Haircut

@Erin P I told people I should never cut my hair and what a mistake it was.

@Erin P So i should just stay at home? My family will make fun of me i look so ridiculous

@Solaris Will they make fun of you if you say it makes you sad that you cut your hair poorly? Or will they give you a hug and tell you they love you anyway? I ask because your decision to stay home or not could be different depending on how you will be perceived. If you have ocd around how you look going out of your house might be a really good exposure if you frame it as such.

@Erin P I dont know i feel like i might be obsessing about that

@Erin P I just keep getting thoughts like "everyone will make fun of you, your family sucks, etc" it is so distressing

I was feeling overwhelmed and it wasnt a completely impulsive decision as i have wanted to cut it for a long time. I just had a horrible day and i was feeling bad. Now im getting thoughts saying my family will make fun of me and that they suck. Its just a never ending loop. I am on a lost to get a psych eval and get therapy but its taking some timee. Im trying to do exposures on my own tho. Im just terrified of feeling like that tomorrow and forever. What if i never stop feeling like that? What if everday is a horrible challenge

@Solaris So sorry you have been having such a bad day. Remember you have ocd so your thoughts may be from ocd. Here’s a tool I use that you can try even before having an erp therapist: https://www.shalanicely.com/aha-moments/erp-scripting-for-ocd/ you could do this with maybe they will make fun of you maybe not No reassurance means you don’t let ocd fill your mind with just maybe they won’t be unkind because - you feel and accept the doubt of not knowing. It’s counterintuitive but thats what works with ocd. Wishing you luck and sending you strength and compassion.

@Erin P ErinP. Wow! Thanks for the link. I've just signed up at shalanicely. What a treasure chest to open and read! You give great advice.

@Solaris Every day is a challenge for all people. People with ocd just have more trouble dealing with it. Remember, ocd is a drama queen and a spoiled narcissistic brat. We don't need to directly attack ocd, we just need to learn to accept the anxiety, discomfort and panic that come with ocd. I don't know what your family is like. Do they know about your ocd? Are they supportive? Maybe they will surprise you by a loving reaction. You'll never know unless you give them a chance. I'd they do make fun of you, try to accept it as a primitive part of human nature. They are not mean. Just emotionally not very intelligent. No offense intended. They still love you. In any case you will learn to deal with ocd as you go along. Day by day. Slowly. As you see, no one here has it all figured out, but we are looking for solutions and support. Do not isolate yourself. Do not stay inside just cause you feel bad. That's what ocd wants you to do. Stay away from everyone and you'll be safe. Liar! I've had ocd for over 30yrs. There have been ups and downs. But you go on. One step at a time. There will always be people to lift you up. If not in person, here at the NOCD. Yesterday I was having a terrible day. I was feeling totally down. I asked for support, but didn't get any. It made me sad. Today is a new day. The weather has changed. The birds are singing. I woke up, wished my ocd good morning and started a day with much more will to live. Life is hard but beautiful. You have to decide on which of the 2 sides of the life coin you will focus more. It's up to us. Ocd or not. You will have bad days. But there will be great ones too.

@NODA You’re welcome. Shala’s blogs help me a lot. 🫶