Hi, my name is Casie and I'm a Member Advocate at NOCD! I started therapy with NOCD back in 2020 because I was at one of my lowest points and knew I needed help. I learned so much and was able to find how to help myself, something I never imagined I could do. I also love creating art! So for anyone new here, we would love to meet you. Tell us what brought you to NOCD, and something special about yourself!
Nice to meet you. I love to paint pictures. I have done one of what my ocd looks like & am working on one now that is an addition to that first painting. It more to do with recovery.
@Trish1014 That sounds lovely, Trish! I’ve seen others at NOCD who have drawn/painted what their OCD looks like, it’s very healing!
@Trish1014 I would love to see your painting!
I joined NOCD because I noticed the community aspect. Before this bout of OCD, I kept most obsessions to myself, telling 1 to 2 people max. I just don’t think people understand unless they have it. I hadn’t told anyone about this current obsession, and didn’t when it happened in 2014 and 2015. It was tearing me apart to not speak about it. It’s helpful to be a part of a community that understands.
Hi Casie and fellow NOCDers! An Instagram newsfeed brought me to NOCD one faithful day-- I still remember vividly being in the middle of an extreme ROCD flare-up that afternoon (so much that I took the afternoon off of work, which I've never done for this reason) and was so desperate for relief when I saw the ad that I called & scheduled the 15 appointment same day. Best decision EVER! Fast forward to just 2 months later and MY GOSH I can't believe that something finally worked! I still have a long road ahead of me, but I am filled with optimism and hope. What is special about me?... I guess I'm gritty. I lost about 95 lbs a few years back (over the course of 3+ years) and have kept the weight off for 2.5 years and counting! I am a proud first generation American, was born & raised in a rough/poor neighborhood in Southeast Los Angeles, and was the first person in my family to graduate from college. I have beat obesity, I have beat poverty, so I know I have it in my to beat OCD!
@Aivlissa You go girl/guy! 😁
@Aivlissa Great! I lost 100 lbs over course of a few years when I joined the gym. I got halfway through college, before my OCD got too bad.
@Aivlissa Excellent!
@Matthew L. Way to go!
I found NOCD on instagram and it seemed different from other online therapies I’ve seen. I was diagnosed with OCD at age 6 and have suffered two traumatic brain injuries that have made it harder to deal with. I’ve been out of work for over a month and don’t even want to leave my room anymore. something special about me… through all that I found a wonderful husband that loves me so unconditionally. and we have 4 pups that keep us busy!
@missocdbbb Thank you for sharing, and for being here with us! I am so sorry to hear how much you have been through, it sounds like you have been resilient and strong for a long time. I hope we can help support some of that weight for you! How sweet you and your husband have four pups! What kind are they?
@NOCD Advocate - Casie David we’ve got a handful haha! frenchie, boston terrier, chocolate lab and great dane/greyhound mix Thank you for your kind words🫶🏼
So glad you are here.
Hello I found NOCD on YouTube, I’m in the uk was looking for help on NOCD website and saw there was an app, I did used to do art a lot but recently have started doing crochet because I’d like to make my own clothes.
@Soniaw Hello in the UK. I found NOCD while searching the web.
@Soniaw Hello there, how cool! I have always wanted to try crocheting, I love art because it keeps my hands busy! I hope you find lots of great resources here. I also found the app first before starting therapy, and it was the first time I found others who understood me!
@Soniaw That is so cool that you crochet. I knit and find it calms me but all I know how to make are scarves so I have all these scarves 😂
@Anonymous There are loads of crochet and knitting tutorials on YouTube
Congrats on finding the best resource on the planet 🔥❤️
I saw a video on YouTube featuring Maria Branford. If one of my favorite comedians suggested NOCD I figured it was worth a try.
@Agrokat! Yes, we are so happy to have you! Did you know Maria also struggles with intrusive thoughts? She has helped so many of us feel less alone!
@NOCD Advocate - Casie David Yes, it’s great that she’s so open about it
I started NOCD therapy the end of July. I joined up to work on my obsessions, mainly my compulsions. Not sure what’s special about myself.
@Matthew L. I started NOCD therapy the end of September
@Anonymous Hope you’re having success.
@Matthew L. It is definitely helping! Lots of anxiety and work. I hope it’s helping you too! Riding that anxiety wave when doing ERP. I have setbacks then I also have progress.
@Anonymous Same with me. It is like riding a wave, I guess I’ve progressed, cutting back on compulsions.
@Matthew L. That is great! I have so many compulsions. I’m tackling them but it’s going to take time. I ruminate a lot.
