I was watching videos on YouTube last night some guy discussing ERP it triggered something in me, he said people with ocd shouldn't do it without a therapist, which scared the hell out of me because Im not yet seeing a therapist and I'm on a long waiting list for it. I have an appointment with a psychiatrist this month but after speaking with the crisis team they said its nothing to do with talking therapy and I'm still on the waiting list I feel so confused so frustrated. This is why it's best we don't watch certain videos and read certain things. I only did it because I was feeling confident last night. Now I feel worse than I did before.

There are two types of exposures - situational and intentional. You can and should definitely do situational ERP on your own; that is, not avoiding, not paying attention to triggers, sticking to your values despite sudden triggers. In vivo exposures, scripts and those things (intentional) are better done and planned with a therapist. There are OCD specialist online too that could teach you in a couple of sessions how to do it yourself.

Cool. I would just say that instead of kicking yourself, try being loving and kind to yourself - THAT is the hardest part.

Yes very true. I've been really beating myself up the last few days. Trying to be nice to myself tonight having a relaxing bath and a nice herbal tea with some meditation music ♥️

I didn't know there was two types of erp so thank you for making me aware of this I will look into it further. I've emailed a few private therapists now deciding what's best for me. Thanks for your information

It's the not avoiding and the not paying attention to triggers that I'm having such a hard time with. The triggers cause severe anxiety hard not to pay attention but I get what you are saying

I completely understand - it is damn hard. However, you need to start with those. I know you cannot not pay attention. Just don't pay too much attention - acknowledge the anxiety, the same you would acknowledge chest pain but don't attach it to any thoughts. Don't do mental compulsions. Move one with your day - don't wait for the anxiety to subside to go and do what you value.

Thank you sounds like you know exactly what to do lol, I will try harder. I have to or what's the alternative? Carry on living like this. I can't. I'm not even living just existing. Thanks for all your advice though I really do appreciate it ❤️

Unfortunately there is no alternative (some have suggested brain surgery but I have my doubts). People like us suffer from an hyperactive amygdala that sends sanger signals where there is none. So the only thing left to do is to show your brain through your behaviour that there is no danger - that's why it's so important to carry on with your life.

Yes I've heard of that! And some kind of electo therapy. Sounds very scary and dangerous! Thank you for educating me on these things. I didn't know that about the hyperactive amygdala! You are absolutely right. I need to kick myself up the backside very hard and stop letting this beat me. It's already taken so much from me. I said last night I need to stop feeding the monster and I do. I know exactly what I need to do it's just putting into action. ?❤️