- Date posted
- 1y
ERP
I have contamination OCD. How am I supposed to do ERP when I feel like there’s poison everywhere? I can’t live like this anymore but ERP is terrifying to me.
I have contamination OCD. How am I supposed to do ERP when I feel like there’s poison everywhere? I can’t live like this anymore but ERP is terrifying to me.
I hear you. When first thinking about ERP, it was so scary for me, too. But, you don’t start with your biggest fears. You start with your smallest. The same goes for anything challenging we do in life, just start with baby steps. So when I first started with ERP, we listed out my triggers and I didn’t start any exposures until i had found a trigger that was only a level 2 or 3 distressing (out of 10). I promise you that you can do this. Always happy to chat if you have any other questions. 💖
@emilytravelswild Oh I’d love to chat more. I’ve had OCD my whole life…same theme. I’ve attempted ERP numerous times, but can’t seem to get past “level 5” on my hierarchy. I’ve had the same thoughts for so long that they feel absolutely real and true to me. Thank you for responding!
@Dutchgirl Are you on Instagram? I just found a super helpful post that I could send you! I’m @ebdesignagency
@emilytravelswild Yes! I will find you there!
You can approach erp sessions in increments. Depends what you're comfortable with. I jumped head first into it every time and it was stressful as hell. It's going to be hard either way so you choose where you want to start with your therapist. It's not a race. Progress is still progress
I struggle with contamination OCD severely too and am going to start erp, it scares tf out of me so I understand! I specifically struggle with emetophobia (the fear of throwing up) I can’t even restart me anxiety meds because I’m so worried it’s going to make me nauseous because I’m constantly looking up the side affects. I honestly can’t give you advice on ERP as I haven’t started mine yet, but I can let you know that I know how you’re feeling.
@Anonymous Thanks for sharing. Good luck to you too.
I can't stop thinking about ending my life. I feel like I'm not even living, I'm just surviving. Everyone is capable of being a person and functioning and I'm just stuck here avoiding everything. My psychiatrist said my ocd is severe and it will all take time and I'll start erp and I'm already on medication but I just feel so depressed and like I won't be able to handle erp and it's already too late for me. I feel inhuman, it's debilitating. My major theme is just fear or contamination, I can't even make myself a meal I can't touch anything in the kitchen. I get stuck in the shower for 2 hours and when I don't shower because I'm depressed I feel like a walking germ. My hands are a mess, my school work is shit, I avoid and avoid and I'm just so tired of "living" like this. My psychiatrist said they don't have any therapists available right now like.... excuse me? What do you mean u don't have any 😭 I honestly don't even know why I'm typing this becuase nothing helps, nothing ever will. I'm so deep into this I can't get out, my room looks like shit, I can't live in this body anymore, I really can't. I let everyone down, I am and will be such a dissapointment. I don't have any dreams or goals or passions I just wasn't made to be here. I don't know how or who to ask for help like there's nothing anyone can do, I'm already on meds. I can't keep being like this, seeing everyone judge me for acting insane.
I’m starting NOCD. I had several years of cbt as a child (well over 20 years ago) and I see a trauma therapist. But now I’ll be seeking further help for OCD and just really scared. CBT wasn’t helpful for me. How has ERP been helpful for you? Do you feel like you’ll finally get your life back? I’m consumed by my obsessions 😢 Would love others feedback if ERP helped you ❤️
What would I do for ERP if my OCD says because I didn’t do something correctly or remember something I will have panic attacks that don’t end?
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