Feeling scared and isolated after an OCD diagnosis; does it get better?

Just got diagnosed

I just recently got diagnosed with OCD. Things are making more sense, but I’m so scared. I don’t know what to do. I have always had horrific intrusive thoughts and compulsions, but I kind of just assumed it was normal and that everyone experienced them. Now that I know for sure that’s not true, I feel so isolated and gross. I feel like I can’t tell anyone. Does it even get better?

Username: Lisa LeeLou Lisa LeeLou

User type: NOCD Alumni

Date posted: 1y ago

Congrats on taking the steps to get diagnosed. Yes, it gets better. Have you started therapy yet? Keep reminding yourself that recovery is absolutely possible. Yes, it is challenging, especially in the beginning. Keep at it. Be patient and kind With yourself. I am in ERP (Exposure and response prevention) therapy. Research shows ERP therapy works very well for OCD. ERP helped me realize that i can tolerate uncertainty and fear and handle negative emotions and anxiety without engaging in compulsions. The more you practice ERP, the more you build resilience. If you are not currently in therapy, Please consider reaching out to the NOCD care team for a free 15 minute consultation; please see the link below; https://www.treatmyocd.com/calendar?src=homepage&_gl=1*dpgbx1*_gcl_aw*R0NMLjE2MzY2NTk5MTQuQ2p3S0NBaUFtN09NQmhBUUVpd0FydkdpM0QwaEhYczN1Q0ZabWhVRUF4RndaaDJoa3AxbTRnek9TRWQweUJ4U3pqeU1SRU9FNGVwZkFSb0NNY0VRQXZEX0J3RQ

Username: Stacy QuickStacy Quick

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 1y ago

I am so glad that you found the NOCD community! It is so important that we recognize that we are not alone in this! There is so much hope and it can be so much better. https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/will-ocd-make-me-feel-this-way-forever

Username: VGHVGH

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

Yes! It gets better❤️ and you are not alone, there are many, many people who experience this. Look into the NOCD YouRube channel for a lot of reallly great info, as well as the IOCDF website. There are some really good advocates on Instagram (rachelsocdgrotto ohheykellyrenee Jenna.Overbaugh markwfreeman as well as NOCD. Take care, now that you know what’s going on, you are on the road to a much better life. If you don’t have a therapist, reach out to NOCD, their therapists are amazing.

Username: VGHVGH

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 1y ago

Lol, “YouTube”

Username: timetosleeptimetosleep

Date posted: 1y ago

exactly how im feeling. we've just got to stick together and support each other! we've got this 🤟

Username: gracied

Date posted: 3y ago

This is the first post I’ve made here, as I have just recently been told I have OCD. I started therapy when I was 15 for an eating disorder, and have been pretty much consistently going for the past 5 years. It is incredibly scary to me that it has gone undiagnosed this long, and it took a few horrible spiraling episodes and me admitting I had a fear of smelling bad for a therapist to tell me it might be OCD. I’m primarily concerned about having another undiagnosed mental illness, that I have done unforgivable damage to other people’s mental health, and the general fear of losing my sanity. If someone could share the benefits of accepting the OCD diagnosis and starting ERP even if it is petrifying, I would greatly appreciate that. Warm wishes and peace to all of you struggling right now:)

Username: Ken!

Date posted: 1y ago

Newly Diagnosed

Hi friends, I have recently been diagnosed with OCD these past few weeks. It all can feel really all encompassing and overwhelming. And almost like I’m completely at the bottom of the mountain and still realizing so many things I have dealt with were actually OCD. Does anyone have any advice or things they wish they knew in the beginning of starting treatment? I appreciate you all and the community. 🖤😊

Username: Ellie4

Date posted: 45w ago

New diagnosis

How did others do after first getting diagnosed? Did the diagnosis cause you to spiral initially? It feels like all the symptoms have become so much worse since, maybe because I am noticing them and focusing on them. I have been stuck on looking back through my whole life but now through an OCD lens and it’s been incredibly overwhelming realizing how much OCD has impacted me my whole life. I had previously assumed all the symptoms were part of my having ADHD and Autism, but I am now realizing a lot of my struggling was actually OCD. I’m 45 and I was diagnosed with severe OCD a week ago. Tomorrow I start ERP and I’m quite anxious about it. I feel pretty unfixable at this point, but I’m trying to be hopeful. I have my doubts that I will be strong enough to do this.

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Feeling scared and isolated after an OCD diagnosis; does it get better?

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