@Anonymous I understand. I’ve been able to decrease my ruminating. It will take time.
@Matthew L. Thank you
@Matthew L. We are so happy to have you! It definitely does feel like riding a wave like you both said. Sometimes I use that to think about how to respond to my intrusive thoughts (the less I fight the water, the easier it is to float on the waves and let them pass)
@Anonymous Rumination was one of my hardest mental compulsions to crack, but once I did I was SO grateful to understand how! I can’t wait for you to make that breakthrough!
@NOCD Advocate - Casie David Thank you. I’m trying so hard. I find when doing some of the ERP exercises other thoughts pop in and I think of so many more compulsions I need to do. So hard to stop these thoughts.
@NOCD Advocate - Casie David Hello, any advice for the rumination it’s a big problem of mine!
@NOCD Advocate - Casie David How did you stop the ruminating? I’m desperate to learn. It’s ruining my life
@NOCD Advocate - Casie David Thanks. I’ve been able to cut down on intrusive thoughts. I focus on being in the “Now”, which isn’t always easy. Glad you’ve made so much progress.
@Matthew L. I’m trying to do that too. I have 9 ERP exercises I’m doing everyday plus the compulsions that pop in. I’m not always successful sometimes I mess up.
@Anonymous I feel hopeful though
@Anonymous That’s a lot of ERP exercises. I do a number of ERP exercises too. It’s okay to mess up, you can only try the best you can.
@ Just had a good session. Continuing to work on things.
@Matthew L. That is great!
Nice to meet you. I just had my first therapy visit so I just started. I’ve probably had OCD for 50 years but didn’t know it. I can identify some definite traits from early childhood. I love people and my 2 kids. This has been a nightmare! It attacks everything I hold dear.
@Volballgirl So good to meet you. I’ve had ocd probably for a little over 45 years started in my childhood
@Anonymous I’ve had it most of my life too. I’m really struggling with doing ERP around things I’ve been carrying for so long.
Nice to meet you, I believe I heard about this app from Tiktok, i’ve been on here so long, i’ve kinda forgot, glad i’m here tho.. but struggling with ROCD brought me here. It’s so debilitating.. Something special about me, I love working with kids.. i’ve just found that out last year, i never thought i would love kids as much as i do, but i do now, they bring me so much joy.
We are glad you're here, it takes a very special person to work with children! Thank you for doing the kind work that you do. I am optimistic we can help alleviate your ROCD symptoms, so you can focus on doing what you love! Thank you for being here!
Hi. I joined NOCD about a month and a half ago, because I knew I needed help. Though I’m getting in person therapy off of NOCD, I’ve found this online community to still be very helpful. I also love creating art - I’m studying graphic design in college right now!
I came to nocd because I have been ignoring my ocd for 30 years thinking it was under control but it just got worse and worse to the point I needed to something because it become intolerable. I was referred by my psychiatrist. I had heard abt erp but no one offers it near me. Something special about me is that I am an animal behaviorist and work with my family to rehabilitate behavior issues in dogs. Go figure lol.
@Anonymous2222 Never too late. Me too over 30years. Never had this kind of therapy. We will get there. So I hear ya. They know more now than 30 years ago. We’re here to support and relate big time. Let’s learn to accept and live the life we were meant to. ❤️
Nice to meet you.
Hi Casie! I started therapy with NOCD because I’m currently going through a relapse, dealing with ROCD and SO-OCD. It’s especially frustrating dealing with this after almost three years of successfully managing it, but I know I need help. My goal is to do ERP as much as I need to in order to fully recover and (hopefully) not suffer another intense relapse in the future.
@LittleSoubrette How did you recover for 3 years? I’ll be grateful for 3 years free of this 😭
@FunkyFred A lot of connecting to my values, pushing through anxiety even when it was tough, and getting proper treatment. I went to a lot of support groups in NYC and they all really helped. The support groups here are great too!
@LittleSoubrette thank you so much!
@LittleSoubrette Thank you for sharing and being here! I’m sorry to hear you’re going through a relapse, I’ve had one myself before and they’re so hard. The good thing is you are taking all the right steps to get yourself back on track, and each time you do your recovery will only strengthen. You are getting stronger each day you show up for yourself and say no to your OCD!💓
So happy to meet you. I didn’t feel worth help or that this could work. My “issues” either weren’t bad enough or I didn’t deserve to get help. I’m so happy that I can look in the mirror and know I made the step. IM SO HAPPY & THANKFUL I did. Art is my love yet I sabotage my art or time & effort to work is something I don’t deserve. I’m working towards that.
