- Date posted
- 1y
Did tracking intrusive thought and compulsion make
Did tracking intrusive thoughts and compulsion in the beginning of treatment make any of you feel worse?
Did tracking intrusive thoughts and compulsion in the beginning of treatment make any of you feel worse?
Hi, yes it did. I felt like I couldn’t do it because even writing the words were such a trigger for me and I wanted to get rid of that distress. Of course, initially I didn’t know that getting rid of the distress was a compulsion. I’d suggest you try your best, and explain the difficulties you had doing this to your therapist. Remember therapy is a process, you won’t feel better right away but have faith in the process. It will get so much easier. All the best.
Absolutely, still working on it without much progress. I also have ADHD and a big part of my problem is that I never remember to write thoughts down when they happen (and when I’m working I physically can’t), and by the time I’m able to write it down I’ve completely forgotten it. ADHD also impairs my ability to understand how to do certain things… for example my therapist told me to work on getting out of my head, and I don’t understand how. I asked her and she said that’s something I’ll have to figure out on my own, but I don’t understand how to start or what steps to take. So if anybody has advice I’ll take it!
@sanlewwy This is crazy similar to my own experience. I’ve found that catching the ‘first fear’ response - that initial gut-clench - and soothing that before it can take hold has been really helpful. Sorry if this makes no sense 😅
@kozyasher Makes complete sense. I feel the same way and I’m pretty good at self-soothing so usually just do that. Tracking thoughts/ compulsions is super painful and sends me into a spiral lol. Plus by the time I realize it’s an intrusive thought I’ve already started calming myself down, sooo 🤷🏻♀️
Yep. Dont do it
So I’ve noticed that my OCD has calmed down, I’m getting less intrusive thoughts but I feel more uncertain than ever. Is this normal for recovery?
Does anyone who has gotten better/healed with OCD ever experience that their thoughts and urges get more difficult as you get better. I feel like I am getting better at handling certain things but I feel like now newer themes and such get more difficult as I progress. I was curious if this is kind of the process to getting better. Weirdly, like it makes sense the closer you are to getting better thoughts become worst and stronger since you are doing better. Just need to keep on pushing and doing what I have been. Let me know, would love to hear your guys thoughts and feedback
I read about ERP and have seen information about it on here. One of the goals is to say, "maybe I am this or that...ect." That terrified me. The thoughts and images that go in my head are disturbing and upsetting. I don't want to even think about saying, "maybe this or that." It's devasting to have these thoughts and question why you're having these thoughts. Doesn't the "maybe" make it worse? The one thing that helps me is that is to remind myself that these are just thoughts and I know I'm not a monster, even if I feel like one. Is ERP not for everyone? Has anyone else had a problem with the techniques used in this kind of therapy? I had cognitive therapy for years with an OCD specialist and that seemed to help a lot. Writing out the worst case scenarios would make me suicidal. Im having a difficult time not obsessing over the "maybe" after intrusive thoughts now. It doesn't make it better.
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