The ROCD Journey
Where are you on your recovery journey? I would love to hear from you today! Brand new to the idea of OCD, just starting out therapy, currently in therapy, or maybe out of therapy and utilizing your ERP skills on your own?! I'd love to know!
I’d call myself a quarter of a way in. I can’t afford ERP, but I’m doing my best with the tools I have and learning how to repurpose DBT for OCD. Opposite Action, for instance, is based around the idea of doing the opposite of what your emotions tell you to do. I’ve tried repurposing it for OCD, I.e. doing the opposite of what your obsessions tell you to do as a means of resisting compulsions. It’s been hit or miss.
Thank you so much for sharing, SopranoRocker2010! I'm sorry to hear that ERP isn't affordable at this time for you. I understand and have been there myself. I love to hear your initiative in your recovery and learning ways to apply DBT for OCD. I would highly encourage utilizing NOCD's self help tools in the app as an additional resource! The SOS feature is a great mini ERP session and you can also use our live Q and As to ask for help on your journey as well! You are not in this alone and we would love to be of help to you! NOCD does offer a great payment plan option, if you are interested in hearing more!
@ Hi! Where can I find the self help tools? Thanks
@Dafne16 Go to the community tab, bottom right corner there’s a floating purple blue button. Click it. It will have to breathe and then choose an option after hearing the first audio.
At the very beginning.. miserable right now. Surviving
@kaylee2924 Hang in there. You can do this.
I'm very sorry to hear you are feeling miserable, Kaylee. I've been there and you have definitely come to the right place for support! OCD warriors are some of the toughest people I've ever met in my life and I have no doubt of your strength and resilience. You can do this! Are you currently seeking out an OCD specialists to help on your journey?
Personaly im thinking of starting ERP therapy next month
That's so exciting! Will you be starting with NOCD, Joyas?
@ Yes i think so ^^
@Joyas - Fantastic!!!
Feeling anxious and ruminating 24/7 and trying to resist the compulsion to google/check. Trying to use some ERP on my own and started taking Zoloft
I'm sorry to hear that you are constantly feeling anxious and ruminating, Brunetica09. I understand how utterly exhausting and overwhelming this can be. I want to commend you on trying to complete ERP on your own. It takes so much hard work and dedication! If you are interested, I would love to share with you more about NOCD therapy and how we can be of help on your journey with ERP. Personally, I found that working with an ERP specialist made all the difference from suffering 24/7 to finding freedom from OCD. I know the same can be true for you!
In talk therapy/CBT, wondering if it’s working enough. My particular problem is lingering limerence. Not sure how to do ERP therapy for it other than sit with discomfort when I want to check social media
Thank you so much for sharing, Tossandturn! Do you feel like talk therapy and CBT have been helpful in your OCD recovery? I ask as I actually spent about 3-4 years in talk therapy, but only found myself worse by the end of it. It wasn't until I found NOCD and started ERP therapy that I started seeing real results. It really was such a game changer and helped to be working one on one with an OCD specialists who helped me to create exposures when I didn't know exactly what might work!
@ - I would love to pass along this article as well! https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/why-talk-therapy-typically-isnt-effective-for-treating-ocd.
@ I think in general it is helping in terms of phase of life issues, anxiety, identity. And he is trained in OCD treatment, but not sure the OCD aspect of my limerence (a term not many are familiar with) is being cured. If it can be…
@Tossandturn - I'm glad to hear that overall, therapy has been helpful and that your clinician is trained in OCD. This is so important! May I ask, does your therapist provide ERP to help with your OCD symptoms regarding limerence? The beauty of ERP is that it can be applied to any type of OCD and is the best therapy for recovery!
In my brain I am literally going insane. It’s a constant argument everytime I say something I feel like I do have a motive. But I just want to be normal and every thought I have I think i am narcissistic. I don’t feel like I love anyone and would care if they died. I have asked many of my friends if they think im a narcissist. I have looked up npd probably 100 times. I do have symptoms of being a narcissist I like attention but at the same time I don’t. I like how I look in the mirror, but I don’t how I look on camera. I think everyone is doing stuff with a motive. My brain literally argues with everything that I am narcisssistic and I don’t want to accept it. Is that my narcissism not letting me take responsibility or am I overthinking and having intrusive thoughts because just me coming on this website makes me feel like I am running from accepting my narcissism.
