Does anyone ever feel like they force themselves to endure their triggers? Like you can’t physically stop yourself from doing something or seeing something that you know will trigger you and you know it won’t help or give you any joy but you literally can’t physically stop?

Yes, like a kid you tell him not to do it because it will hurt but regardless he does it. In another hand is excellent to Have those triggers and provoque feelings on yourself like ERP until you desensitize and those triggers won’t have an effect on you

I just downloaded this app and am still trying to figure out ERP, really confused by it for some reason. For some reason I always felt like it was supposed to be the opposite. I feel like as I’ve been going to therapy my triggers and OCD has been getting so much worse. I know people say that it gets worse before it gets better but sometimes I feel so suffocated by it, and also super alone.

When I was younger my ocd was way different than it is now. It was a lot of touching the passenger side lock and unlocking and locking it the entire drive to school and being in a retail store and having to touch certain things and if I touched it I would have to bring it to my mom so she could look at it, and only then could I put it back.

Okay I definitely am understanding a little bit better now. I really have no idea what type of OCD I have and have been researching and trying to figure it out. My therapist has been amazing and giving me great tools but I just really need to try harder at utilizing them. The way I “cope” with my triggers is something I’m really trying to work on and I’m just trying to figure out what my situation is. I mean we’re human beings and all so very different yet so very similar, I feel like labeling mine would in fact become a trigger for me in a way. But that advice you gave about the 5 minutes a day is great, definitely going to give that a try tomorrow

@mindfull what kind of OCD do you have?

Unsure? I’ve been diagnosed since I could even think and have been on and off meds my entire life. I’m 24 and just now in therapy realizing that some things I have been doing since I was a toddler is OCD. It’s very overwhelming for me and I try to force myself not to do certain things but I know I’ll always do it anyways. I was fine a few months ago, I was meditating every day for like an hour. I know nothing is linear but I’m just trying to figure this out more, I’ve always lived with it but never gave much thought to it and let myself kind of suffer and just deal with it

I have contamination OCD so I hope I can try and give you my best advice for what your going through even though it might not be the same. Maybe try and find out what type you have that way you can target it better. ERP is exposure therapy so for example if you wash your hands alot after touching things. Try touching things and shaking hands then eating a sandwich. If your scared of public toilet seats go use one. It just gets you to realize your 1000% fine after you've experienced your fears. Try and make a schedule for yourself only 5 minutes a day allowed at a set time to think and dwell and talk about your OCD. Then the rest of the day live your life it will help you not let this consume your daily life. It might be worse because you are starting therapy and it is hard and very overwhelming. Time will help and keep your head up it will get better.

Try to stop your rituals. I know someone who had that OCD and he is no longer doing them! Its Absolutely possible but forever something you should keep up with therapy.

It's an every day struggle alot of people dont understand! I struggle everyday as well you are not alone. Wish you all the best!

Yes I guess I would call it a ritual! Great way to put it. The most complicated one that I do I cannot find on the internet anywhere and have searched forever. My Mom said I’ve been doing it since I was in the crib. I’ve read a lot about this reassurance thing on here and I think I’ve been searching for that for a while. I can’t find anyone who does the same thing as me but it doesn’t mean I can’t fight it.

Thank you!

Reasurance is the worst struggle. I left my house drove 20 minutes away and went back just to check if everything was shut off ? I would keep looking for someone who can relate to you. I haven't met anyone who has mine yet. I even tried looking for actual support groups and nothing so far. Found this app though lol!

I do things like that all the time. I’ve been looking for support groups too. But yes this app is a positive step in the right direction.