Feeling discouraged. Today i did an exposure and overcame a big fear item. I wore something i labeled contaminated (a high level fear) and i was so happy i did it and then a few hours later ocd hits me with something stronger and i just feel terrible now. It does this everytime i take a step forward. Feeling so lost

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.

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.

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!

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.