vespertine
- Date posted
- 1y
Just got my diagnosis
Anybody know how strenuous/exhausting the exposure therapy is?
DSXDSX
- Date posted
- 1y
It depends on the therapy, how bad the OCD is, how much of an exposure you think you can handle, and other factors like that. It won’t be “easy” but that doesn’t mean it’ll be something horrible. I rather liked my ERP even when it was difficult cause at least I was on a road to improvement instead of suffering and getting worse
Hopeful58Hopeful58
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
It is not either… It is worked on in degrees with your therapist. The whole point is that OCD is NOT about your content but about the compulsion. Therefore, OCD picks on what you value most (knowing you have an anxiety disorder) making you think you need to react to neutralize the thought…thru a compulsion. ERP helps you sit with anxiety so your body/mind learn your you don’t have to react…. Just noise, not a signal. Gradually, you can enjoy your values again.
vespertinevespertine
- Date posted
- 1y
Okay that’s reassuring
Christine03Christine03
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
I’ve been at it a couple weeks. So far… a LOT less distressing than life itself.
AnonymousAnonymous
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Me and my therapist started out by ranking my different obsessive themes from one to ten, one being the least distressing and ten being the most. Then we took baby steps by working with low ranked themes before moving on to higher ranked themes as my confidence grew. It is uncomfortable but I felt like it was uncomfortable in a good way because I was finally fighting back against a problem I didn’t think I could fight back against before. I think you will find as much hope as I did in this process.
Related posts
Looping
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 22w
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.
jam1993
- Date posted
- 15w
Hoping for relief
I can remember the day I started having intrusive thoughts. I was so confused and scared. It’s been almost 3 months- does it get easier to manage? Currently taking medication and going to therapy, but this is all still very new, and very scary. Please tell me there’s relief in recovery..? I tend to isolate myself from my family, often. I’m tired, so so tired. :( Most days, I just stay on the couch or in bed. I don’t quite get as anxious, but like a “heart stopping” gut feeling when a thought pops up. I miss the me I was before the diagnosis. HOCD is scary and harder when it attacks the loved ones, spouse, in your home. :( My heart hurts.
learning2Bme
- Date posted
- 13w
First ERP session- TIPS??
A few hours ago I had my first ERP session and I am currently feeling nauseous and nervous at the same time. Right after my first exposure I wanted to quit right then and there, but I know I cannot. Does anyone have any tips for sitting with this level of discomfort? Anything is appreciated. Thanks! :-)
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