What does recovery mean?

@Tonyy So it’s worth erp pain ?

So it doesn't mean the thoughts can become a real possibility? I'll just simply return to how I was before all this once I've recovered?

@NeverGiveUp Conversely, you have to face the fear that your thoughts could be true to recover and realise they aren't. I know before I starting therapy (before my diagnosis) I was petrified therapy would mean realising my worst fears were true, but I knew I just couldn't live how I had been anymore.

@68273 110%. It’s short term pain for the relief of long term symptoms.

@courtneyx You did erp?

@ada110 You did erp?

@68273 Yes doing ERP therapy at the moment through NOCD

@ada110 I see. If you don’t mind me asking , do you suffer from PureO? I have insurance that will pay for NOCD but I’m terrified of erp

@68273 Yes I do. If you think you have OCD of any kind/theme my advice would be to give therapy a go. Take it one session at a time, learn about what it takes. It's totally understandable to be scared but if you want to live a better happier life you have to face the fears. Your therapist would take it steady with you and build up slowly with smaller exposures first. Be brave, you can do this.

@ada110 I tried erp for the first time two years ago. I was in therapy for 5months but then I stopped. Erp was so difficult I could barely function and was doing more rumination than when I first started but I’m still definitely struggling.

@68273 That sounds so tough. I know my journey with ERP so far has been difficult and frustrating and taken longer to show benefits than I'd hoped. I'm still learning to accept OCD as part of my life. That's just me, all our journeys are different and there are different obstacles for us to overcome. Maybe you could try one session with a new therapist and explain how you feel and your journey so far and just give yourself a chance to see how doing that step makes you feel. Wishing the best for you.

@68273 Yes I did ERP, and it worked for me. I am in such a better place than I was since starting therapy. I would highly recommend it. You have to put in work, but its so worth it when you see results. I have thoughts of course, but I’m happy and I hardly do compulsions. Also acceptance and commitment therapy is a game changer too, helped me vastly with my recovery.☺️

@ada110 How long have you been doing erp w a therapist?

@68273 Initially I did it twice a week for for a few months, then when I got better I only needed to check in once every two weeks. I did a lot of homework though. I read a lot books and listen to a-lot of podcasts too.

@courtneyx What books do you recommend

@courtneyx Ask, how many months have you done erp?

@68273 I can’t remember exactly, but I would say about 4/5 months. But I worked hard x