Does anyone have the problem where when they try to expose themselves to something scary, it doesn’t feel scary? Like if I know that I’m trying to do ERP, I don’t actually get scared. How do I get past this?
I've had this happen when I tried ERP in the past. I guess it's because we know that we're going through ERP as opposed to having it be impromptu. I'm not good with the way ERP works. Have you ever gotten a therapist for it?
@BigGyro09 I guess so, though it makes it hard for me to actually do my ERP. Can’t afford a therapist rn, sadly. Any tips or is it still hard for you?
@TPD Sorry that you can't afford a therapist. Maybe if ERP isn't working at the current state you're at, try to make it a bit more difficult. Or you can try ERP when OCD starts to bother you when you least expect it. This is easier because you wouldn't want to do ERP to the point where you get way too scared and uncomfortable with the results. I hope that helps.
@BigGyro09 That makes sense. Thank you, that does help. I’ll try making things work for me, hope things are good with you!
@TPD I'm glad that helps! Unfortunately I'm not doing so well. I'm very sick and I'm overall worried for my health at the moment. I remember when we last spoke things weren't this way.
@BigGyro09 That’s not fun to hear. If you don’t mind me asking, how long have things been this way? Are you getting help? It’s hard, I’m sure. If you want or need to talk, I hope you know I’m here.
@TPD I've been this way since the middle of the summer. It started with a dry cough that eventually turned into a cough with green phelgm. My only two guesses as to why this is happening is from my disgusting air conditioning that I didn't realize was so dirty and possibly moldy. Another is from my compulsive behaviors of the past. I didn't forget about how much you've helped me in the past. I'm really grateful you gave me tons of help at that time.
@BigGyro09 Believe it or not, you’re also the reason I still keep this app; it’s helpful to know I have someone who understands. I’m glad to talk to you again, even if it’s in some not so great conditions. It sounds like you have an infection of some sort, though I’m nowhere near being a doctor. The moldy air conditioning makes sense, and compulsions also cause some weird things. I hope you get better. Have you seen a doctor?
@TPD I haven't seen a doctor but I really want to
@BigGyro09 Wow I had no idea that was the case for you. I'm really glad I could help make a positive difference. It definitely seems like an infection because of the green phlegm. But the thing is, that wasn't there at the start. It was a clear dry cough and I had less symptoms. But now it's a cold and I have much more symptoms that are debilitating.
@BigGyro09 I guess all I can say is to try and see a doctor if you ever can, though I understand it might be hard in some situations. It seems like you might need antibiotics of some sort to help, though again I know I’m not a doctor. Keep taking care of yourself otherwise. Rest when you can, don’t stress yourself out, and keep working on your OCD. Hopefully things will get better.
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.
Everytime I do exposure therapy and even if it ends up good I get more nervous for the next time. How do I get past this I really need some help please. Now I am scared to even move the car after I drove on the main road 2 days ago.
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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