@Anonymous The fact that u admit ur narcissism is something good ur on the good way 🙌🏻 try one week without imposing ur brain to think in one way let it go and then see if ur thoughts changes or not at all
This sounds like it has been utterly exhausting! I appreciate your openness and think you have definitely come to the right place for help! OCD does a great job at manipulating and casting doubt on everything. It is why it's actually called the "Doubting Disorder." It sounds like you could benefit from meeting with an OCD specialist and sharing with them what you are experiencing. They would be able to give you a better idea of what road you should take treatment wise for your benefit! Unfortunately, as I'm not a clinician, I cannot speak to whether this is or isn't OCD.
I been out of therapy for sometime now
Congratulations, Amandalee19! How is recovery going for you?!
I want to recovery and want a healthy relationship with my girl
Thank you so much for sharing, Aditya bisht! We would love to help you reach your goals! Have you considered scheduling a free call to learn more about NOCD therapy?
I'm out of therapy, 16 years into recovery, and doing the best I've ever been. I'm having a spike now for the first time in a few years though and I'm working on it on my own. I wish I could have just one session with my therapist to make sure I'm on the right track, but I don't live in the same country anymore.
Did you have any meds?
@Majchy1981 Hi, yeah I'm on 300 mg of fluvoxamine, though last month I experimented with lowering it to 250mg, and I was fine for so long. Quite truly no compulsions on a typical day.
Thank you so much for sharing, STF! Wow - 16 years in recovery. That is so incredible and such an encouragement to us all. I hope this spike starts to dissipate quickly and all your ERP knowledge helps! If you feel like meeting with a NOCD clinician would be helpful to make sure you are on track, let me know. I would be happy to assist with this process!
@ This is so sweet, thank you 😭. Turns out I just tested positive for COVID... I think that did something to my brain! And I already feel better about this lapse, but I have some residual compulsions now, and feel a little less secure. I'd love to have a therapist in the UK, so I'll consider this offer very soon!
@stf - Oh no - I hope you feel better soon! I definitely understand how physical illness plays a role with mental health. If there is anything we can do to be of help - let us know!
undiagnosed but have been researching for a while, and just scheduled a call through NOCD to maybe see about therapy :)
Thank you so much for sharing, dand_eli_on and congratulations on taking this huge step in your recovery by scheduling a call to learn more about ERP. I'm so excited for you!
I’m brand new to the app today, and have done ACT, CBT, and WET therapies before, but never ERP, which I’d like to try. I was also hoping to build my support system more, and it seems like a good place so far!
@donovankeene Hi Donovan. I’m new to CBT. Does CBT really work?
It is such a pleasure to meet you, Donovan and welcome to NOCD! You have definitely come to the right place for support. The NOCD community is a wonderful place to truly feel seen and heard! I love to hear your interest in trying ERP. It really is the best therapy for treating OCD! Would you be interested in scheduling a free call to learn more about NOCD's ERP therapy treatment?
Is it posible to ever fully recover? I had mu 5th epizode in 11 years of strugeling 😥
Hi Majchy1981! I'm sorry to hear that you have been struggling over the past 11 years and experiencing multiple OCD episodes. I can definitely relate to how exhausting and overwhelming this feels. Prior to NOCD, I would have said no, recovery isn't possible. That is truly how I felt after suffering for 17 years and trying so many types of therapy without relief. But, NOCD changed my life and gave me hope through ERP that I never thought would be possible. I truly believe OCD recovery is possible for anyone, with the help of ERP, a great OCD specialist, and determination!
@ Thank you so much for your answer. I always have this in my mind what if. I am from Slovenia and unfortunately we do not have any ERP therapist. Is it posible for me to have online erp therapy with someone? It would be so great. I speak english very good and understand everything. Please let me know. Have a great day.
@Majchy1981 - We would absolutely love to be of help on your journey and connect you with an online ERP specialist. You can book a free call with us using this link: https://learn.nocd.com/schedule. If you'd prefer to reach out via email for more information, you can also contact us at Care@nocdhelp.com. We are here for you, Majchy1981!
@ Thank you so much i Will book a free call. So excited🙂
@Majchy1981 - I'm really excited for you too!
Just starting out therapy. I see promise in this
Congratulations, Flex! How exciting!
I am going to start ERP and DBT in about 2weeks to deal with OCD. I have a therapist already outside of NOCD.
I'm so excited for you, Lee! No matter where you are receiving care, whether with NOCD or not, we always want to ensure you are receiving the best care possible via ERP. Wishing you so much success on your journey!!
