- Date posted
- 2y
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
First - congratulations on doing this difficult exposure ! That is awesome ! Remember the goal of erp is not to eliminate anxiety - but to learn how to tolerate it when it happens, so keep going. The exposure is working and you are training your brain to respond differently. It takes time and practice. Be compassionate with yourself. This is hard work and you are doing it. Do something nice for yourself today - for doing the hard work.
- Date posted
- 2y
It is okay. Keep working on your exposure(s). It seems difficult at first, but you will get to a point that the anxiety will be manageable. Even if you take a step back, just keep going with your exposure.
- User type
- NOCD Alumni
- Date posted
- 2y
You’re doing hard work! Congratulations on working on a big fear item and fighting OCD! I’m sorry that it then targeting another fear, don’t feel lost, this isn’t a step back, it’s a step in the right direction! OCD often targets other fears when one isn’t bothering us anymore, We can then practice the same methods of sitting with our fears no matter the subject of them. You’re doing so awesome, it’s incredibly difficult and ok to feel down about it, but have hope you can tackle other fear items like you did with the T-shirt!
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 2y
That was great you did a difficult erp! I fully understand your frustration. It happens to me too. You are not alone with that experience.
Related posts
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 24w
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.
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 24w
I am hurting so much right now. I feel sad and disgusted with myself that I would even worry about these things (pocd). What kind of a human even thinks that and has doubts about that?? Definitely not one that’s rational or mentally sane. That kind of stuff should be a no brainer so why do I worry about it so much and what does it say about me? I feel sick and disgusted and can’t stop crying over it. I just feel so defeated like I want to disappear. I started ERP and every time I resist reassuring myself it comes back at me from every angle. I hate this so much.
- Date posted
- 22w
I dont know what to do anymore. I think Ive had the 'pure O' version of OCD for more than ten years. I feel like so much of my life has been wasted from this disease. For the longest time I just tried to ignore the intrusive thoughts, and push them off as anxiety, and basically dissociated for years of my life. Feels like Ive just been on autopilot and a shell of myself for nearly 15 years. Its actually hard to even imagine of all the experiences, emotions, connections with others, and personal growth that Ive missed out on- if I do, I think it would be too much to handle. I think Ive even forgot and dont even know at this point what it is to live a normal life and experience positive emotions. Now that I sought treatment for it specifically, it feels like it's gotten worse. Like by acknowledging that part of myself, suddenly added focus just makes it more real and in the forefront now. I wonder if I am actually going insane. Will not go into details for reassurance but the thoughts just rip my soul out. Its so difficult as well because I will get random 'clarity moments' throughout the day where I feel like Ive solved something, then get completely derailed by another OCD thought stream and forget everything. It feels like Im just on a merry-go-round of hell, not going anywhere thinking I am at times.
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