Dutchgirl
- 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.
emilytravelswildemilytravels...
- Date posted
- 1y
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. 💖
DutchgirlDutchgirl
- Date posted
- 1y
@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!
emilytravelswildemilytravels...
- Date posted
- 1y
@Dutchgirl Are you on Instagram? I just found a super helpful post that I could send you! I’m @ebdesignagency
DutchgirlDutchgirl
- Date posted
- 1y
@emilytravelswild Yes! I will find you there!
Wolfram Wolfram
- Date posted
- 1y
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
AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 1y
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.
DutchgirlDutchgirl
- Date posted
- 1y
@Anonymous Thanks for sharing. Good luck to you too.
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ChaoticCatte...
- Date posted
- 22w
Contamination/health OCD struggles
Recently, I’ve been struggling a ton with what I eat/put into my body? I’m a first year college student with a few different health issues (including IBS), and lately it’s been hard for me to find food on campus that doesn’t upset my stomach. I also have pretty severe emetophobia, and feel extremely anxious when I feel sick. The ironic thing is that being anxious makes me feel even worse, so I end up sticking myself in an impossible loophole. My OCD has taken hold of these fears over the past few months, and it’s been such a struggle. Especially since people have been getting food poisoning from various dining halls on my campus lately. My OCD has gotten so bad that sometimes I’m too afraid to eat food other than what I buy myself. I feel so trapped. I don’t want my OCD to affect my physical health or prevent me from eating, bc I love eating!! It’s the fear of getting sick that’s the problem. And it’s even harder when everything is so unfamiliar. Just wondering if anyone could relate. Advice is appreciated!
Perfect Impe...
- Date posted
- 10w
Question
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?
TrustGod24
- Date posted
- 9w
ERP
I’m thinking about doing erp but my ocd is so severe the thought of accepting my fears happening to me makes me sick to my stomach. I also believe in the power of my words and saying I accept this Bad thing will attract it into my life. I’m not sure what I should do🥲
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