I had a lot of shame as well when I started. OCD is very misunderstood, so many of us suffer in silence because we don't feel we are as deserving. We all deserve care and support, so we can live the lives we want! I'm so grateful I took this step too, getting proper care really helped in all aspects of my life (in the same ways OCD was affecting aspects of my life)- relationships with others, managing stress, and even allowing myself to do things I enjoy like art. It's all a learning journey but one you absolutely deserve to be on! Thank you for showing up for yourself, and being in our community!
Hi I love art too. I’m starting to develop ocd I think and it’s starting to disrupt my everyday life. I want to get better
My advice is that it will snowball. Get help asap if possible
@Anonymous thank you
@fid Agreed. Good luck.
Have you had a free 15 minute informational call with us yet? It was my first step towards getting better, and feeling hope again!
Hello everyone. I just joined NOCD. I probably have had OCD my entire life but just now dealing with Harm OCD. I start therapy after Christmas and looking forward to healing and supporting each other on this journey.
That is awesome! I love your positivity. You got this.❤️
Hi Cassie! Nice to meet you. I hope to learn as you have. Been struggling over 30 years. Came here Sep 2022. Now insurance is terminated, but I can use this helpful app. I too create art. I’m working in a painting and I guess it’s relatable to OCD. It’s about stopping to enjoy nature. So ya, it helps redirect my mind elsewhere, therapeutic really. Glad to have the support of this community. Very very grateful!
@Anonymous We are so happy you’re here! I’m sorry to hear your insurance was terminated, but I think utilizing the app and all these great community features is a great idea. This sounds like a beautiful painting, you should share it with us once it’s complete! (If you’d like!)
Hey Casie! I was diagnosed with ocd in 2020 as well and also came across NOCD that same year! I’ve made so many strides in my OCD and anxiety journey but I’m still going through my last big obsession unfortunately. I’m glad to hear you’ve turned it around since then!
@Recoverer Hi there, wow, what a coincidence! Happy you’re here with us and continuing the good fight. With the strides you’ve made with not only your OCD but also your anxiety, with time I have faith you will overcome this obsession in time too!💪🙏
@ I sure hope so, I’ve made so many discoveries outside of just OCD, like uncovering my triggers, fears, and traumas (that ultimately led to my OCD) and it’s been so much work I could cry 🙇🏻♂️ but I’m currently caught in the midst of health obsessions. Did you ever come across this particular obsession?
@Recoverer I have that subtype.. did you have relationship ocd as well?
@FunkyFred How is your health ocd? What are you dealing with? As for relationship ocd, not as a chronic obsession per se, but I do suspect I once broke up with a former girlfriend because of that, but I didn’t know I had OCD back then and didn’t understand it at all.
@Recoverer Understandable.. but as far as health ocd, I worry about stds a lot, I don’t want those.. umm.. i don’t particularly enjoy getting sick, it stresses me out, I just caught covid last month and I was in fear, especially when my taste buds were off.. I go to the doctor for anything and everything that bothers me. How is it for you?
@FunkyFred Yeah I empathize with the covid part, I can’t imagine there’s many people out there who have been terrified of catching it, rightfully so. And I’ve had this head pressure in the back of my head for a couple weeks now. I don’t normally get headaches unless I am sick so naturally I’m hyperfocusing on it so much, but I just have no idea what it truly is or what caused it, unless it’s just anxiety, but it’s really annoying. My doctors have cleared it, so has my chiropractor, but it won’t go away and idk what to do. I don’t want to get an unnecessary scan because I feel like if it was something really serious I would’ve felt it by now. But it’s been nagging and I just want to get over it, but I can’t prove if it’s just anxiety or something else and it’s really frustrating because it’s been kinda difficult to focus on my surroundings and sit upright too.
@FunkyFred Sounds tough, dealing with health OCD, especially Covid. It’s not one of my subtypes. I deal with perfectionism and contamination OCD. It’s hard, but working with my therapist has been helpful.
@Matthew L. If it’s anxiety and I know my brain is causing it, it’s easier for me to sit with it. With health though, it’s so hard when you actually feel something in your body and can’t distinguish whether it’s real or anxiety created and that’s what I hate.
@Recoverer That sounds tough.
@Recoverer Honestly, your headaches probably are from stressed, i used to get stress/tension headaches a lot due to my stress and anxiety. They went away tho.
@FunkyFred I used to get stress pain on the side, back, of my head.
@Matthew L. I’ve been feeling weird for like 2 weeks though, that’s the problem.
