Does anyone else here’s OCD prevent them from doing things that you used to love? Because of my OCD I avoid partaking in any of my hobbies including reading or painting. Just wondering if anyone can relate!! :)

I’ve actually used this to make progress in my recovery. I was sick of avoiding things and not doing things because my OCD would get in the way. I’ve made a strong point to not allow OCD to have any effect over decisions I make in life. I do the things I love to do regardless of OCD coming along for the ride or not.

For sure! Make sure to stay in control of OCD, not the other way around!

Yes, it’s very possible that OCD can cause this. Is there a specific fear that keeps you from doing the things you loved? Or, possibly, there’s some underlying depression involved too. Anxiety and depression go hand and hand more frequently than not, so chances are, it’s most likely you’re experiencing some anxiety-related depression as well. Overall, there’s not enough information about your OCD, fears and overall feelings.

I definitely relate, Lizzie. Maybe if you try self exposure therapy, it’ll help you realize nothing bad will happen when you do things you enjoy. Like, practice reading for 5 or 10 minutes a day (or every other day) until you start feeling more comfortable. Gradually (and I do mean GRADUALLY) increase the time spent reading or painting. You can start by doing this exercise as little as 2 or 3 days a week (recommended) or every day for a week at a time. You can give yourself a week break in between. So you’d be doing this exercise bi weekly to start with. Then move to 3 weeks a month, then every week.

@Skarlettrose That is definitely a great way to do it!! I am doing exposure for some of the smaller things I enjoy doing and I find that this app really helps keep me on track! I definitely have to force myself to do it regularly like you said!! Increasing it gradually is a good idea as well!! Thank you! :)

Yeah, I used to love going to my friends house in France but I can’t go anymore :/

I suffer a lot more from hygiene ocd now but my last episode was all about obsessions and compulsions that I had to fulfill in order to not throw up. Reading was such a chore because I had to read it the “right” way... which was just when it felt right. So id re read and re read and re read. It was particularly hard when reading philosophy books for college!! I also had to connect everything and write the write way so college was just a huge struggle in general. I would also not wear certain clothes because I felt sick if I wore them. And the bus was a big no no. I totally relate because my whole life was centred around making sure I did not throw up. The ironic part is that I never threw up once.... all that worrying :(

@Skarlettrose My OCD causes me to create associations between doing things I enjoy and something bad happening and avoiding these things I enjoy is a compulsion. (For example I have intrusive thoughts that if I do a certain hobby then the fears I obsess about will come true.) I avoid all of these things because of my obsessions and I think avoidance has become a compulsion.

I can definitely relate

@PetShopBoysrock That is great!!! It definitely takes a lot of courage and hard work to do and I hope I will be able to if I keep working on my exposure!!

@xxEmilyxx I’m really sorry to hear that!! I know that I we’ll be able to fight are OCD and do the things we love again!!

@Aliceisdirty I understand how you feel!! It must have been so tiring!! I used to obsess over throwing up as well, it was one of my first obsessions. I bet that made college very difficult!! I understand how you felt with difficulty wearing certain clothes, that is something I am struggling with now! Thank you for sharing your story, it’s so nice to know that you can relate!

*compulsion.