Going through a break up (not my choice) after having ROCD/HOCD during the relationship… I’m feeling less anxiety but the thoughts are still there like « Am I missing him enough ? », « if you have less anxiety, it means that your thoughts were real ? », « you were lying to yourself » … and at the same time I feel like I want him back… It’s very exausting. I rather have anxiety, at least I knew that my thoughts were a problem…
I am very sorry you are going through this breakup, clar22! I know how hard this is and ROCD/HOCD doesn't make things any easier! OCD is never satisfied- either we are too anxious or not anxious enough. It is exhausting! Are you currently working with a therapist to assist you through this?
@ I’ve started a talk therapy but I don’t know if it’s the right treatment… Also I live in France so I don’t know where to find an ocd specialist…
Hi Rebecca! I joined not even a week ago but started to take my OCD seriously back in November 2022 when I realized that I really needed the help. OCD is no stranger to me - I’ve had it since I was very young with different subtypes coming and going as I’ve gotten older. It seems as if it’s worse than ever before and I don’t understand because I left a toxic marriage, met the love of my life, and started a new career. I believe it’s because all of these things I value highly and OCD is “trying” to protect me from getting hurt or losing my job but I realize it’s doing the exact opposite. I’ve educated myself a lot on OCD and have communicated that to my partner who has been so supportive and compassionate with my condition the more I explain and understand my behavior. My insurance unfortunately does not cover ERP offered here through NOCD, but I’m attempting to do it on my own with what I’ve learned and meet with my therapist monthly. I consider myself an overall happy person and just imagine how much happier I could be with my OCD kept at bay. I’m so motivated to conquer this and reach my fullest potential, but dang is it hard… learning more and more everyday!
It is such a pleasure to meet you, Anonymous Bean 🫘! Thank you so much for sharing more about where you are on your recovery journey. I can hear your utter determination and readiness to feel like your best self and conquer the OCD. You can do this! OCD is tough - but you are tougher and you are making such important strides for recovery. I love to hear the open dialogue that you have with your partner and how supportive they have been on your journey as well. This is so important! I wish there was more I could do to be of help when it comes to insurance coverage. I do know that NOCD does offer a fantastic payment plan, if this would be helpful to give you more access to care! Please know everyone here at NOCD is cheering for you and we would love to be of help in any way that we can!
Hi. I live in Denmark. How Can you guys help me?
Hi George! We would love to be of help on your recovery journey! You can sign up here for a free call to learn more about NOCD therapy: https://home.treatmyocd.com/calendar or email us at Care@nocdhelp.com.
I wish i could afford erp therapy but i have medicaid and nocd doesnt accept it
I'm sorry to hear this! I know cost plays a huge factor in the ability to receive care and NOCD is trying to become in network with more insurance companies all the time! We know how important is it to connect with a clinician in your network. May I ask, have you tried looking at the IOCDF.org website? They have a search feature to find local ERP specialists in your area!
I’m trying to learn that I’m not alone In this , I don’t know where to start , I haven’t started therapy
Hi Alissa! Welcome - you are definitely not alone and I am so glad you reached out! One of the best places to start is to schedule a free phone call to learn more about NOCD, ERP therapy, and how we can be of help on your journey. Would you be interested in scheduling this call?
SopranoRocker, I’m in a very similar position as you. OCD, anxiety seems to be getting more intense as I get older (now 53), despite having some great tools on hand. My counselor was the only one to start to really help, then just recently passed away from cancer. I set up the free call here with NOCD, but we’ll see I can afford it with no health insurance.
Troy, I am very sorry to hear about the passing of your counselor. I know what an important role they play in our lives. Thank you for sharing more about your OCD journey and I hope your call with NOCD went well! You are not on this journey alone and we would love to be of help in equipping you with more tools for your recovery!
Hi Rebecca, i live in the UK. Is nocd video therapy open to me?
Hi! Yes, we do have clinicians licensed to treat via teletherapy in the UK! You can learn more by scheduling a free call with us on our home page!
@ Thank you. Done and booked.
@Anonymous - So exciting!
Hi I live in Italy. I am hyperaware of the blinking of my eyes: my mind thanks I won't be able to free me from this disorder and all my life will be a total failure, my mind thinks also these things when I'm not paying attention to the blinking, it's like it's always negative about my thoughts. I'm trying to meditate and work out but I feel like nothing can really help me. I'm scared and I feel lonely with this disorder. I'd like to be helped. Thank you
Hi Gabbb18! It is such a pleasure to meet you and I really appreciate your openness in sharing how OCD is affecting your life. I know how scary and lonely untreated OCD can feel and we would absolutely love to be of help on your recovery journey. You can schedule a free call with NOCD on our homepage or reach us at Care@nocdhelp.com to gather more information!
