Accidental Pregnancy OCD

@K-M Any ideas of what i could do for erp therapy. Currently anything pertaining to pregnancy scares me from seeing a pregnancy test commercial to seeing someone pregnant. It brings up great fears to the point I don’t even want to go to my local Target anymore as I associate it with pregnancy tests I’ve bought there.

@anonymous824 I am triggered by pregnant women too. Babies, kids, used to be really triggered by pampers and baby wipes. My therapist had me practice going to the store and grabbing a bag of diapers or baby wipes and walking around for a minute, then putting them back. That was a planned exposure.

@anonymous824 When I started therapy, she had me list my triggers, and we rated them one-10. We started from the least anxiety inducing and worked our way up. I still see pregnant women and babies everywhere I go, even if it’s on tv, the news, etc. I work right next to an elementary school so that was really hard for me. it still triggers me but we’re taught to allow ourselves to sit in the uncertainty and discomfort, because ultimately you can do hard things. It’s really tough I know.

@K-M it’s definitely hard and I’m having the issue that I have had to ask countless doctors and other health professionals just to confirm things Ive done can’t relate to pregnancy. It sucks my brain won’t let me believe them and trust them. Even being a health care professional myself and knowing pregnancy things I struggle with separating facts and worries. While I haven’t been officially diagnosed with OCD all these events are making me believe I have it. My mind is having a hard time also not going if this doesn’t happen then you’re pregnant. I wish there was one thing to do to completely get rid of all this but it just seems like it’s gonna be an uphill battle for a little while.

@K-M I am glad to know however that this is an issue that seems to affect many and not just me. Makes me feel less alone and a little less crazy for my anxiety.

@anonymous824 You’re definitely not alone. I read on here that it’s “not about the pregnancy, kids, etc.,” but that is what your OCD has latched into. I’m not sure if that is helpful but it did help me. I’ve done so much research on google too and reassurance seeking as well. What I’ve learned is that no amount of logic will ever be enough for OCD. So if it doesn’t respond to the logic, we need to move to an acceptance statement,”yes maybe I am pregnant, maybe I’m not.” Agree with the OCD like a bully. It wants to get a rise out of you. Trust me when I say I know it is easier said that done, but I’ve been working through this theme for over a year and I’ve made a lot of progress with ERP.