It gets better

@Studybug I think it gets worse periodically, but the amount that it gets worse gradually declines. It’s been about 5 months since the worst of it for me but it still gets bad, just less often and less severe, and I’m more able to understand and cope with it

@Lost- I need tips on how to cope because I'm on my third depressive episode this year and I want it to stop.

@Studybug With OCD and depression, It would be different for everyone but my first recommendation would absolutely be professional help, it’s not something we’re designed to overcome on our own. Try and find as many ways to get out of your head as you can, being present is really important when trying to calibrate and centre yourself (but also very difficult) and if you experience shame for mental health, do what you can to be kind to yourself. I also wasn’t able to make any progress until I accepted that this would take time, and that I don’t need to have the answers today or tomorrow. I know this is broad advice but what does and doesn’t help just varies so much for everyone. I will say, that just because you can’t see the sun, doesn’t mean it isn’t there. It will get better, just give it time, and give yourself love. Hope this helps, wish u all the best.

@Lost- Thank you, this helps alot

@Anonymous I think it will get worse before it gets better, but gradually it becomes less frequent and less severe. Also I think it’s actually beneficial to understand the nature of what you’re experiencing and talk it out with safe people, professionals, loved ones. Not become reliant on explanation for every thought and feeling etc, but just what the basics are. If I had to summarise the most important parts.. I would probably say, 1 recognising OCD, 2 Pushing through discomfort, proving to yourself there is nothing to fear, 3 acknowledging that dreadful need for certainty, and letting it go as best you can I also find specifically my intrusive thoughts are much much worse when I’m exhausted or distressed. I hope this helps, I’m just speaking from experience so please take it with a grain of salt. Wish u all the best

@Lost- I appreciate so much your words, thank you 🥰

@Alb123 I recommend sitting with a thought that distresses you until is doesn’t bother you so much. Pick one and really consider it as a possibility, tell yourself “maybe this really is true” and just stick with it without doing a compulsion. It won’t be easy at first but it’s worth it, and you’ll notice anxiety start to go down.