Do you ever get depressed over how long you’ve been dealing with OCD? I’ve been dealing with it for over two years now. I mourn what my life could have been like if that one thought hadn’t popped into my mind. Makes you feel like life is going to be like this forever. In those moments, what makes you have hope or a feeling that things are gonna get better?
I am 64 and have ocd. Don’t really remember not having it n some subtle way since I was little. It really blew up in my late 20’s. That’s when the anxiety started to manifest. In my 30’s it was focused on being a mom and those years were tough. Prozac has been a big help and I always have to fight my way through the rough times. It’s not fun. But I also have done so much with my life and energy despite the hard times. I went back to school and got my masters at 50. Have become a master teacher. Got my yoga certification 9 years ago. And honestly still finding that there’s so much more I want to do. Does it suck when it hits like it has now? Do I get bummed out thinking…this time it’s different? Do I keep moving anyway!? Fuck yes! I don’t have the answers. It’s pretty obvious this is never going to be gone and I guess that’s my liability. I did therapy w NOCD and it was good. Maybe I’ll try it again… I guess I’m proof that on the one hand it isn’t going anywhere, but on the other it doesn’t have to control your desires and achievements. I hope this can give you some hope that it’s gonna be ok. Ride that wave. It’s gonna be ok. Never Lise hope…😇😘
Yes. I've had it my whole life and just started ERP at 39. I missed a lot in my 20s and 30s, in particular. I'm making good progress with ERP and you likely will too! You have the benefit of early intervention so you'll be able to have the life you want to have without missing out on decades of time. I agree with everyone else in trying not to focus on what you've missed. Focusing on working toward recovery with ERP is going to serve you so much better! Wishing you well as you move forward 🥰
@ReadyForImprovement Thank you for sharing! I agree.
Have you gotten erp therapy done 🥹
For me, hearing that it had gotten better for other people on here was huge motivation for me. The possibility of living without OCD. Like still having thoughts but being free from compulsions sounded so unrealistic. But I went from bordering suicidal to having so much hope for the future again by doing ERP and being consistent with therapy. Things have gotten so much better than they were a year ago. Honestly, looking back I try not to dwell on the time wasted. That time gives me gratitude for what I have now. Consider possibly creating a journal with how bad it is now. Commit to therapy/ERP (if you can) for a year, then go back and read that journal and compare where you were. Im not sure if this helps, but just sharing my experience!
I’ve been dealing with it on and off for almost 14 years. Thinking about that can definitely get me down some days but it’s helpful to find moments of joy on the days it really bothers you. I’ve been using a gratitude journal for the past year or so and that really helps. It’s really hard but try to be compassionate with yourself and not pass judgment because you have them. Hope that helps! Adam
Not to sound too depressing but does anybody else get scared or worried about the fact you have to deal with OCD for the rest of your life now that you have it.. Is it even possible to live somewhat of a normal life and have your thoughts not bother you as much?
I consider myself recovered from OCD. i still have intrusive thoughts but they no longer upset me. some days i really dont even remeber if i had any thoughts. I am so thankful to be better because it was SO bad at one point. However lately i have been grieving the 2.5 years of my life that i lost to constant intrusive thoughts and compulsions. It makes me so sad that i wasted so much time stuck in my own mind. does anyone else ever feel this way?
OCD hit me 12 years ago when I was in college, but I had no idea what was happening. I thought I might have been going crazy. I felt so lost, and I eventually fell into a deep depression. If you can relate to this, know that you’re not alone - I get it, and I can also tell you that there’s hope. Once you have the tools to manage OCD, things can become so much better! For me personally, getting effective treatment helped me get my life back, and still helps me manage OCD every day. From there, I began to find myself again. I felt like Allison again. I could start doing the things I love again. If you knew in 4 months from now you wouldn’t be as bothered by OCD, what would you do first?
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
