- Date posted
- 2y ago
ERP Harm OCD
I don’t like the ERP for Harm OCD because I feel like I’m careless purposely to prove something to myself like I feel like I genuinely try to do something. Has anyone else felt this way?
I don’t like the ERP for Harm OCD because I feel like I’m careless purposely to prove something to myself like I feel like I genuinely try to do something. Has anyone else felt this way?
yeah its common, but beware not turning it into some kind of checking compulsion, the thing with erp is to teach your brain there isn't a danger around (insert theme) because when we have that dread feeling that something is going to happen it happens because we enter in fight or flight, so what erp does is it teaches your brain, dont do it while thinking "see? i wont do x" because it will make erp pointless, sit with the anxiety and accept it, after a while you'll feel better
@kaio16 Excellent answer! Makes sense as I’m trying to work through erp
Hi, yes OCD is designed to make you feel uncomfortable. You can do uncomfortable things! Are you working with a therapist? Do you have an ERP plan?
I definitely think I know what you mean. A tricky thing about OCD/ERP is that doing exposures can feel “irresponsible” because we are so used to fearing these things. It feels like genuinely scary thing because our brain is sending us danger signals, like false alarms. At the same time, doing exposures doesn’t actually make us more likely to act on our obsessions. With time that distress should pass more quickly as your brain “habituates” to the idea that you can confront your fears. You’re not alone in this at all, it’s a hard part of the ERP process but super worth it in the end! Another thing that helps me when I’m deciding how to approach a harm related obsession (for example where to start with exposures) is to remember that the purpose of ERP isn’t necessarily to do scary/risky things just for the sake of it. It’s to help you be able to live your life without the fears getting in the way of your values. Is the ERP you’re doing with a therapist or by yourself? If you do see a specialist I think this could be a great thing to bring up with them!
I did an erp and I was thinking over and over again “I want to be with girls I just don’t want others to find out” and then it felt like a moment of yeah that is what I want. It felt really real I can’t believe it’s not. I wasn’t anxious about it. It felt completely like me and even when I tried to deny it like it was a true realization and that I wanted it to be true. I can’t do this. What do I do!!! Erp suggestions?
I’ve noticed that I’m somewhat happier also ignoring my thoughts than I am instead of doing compulsions (I’m sick and tired of being sick and tired atp) but I’ve heard you’re technically supposed to do erp rather than pushing under the rug. But idk if I have a thought I just refuse to think about it again and im fine even if I want to do compulsions
Does anyone imagine they are doing their harm thoughts during an action, making you feel like you acted on your thoughts? For example, someone gave me a hug and at the last second I imagined I was touching something I shouldn’t during the hug? I want to make it clear it’s something I have zero desire to do! But the problem is, I thought it on purpose and it makes me sick !! Obviously nothing happened but my mind is telling me that was me trying to do it. Even though it was physically impossible to do. Am I a monster or could this be OCD? I’m freaking out and don’t want to be here anymore. I feel like I’m the exception and that this isn’t OCD. I know I post about this stuff a lot but I’m struggling and don’t know what to do.
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