increased groinal responses. And now I fear that I enjoyed all what I have seen.
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