What if you ERP away actual concerns

I’ve been having a real bad relapse the past two weeks after some triggering comments from friends. My latest struggle and what I’m currently stuck with, is if I am utilising ERP to avoid and defuse actual concerns. I am currently in a state where I don’t know in or out and I feel pressure in making decisions as I’m currently going through a lot of big life changes. It’s causing me so much anxiety and stress. I hate when OCD pops up more as statements and I get a sinking feeling thinking it’s real/true and that I’m in denial.

McDucko

Date posted: 2y

The thing about OCD is it tends to treat everything like an emergency. The thoughts are persistent and always seem to be a priority. OCD will also try to trick you into thinking what you're worried about is genuine and not because it's OCD. In reality, most people will deal with their problems in a similar fashion that we use ERP, the only difference is they don't need to train as hard to remove the power from bad thoughts.

MJ_123

Date posted: 2y

@McDucko Thank you. I really appreciate your response. Lately my OCD is trying to convince me that since some of my past fears have come true, any new OCD threats/thoughts or fears will come true too and that I should act on whatever thoughts are popping up as “statements”. Not a very pleasant thing to be navigating mixed with a recent breakup of a 4.5 years relationship. Trying my best to practise self compassion and allow myself to have whatever thoughts and feelings I’m having. But my OCD is trying to make me evaluate any and all ROCD fear/thoughts I’ve ever had and if they in fact meant that the relationship was set to fail from the beginning.

McDucko

Date posted: 2y

@MJ_123 I have so many themes throughout my life that pop up that I fear will come true. It's been a really long time for a lot of them and they've only recently come back to mind. Best thing you can do is accept the thoughts so you don't ruminate, because even though the original thoughts hurt, ruminating just extends the suffering. If you're really having a problem then medication can be a huge help. I just restarted mine this week and already feel a bit better.

MJ_123

Date posted: 2y

@McDucko Thank you. Rumination is by far my biggest compulsion and I’m trying to work hard on cutting it out but it’s so difficult!!! Haha such a struggle.

McDucko

Date posted: 2y

@MJ_123 Same. If it helps, OCD is ego dystonic. It goes against your morales. The fact that you feel this way shows that whatever is bothering you isn't who you truly are.

hellofolks

Date posted: 2y

i get this alot with my death and health related anxiety. i tell myself “but its possible!! u cld have a deadly disease!!! no harm in checking!!! no harm in getting a checkup!” but there IS harm in one aspect : stressing over it. i tell myself okay, maybe this is an actual issue i will need to face and accept one day. but what am i accomplishing by obsessing over it? im not helping my health, in fact its a detriment to it. that can sometimes help me push myself to start trying to find a distraction and move away from the thoughts without feeling guilty and like im in denial

nevieocal

Date posted: 22w

Can someone please help me?

I think when people are saying OCD is egodystonic is really triggering me and I was just wondering if this has happened to anyone else? I’m going through a really bad relapse and right now I’m trying to figure out if my thoughts are truly egodystonic, like I how do I know I won’t act on them, how can I trust my emotions and everything. I feel really confused and I feel like I don’t know who I am anymore or how I carry on with life because it’s so long and I’m so unsure of everything that’s going on in my head. Like how do I know that this is OCD and true desires/urges. I’m so confused.

iLounge21

Date posted: 16w

ERP for Existential OCD?

Been struggling with existential OCD lately. Very hard to describe the thoughts/feelings, but it is a constant feeling of being stuck in my head. Like what is consciousness and where do I think from? Like I think it’s OCD, maybe it is maybe it isn’t. But if it is, what would be good ERP exercises? Just existing (lol)? And what would be my response prevention? I’m not even sure what mental compulsions I may be doing.

Existential OCD

TrustGod24

Date posted: 13w

ERP

I’m thinking about doing erp but my ocd is so severe the thought of accepting my fears happening to me makes me sick to my stomach. I also believe in the power of my words and saying I accept this Bad thing will attract it into my life. I’m not sure what I should do🥲

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What if you ERP away actual concerns

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