My favorite thing is watching star and moon ..and listen song s and writing stories and learning new things
Hello @Casie David! I am new here. I am a mother of a wonderful 9 year old son but unfortunately my OCD revolves around bad things happening to him and uncertainty about his future. I’m looking forward to starting ERP even though I know it will be challenging. I’m a homeschool mom, military spouse and stay at home mom. I enjoy embroidery, spending time with family and snuggling my three cats.
@Rcope09 A lot of my OCD concerns failing my littles too! I’m a homeschooling stay at home mom as well. ♥️
@Anonymous Wow! Nice to meet you! Have you started ERP?
@Rcope09 Yes, I’ve been slowly working at it for a few months. I’ve made some progress but still working on my bigger triggers! Baby steps! Hopefully you can find some good tools soon!
Hi my name is Brynn
Sorry Casie!😌
I’m Becs and currently navigating getting help here for my ocd. I am scared for two things, one: I haven’t got an official diagnosis yet so my brain is telling me that it isn’t ocd and all my thoughts are true and b: that because my thoughts are ‘taboo’ that I will be judged for them as though mine are worse than others here I am hoping that current advocates might be able to give me some encouragement as my phone call is tomorrow!
@bm Way to go scheduling a call, bm! I also had those same fears, and I wish someone would have told me how normal they are. We start with a diagnostic assessment because our therapists know we oftentimes can’t access proper care to get diagnosed beforehand. Because they understand OCD, they know our intrusive thoughts don’t reflect on who we are as people. That’s what they’re here to help us work through. You will be speaking with people who understand, from your first call! I’m sending lots of good vibes your way my friend!💓💪
@ Thank you for your kind words, Casie. It’s been really tough and a really unstable process to go through but the main thing I learnt through my self-help guides before being able to afford NOCD is that uncertainty is the entire point of this and how to cope so hopefully I can get the proper help to help me heal! 🫶🏻
Do you still see a therapist?
@68273 I do check ins from time to time! To keep me on track with my recovery goals 💪
Welcome & Happy Holidays!
Hello NOCD family! My name is Danielle... but my peeps call me Dani! Let me start by introducing myself. I am a 40-year-old Christian mother of three and wife of a wonderfully understanding husband. I have OCD and my themes have been ROCD, Sexual Orientation OCD and POCD. This year in early March I started having unwanted and intrusive thoughts that would continuously interrupt everything that I wanted to do in life. Shortly after I found the NOCD app and the program. I immediately sought out ERP and therapy. With the help of my NOCD therapist Tanya, medication (in my case) and ERP I can truly say that I’m living a better quality of life and each day is getting better. It is a very hard and sometimes tedious road. But if I can do it. I know you can too! I’m here for you all whenever you want to talk, rant, cry or just tell OCD to kick rocks!
Hi! My name is Mikhail. I have been diagnosed with OCD for a couple years now, and this year I started ERP therapy at NOCD. I first found out about Pure O from downloading NOCD's app and seeing other people post about their experiences with overthinking, fear, and shame. While I had been diagnosed with OCD before, I had never heard about Pure O, where the compulsions manifest themselves more internally. I was at a point in my life where I was isolating myself and afraid of the thoughts I was having all day every day. This eroded away my self-esteem and identity but the skills I learned doing ERP have helped me feel like myself again. I recommend doing ERP to anyone afflicted with OCD, as it has helped me train the mental muscles I needed to get back to my life again. NOCD specialists meet you where you are at and help you get better on your own terms. I have taken the opportunity to be an advocate because once I found out I wasn't alone with Pure OCD, it reignited the faith I had in ever recovering. Learning about other people's experiences and sharing my own has helped me live more authentically. I want to do anything I can to encourage others to recover as well, because I know it is possible and that this condition is manageable. Going through NOCD treatment invoked genuine compassion in me not just for others, but for myself, which is something I never truly felt before. If you have any questions at all, please reach out to me. I feel purpose in connecting with people about OCD and getting better together. Believe me, you are not the only one who has thought that crazy thing and then thought about thinking about it 17 more times until it impacted your behavior!
We know from personal experience that living with OCD can feel isolating, so it’s important to have support from someone who truly understands you. That’s why every member who begins treatment at NOCD Therapy is connected to a Peer Advisor. Our team of Peer Advisors at NOCD Therapy has experienced OCD and completed ERP at NOCD Therapy. They can relate to what you may be experiencing as you begin your treatment journey and are available to address questions, hesitations, or fears you may have. They’ll help you prepare for your first therapy session and will check in afterward to ensure that your NOCD therapist was a good match. At NOCD Therapy, you’re never alone as you begin your OCD treatment journey. Book a free call with our team to learn more about working with a NOCD therapist that can help you get better, and getting support from a Peer Advisor when you start.
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