TMI - Dental Hygiene

I won’t lie, my dental hygiene has definitely taken a big hit since I spiralled since last year. I’ve definitely improved since then but I haven’t been consistent enough to make a huge difference. It sucks as it’s difficult and often times it makes me feel really depressed about it. But knowing that I’ve made a difference even if it hasn’t shown enough has been consolatory in a way. I’ve still got a long way to go, but always wishing and hoping for the best.

Self-trust w...

Date posted: 2y

I'm sorry you're going through this. What do you think would help you? How can we as a community support you? In case this helps, I want to share that I seek out feedback from people I trust, mostly professionals, when I am progressing through something challenging. For example, for changing some behavior patterns, I get feedback from my therapist. She helps me identify what/how to change and also see my progress over time. Working with her helps me be clear about areas I need to improve upon, but in an encouraging way. I know she has my best interest in mind and is non-judgemental so I feel that I can believe in myself to become a better version of myself without the shame and guilt I've carried for past mistakes.

scenic

Date posted: 2y

@Anonymous Thank you so much for your sweet words! I truly genuinely appreciate this a lot 🤍 I was just really ranting since I’ve spoken about this before here but there hasn’t been much difference since then. From reading what you’ve sent, I am also struggling to do anything for myself because of my past mistakes. I’m definitely trying to do exposures to help but the guilt and shame always lingers. It’s something that’s hard to let go off. But I’ve been trying to take it by just focusing on the present. There’s a lot to learn and improve my reaction to it. But I’m just wishing for the best. And I’m really glad to hear that your therapist has been helpful in your journey to recovery! We all need a person who can help us and are non judgmental to our situations.

Self-trust w...

Date posted: 2y

@scenic, I understand all too well about guilt and shame. Maybe we can reframe our new selves so we don't carry those feelings with us into present? Rather than shame and guilt maybe we can consider being proud of ourselves for putting in the effort to change. I'm trying what my therapist suggested which is reparenting myself. When I learn something new and apply it, for example I tell myself "Good job 👍!" This self- encouragement pushes me to go further and helps to shed shame and guilt from the past, and fear too, and instead focus on learnings and successes of the present. I hope this helps in some way- I am proud of your efforts. You're trying by making effort and not isolating yourself by talking about it. I don't judge you for anything. I just see a person who is on their journey and sticking to it despite the challenges. That's to be celebrated.

scenic

Date posted: 2y

@Self-trust will overcome my OCD Thank you so much! It’s great to see how you’ve taken efforts to help yourself and become better. That’s really commendable and powerful! 👏 Though, I’ll definitely try doing what you mentioned. I often get stuck with the feeling of unworthiness of doing anything for myself because of my mistakes which weigh heavily on me. It’s always an endless cycle with this. It’s repetitive and exhausting. I’m really hoping I can get to a place where Ive simply taken the lessons my past has imparted me without the guilt and shame that plagues me down 😖

FactsOverFear

Date posted: 2y

I relate so much to your experience. When my OCD spiraled after an illness, my dental hygiene got so f*cked up that I developed gingivitis. Even though I feel like the minimal progress I'm making is taking forever, it is better than nothing. We can do this!

scenic

Date posted: 2y

@Anonymous I’m so sorry to hear that you had a hard time managing your dental hygiene as well. It’s really difficult to do anything, for that matter, when you aren’t in a good place mentally. But I’m so glad to hear that you’ve been making progress, however minimal. All sorts of progress matter and as you mentioned, it's better than nothing, and hopefully, over time, these small victories will add up to something significant. You’re doing great! While I won’t lie, it can feel hopeless at times, I just need to always power through them. Sending you much strength on your way!

FactsOverFear

Date posted: 2y

@scenic - Thank you so much for your encouraging comment! I've only told a few doctors and friends that I got gingivitis while not brushing during my depressive episodes, and they looked at me like I was a disgusting human being. I felt like saying that depression makes people take their lives, so not brushing should be the least of my worries! It's so frustrating when people can't empathize! Sending you so much stretch as well :)

mgmt

Date posted: 22w

No progress in ERP

In ERP, but have made no progress. I’m also on medication for ocd. I actually feel like I’ve resorted back to when I was at my worst. Is this normal? I feel ERP helps everyone and not me. It actually makes me more anxious and want to stop, esp because my ocd is on something physical (imperfections/hair color) I’m not giving up & going to continue through this journey regardless. I long for mental stability 😭

nae nae

Date posted: 17w

Rough night :(

Lately, my mood shifts so frequently. A couple of minutes ago, I got triggered and decided that instead of doing a compulsion, I'd write in my journal (since I haven't done that in a while). But after writing not even half a page... I'm okay? Well, sorta! 😭 I'm experiencing a resurgence in old obsessions, which is disappointing. A couple of weeks back, I was doing a lot better, but now it's just one thing after another. Really wish therapy was more affordable. I'm already seeing my psychiatrist, but she wants me to see a specialist as well. When I think about living with this for the rest of my life, I can get a little emotional. I know it'll get easier to manage as time passes, and it might not even affect me in the future, but right now...? It's a lot of work I'll need to do to overcome this. I'm willing to do it, but I get discouraged at times... But that's enough of my little vent! I hope anyone who reads this is doing okay. Hang in there 🤍

justdiya22

Date posted: 16w

Celebrating a small win

Today I over came something that had been consistently bothering me with my contamination OCD and I'm over the moon I never thought I could do it yesterday the anxiety was there but I sat with and it faded I'm so happy thank you for all your support guys and I recently started working out and I feel much better To anyone out there struggling it gets better trust me a few months ago I was at the Lowest point in my life I couldn't even leave my house I failed really badly at school but now I can even go outside I try to socialize some days are harder than others and I've had a few hiccups along the way but it has gotten much better And I'm starting a recovery course for school to make up for my grades I'm so happy guys 😭then I can finally get into uni

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TMI - Dental Hygiene

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