@ Can I overcome it?
@Gabbb18 - I have every faith that with hard work, persistence, and ERP therapy with an OCD specialist - you can overcome! I know OCD causes so much doubts, especially when it comes to recovery. You are stronger than these doubts, Gabbb18!
I had my first OCD episode in second grade (I thought the science experiment "chemicals" were going to kill me and obsessed over it. Third grade I thought I had to keep hanging out with the same girl during recess or else I or my family would die). I suffered several themes throughout my life. I was on Luvox starting at 18 and my OCD was stable for 11 years!!! I never did OCD specific therapy or talked about my shameful thoughts during that time. However, once I got pregnant, I stopped Luvox right away. I was fine for 6 months. Then, a mental crisis happened at 29 weeks pregnant. I started Zoloft to help, but it actually triggered my OCD themes!!!! I took a leave from work and started IOP. IOP did not really help because it was not specific to OCD. I have been on Zoloft for 3 months and still no OCD relief (the severe anxiety is horrible)! I feel so hopeless. Therefore, I have decided to start NOCD therapy hopefully if my insurance covers it. I am desperate for help so I can take care of my baby girl.
My heart breaks for what a long and exhausting journey this has been for you, positive-girl! I'm sorry to hear how your pregnancy really triggered the OCD and it is not backing off. We would love to be of help to you and I'm very hopeful that NOCD will be in network with your insurance and you can begin right away! Is there anything I can do to assist you in connecting with one of our representatives?
@positive-girl I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Zoloft didn’t work for me either, whatsoever. Have you considered getting back on Luvox?
I had beat OCD 23 years ago, through use of meds. But then my doctor took me off my meds last year and my OCD came back in the summer of 2022. It got really bad on fall of 2022 when I was out on a different medicine that was Co tea indicated for OCD. Finally I decided to research my meds a bit and told the doctor that I could not deal with what I was going through and I was put back on my original meds in December and taken of the other one. In addition I was hooked up with a new Psychiatrist. I was mad that my Psych left at first but it turned out great because the new Psych recommended NOCD! I just started this week and so far it is great and I’m loving it. I feel like it is way more intensive than any other therapy (other than in-patient) that I have ever had. And I don’t like in-patient. I am excited about this and look forward to it!
Thank you so very much for sharing, Hippie Chick and welcome to NOCD. We are so happy to have you and I'm thrilled to hear that therapy is going well so far. Our clinicians really do a fantastic job of keeping therapy intensive, but manageable. So glad you are seeing this and I can't wait to hear how you thrive from ERP!
@Hippie Chick ✌️ Wishing you a smooth recovery! If you don’t mind me asking, what medication were you originally in when you beat OCD?
@Tee10 Prozac
Doing amazingly better. Structured my life, get out of bed right away, no avoidance, no compulsions, and breaking down core fears. This book has been so good https://www.amazon.com/Stubbornly-Yourself-Miserable-Anything-Yes-Anything/dp/0806538058/ref=nodl_?dplnkId=01dd78b6-0824-42a9-97b3-92fab9f4d472
Incredible!! Thank you so much for sharing and I'm thrilled to hear how well you are doing in recovery!
Waiting to begin iop soon
8 months in to an intense ROCD relapse (been with my current partner for 4 years and for the first 3.5 years, nothing... but then we ran into her ex randomly and it sent me spiralling ever since). Some days feel the same as day 1. Still incredibly emotional and distraught, imagining their relationship being better than what we have now. Some hours are better than others, but overall it’s pure excruciating hell. She loves me so much and knows about my issue, and isn’t giving up on me. I love her too, but the thoughts are so intense and overwhelming sometimes... have been doing talk therapy exclusively but no CBT or ERP yet... is that highly recommended?
Please share your ROCD stories:
If you don’t already know about me, I’ve been recovered from OCD (and my other mental illnesses) after doing hardcore ERP and trauma therapy for 3 years. I’m still on NOCD to help. Ask my anything and I’ll answer to the best of my knowledge 😁
Honestly, I don't think there is anything more helpful on this journey than having the support of other OCD warriors like yourself! I want to take the time to thank each of you who have shared your story and continue to do so here! We are in this together and we need each other. Today, I would love it if we took the time to support one another! If you can, attend a ROCD support group or comment on this post or someone else's in the community. Let others know that they are not in this alone. We are a community and we are here for each other!
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