pls

I know it’s hard to fight that stigma but so many people are in therapy and you can be too, especially with the help of this app. I meet my therapist on here and going really has helped me understand OCD better. Do your parents know what you are going through and how you are feeling? At the end of the day, feeling trapped like this is not good for anyone. It’s to a point where you need to talk to a professional. These thoughts in particular are terrifying but if you avoid them and how they make you feel, they will only build. Remember that your thoughts do not equal action. I encourage you to look up Exposure and Response Prevention techniques as this is the gold standard in treating people with OCD. But you should really speak with someone. Therapy does not mean you’re are crazy. Therapy means you’re getting the help you deserve and sooooo many people are in therapy everyday. Mental illness is so prevalent in our country and you are most definitely it alone

Most definitely not alone **

Please please remain strong and know that you will prevail. OCD is a TREATABLE disorder with help. You don’t have to live in this agony. It’s not going to be easy, but if you’ve been dealing with it for two years and haven’t acted on any of it then I know you are strong enough to face this head on and take control back over your life. YOU are in control. Don’t like your mind control you.

Hi anonymous974, the thoughts and feelings you're describing, as horrible and persistent as they might feel, are just thoughts and feelings. I know that may seem tough to believe, especially because the thoughts and feelings can be very, very persistent and creative in their reasons to be paid attention to. But remember that whatever they say, the thoughts and feelings are not you: you are you, and you get to decide which thoughts and feelings you want to engage with. This is hard stuff. You are definitely strong, having been dealing with this for a while now. But please get help, it makes a world of difference when you have good professional help dealing with OCD.

I also grew up in a family that thought psychological help was only for "crazy" people, that it was some sort of weakness. But I can tell you it has been massively, massively important in my life, and a huge help in living life in a fulfilling way for me.

We are all in this together 🫶🏼 I’m glad I helped in some way. You are worth it. And maybe your family doesn’t need to know just yet that you are in therapy? Sessions can happen right over your phone and maybe it’s something you can do when you are away from them since it’s only for an hour. I grew up similarly- very Italian household of “we don’t need to talk about it” but now that I’m 31, it’s time to talk about it. Regardless of what they say. You have to do better for you. I didn’t tell my family I was in therapy until I was in it and felt comfortable enough to say it. They were surprised I could tell, but once I told them what I was feeling and they saw how much it was effecting me they understood and supported my decision. Even if your family doesn’t support it, know that there are literally Millions of people dealing with OCD and like I said, we are in this together. I read an article recently that said “your thoughts are not unique to you” and that stuck with me. It’s so true. And this is case and point. I thought I was crazy for having these thoughts, only to come here and realize I am most definitely not alone and there’s a name for it and it’s treatable. For the money tip, if you have insurance, I promise it’s worth making the call. Depending on your insurance and copay, it can be extremely doable. I was surprised honestly.

I’m sorry you’re feeling this way. I’ve felt similar about hurting myself as I have Harm OCD too. It’s not easy thoughts to deal with at all. And it’s scary for sure. You are not alone. There’s a difference between harm OCD and actually being suicidal. If you need additional support please reach out to the suicide prevention hotline or call 988. These thoughts fill me with anxiety and is something I work on everyday. If it is OCD though ERP will help you and I recommend reaching out to your therapist. There is hope. I’ve been going through this for the last month and know I still have work to do. Remember that OCD is the “doubting disorder” it’s latching on to what you love most. You have to work hard on loving yourself, giving yourself grace, doing exposures and accepting the help that you need. 🫶🏼

It’s your OCD doubting you. Two years is a long time to have these thoughts and not get professional help. I truly encourage you to reach out to a therapist. Or to call NOCD and go through a 15 minute chat about what’s going on and they can schedule you to meet with someone. Two years of distracting and avoiding these thoughts have to lead to this point. I’m not sure how you’ve been coping with it all this time but it’s time for you to say, it’s time. It’s time to get help. It’s time to talk to someone who is trained in this who can lead you down the right path. If your thoughts are getting to the point where they are this overwhelming it would be “crazier” for you not to get the help. If you just let this ride, it will consume you because that’s what OCD does. I tell my therapist every time we meet that “OCD is fickle b****” but once you face it head on, it’s not going to know what to do.

I’m sure if your family and friends knew what you were going through and the thoughts you were having, they would want you get better and get the help rather than sit and ruminate. It’s not easy admitting to yourself that you are dealing with a mental illness. But that’s what it is. You have the power to do better and be better. And you have the resources to do. You’ve already downloaded the app, you might as well take the next step and get an OCD trained therapist too! You can do this!

One step at a time. Day by day 💪🏻

You got this! One day at a time. Meditation might be helpful to calm the anxious thoughts too.