OCDlikewoah
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Worse before it gets better?
Has anyone who started ERP therapy felt that your ocd or anxiety has gotten worse (at first) before it gets better?
MichelleVMichelleV
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes. In my experience, tackling my ruminations and compulsions head on with ERP made them feel stronger. For me, it was because I was practicing not giving in to them for the first time. So don’t worry if things feel more stressful in the beginning-it gets easier.
Forever LearningForever Lear...
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes, my first month was rough. I had no idea how bad my OCD was....I thought I just had a little issue. Understanding my OCD triggers has been a breakthrough. Be patient and work the steps. I just began to see my own progress over the last week.
HobbitHobbit
- Date posted
- 1y
@Anonymous I’m had/having this same experience ❤️🩹
Stuck@theSinkStuck@theSink
- Date posted
- 1y
How long have you been working on your erp? I'm literally just starting. I have had 2 weeks of sessions for doing the evaluations and beginning my fears and response list. Just now starting the erp.
gixmogixmo
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes, the hyper awareness was exhausting but revealing. I had to give myself some space for processing it all. Got better in a strong way. Keep working 💛
Stuck@theSinkStuck@theSink
- Date posted
- 1y
The hyper awareness is like all the time for me, and like you said, so exhausting. I'm just starting my erp and looking forward to better days and having peace.
Stephen SmithStephen Smith
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Super common
OCDlikewoahOCDlikewoah
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
As an update, I did my ERP homework today. I was very stressed during but felt a sense of accomplishment after. Sometimes I dread moving up the hierarchy and not knowing how I will cope with it. But I have a bit of hope that I can eventually get there. Thank you everyone for your input. This is one of the hardest things I've ever dealt with!
MichelleVMichelleV
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
@OCDlikewoah Congratulations on doing your homework despite the stress!! It’s not easy. Hold on to your hope, you will get there ❤️
gixmogixmo
- Date posted
- 1y
@OCDlikewoah glad you’re feeling better about it !
arae624arae624
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes
Bryar___Bryar___
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes, excited for when the trigger feels less immense. I am new starting, so the triggers are still quite stressing
OCDlikewoahOCDlikewoah
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
@Bryar___ Oh me also! And my triggers and themes jump around trying to latch onto anything. I have been through so many hard things before and overcame them.
Related posts
mgmt
- Date posted
- 25w
No progress in ERP
In ERP, but have made no progress. I’m also on medication for ocd. I actually feel like I’ve resorted back to when I was at my worst. Is this normal? I feel ERP helps everyone and not me. It actually makes me more anxious and want to stop, esp because my ocd is on something physical (imperfections/hair color) I’m not giving up & going to continue through this journey regardless. I long for mental stability 😭
Looping
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 20w
ERP/Therapy
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.
jwall2.0
- Date posted
- 17w
OCD during Healing
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
Be a part of the largest OCD Community
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond