Anonymous
- Date posted
- 1y
Quick Question
Does going about your day while having intrusive thoughts and urges/sensations count as a exposure?
ReadyForImprovementReadyForImpr...
- Date posted
- 1y
It counts as response prevention! The intrusive thoughts are kind of in place of an intentional exposure. You're already feeling the discomfort that doing an exposure is meant to bring up... if that makes sense. What matters is how you manage your response when you experience anxiety or discomfort... whether you intentionally do an exposure, one comes up in your regular day, or you're having intrusive thoughts, it is how you respond that helps you get better. Sorry, I'm not sure if I'm communicating that clearly...
DeanBertDeanBert
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes, I’d say so. Me also having Pure O, I’ve been told you’re pretty much always in exposure because we don’t usually have any outward symptoms besides googling or reassurance and we’re worried about our thoughts. How you react to the thoughts is our ERP work. Reacting with a disregarding mindset. “Eh, maybe that will happen, maybe it won’t” “i don’t need to worry about that” and do it with all thoughts/sensations.
6827368273
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
It’s response prevention. Sometimes these thoughts are more scary than if we actually did an exposure in purpose. At least, that has been my experience
NicaNica
- Date posted
- 1y
It’s response prevention but it’s how you get better and keep up the recovery process. I do this every single day.
VGHVGH
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
I'm not sure if it's an exposure, but it sure sounds like a good thing to do. Going about your day and not letting intrusive thoughts stop you, make you ruminate or do other safety behaviors is how you will get your life back.I think there are two kinds of exposures - planned and those that occur as you're living your life (in vivo?) I think its called.
AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 1y
I've been avoiding doing my usual routine due to a new set of intrusive thoughts that appeared alongside intrusive urges/sensations, and it's been leading me to feel quite down and I mean down, down, it doesn't feel like I'm going to get better or that it's too late for me. My OCD is linked to my online friends and it's a battle everyday
autumntallautumntall
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
It sounds impossible! Congratulations for tuning things out.
Related posts
Elliesmith
- Date posted
- 22w
Question
So with my theme of ocd, ( hocd ) I get persistent intrusive images, and thoughts. It’s not like one or two a day. Like if I’m out for the whole day they’re constant. I feel I can’t even look at a girl now without her intrusive thoughts about her or about me fancying her and even sexual intrusive thoughts.. It’s awful. It’s everywhere I look. Is this common with ocd with any themes? Like is it constant for you guys too?
Looping
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w
ERP/Therapy
I find while doing exposures, rarely does my anxiety lessen. It usually amps up and stays that way for the remainder of the day. I could be having a fairly decent day, but dutifully do my exposures and then the rest of my day is anxiety filled. I guess that’s just how it is now? Also, I’m wondering if my therapist even believes I have OCD. I totally understand my therapist cannot provide reassurance. But it’s to the point it seems my therapist acts like I actually did the thing I fear. I feel so isolated.
Nova2025
- Date posted
- 13w
OCD with the news
Curious.... the news has been terribly distressing for me and has stirred up OCD. Compulsive rumination and checking (news stories) are my go-to when OCD is triggered. Today, I purposely did not listen to my news podcast as I do every morning. I feel better-ish. Is this avoidance, or is this self care? Would continuing to listen to a podcast be exposure with response prevention applied to the compulsions that go with it? Thanks in advance!
Be a part of the largest OCD Community
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond