- Username
- SarahEHSarahEH
- Date posted
- 18w ago
It gets harder, then it gets better.
- Username
- SamiellieSamiellie
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
@SarahEH THIS, so accurate.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
This was true for me too!
- Username
- Miss PierreMiss Pierre
- Date posted
- 12w ago
How long did treatment take? It's been very hard for me in some waya and I'm a couple months in.
- Username
- SarahEHSarahEH
- Date posted
- 12w ago
@Miss Pierre I’ve been in treatment since October, and I feel stronger than ever! I’d say you’re in the hard part. Stay strong and keep working at it. It works! Sending good vibes your way…
- Username
- Miss PierreMiss Pierre
- Date posted
- 12w ago
@SarahEH Thank you so much! Good to hear it gets better. Happy for you
- Username
- SarahEHSarahEH
- Date posted
- 11w ago
@Miss Pierre Happy for you to get over this hump and start to feel the relief. Stay steady. ❤️
- Username
- Catlove9Catlove9
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Don’t put a time limit on it. Everyone is different and for some people it takes more time.
- Username
- Anonymous 25#Anonymous 25#
- Date posted
- 18w ago
@Catlove9 Go in with an open mind but expect it to be challenging. Expect discomfort, expect setbacks, expect scary thoughts and feelings. It’s all part of the process. Don’t put a time limit on your recovery and don’t compare yourself to others.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes.. there is no timeline for recovery!!
- Username
- speaksspeaks
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Commit to the journey…. Because when you get to the other side of this…. You will be amazed at what you accomplished and how feel.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes. Thanks for this encouragement!
- Username
- ivbzivbz
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Trust your therapist and the process in general. It feels like it isn’t working … until suddenly you realize it is. Slowly but surely. And stick to it!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Love this!!
- Username
- IamNoChickenManIamNoChickenMan
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
You can still live an amazing life again. It’ll be hard, but you can truly love life again. There will be days, but you’re gonna be ok. You’ll get better. You’ll learn new things. And come out a stronger individual I repeat, you absolutely can live your life, and love it again. Just as you did before.
- Username
- haleymoriartyhaleymoriarty
- Date posted
- 17w ago
@IamNoChickenMan this made me cry. all i want in this world. thank you❤️❤️❤️
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Thank you for sharing this :)
- Username
- AngelaHessAngelaHess
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Understand that every anxious thought is OCD attacking what you fear most. Win back your life through choosing to not react in any way as you trust in God’s mercy and grace.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
"choosing to not react" - yes!
- Username
- EvenifEvenif
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Remember you’re not alone
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
One of the most important things.
- Username
- Ben:)Ben:)
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
The light will come. It really will. LEAN INTO THE PROCESS. ♥️ Lean into the process as much as you can. It may feel so scary, but you’re not alone. You CAN live your life with OCD not driving the car of your life anymore. It will feel so amazing, and the more you lean into the process, the sooner you’ll see the light at the end of the tunnel. I went ten years without the right help, as I’m sure many others have as well. I started to believe that the light wasn’t coming. Or maybe that some of it came, but that was all that I was ever going to get. When I found NOCD, I started to believe that light could come back. AND IT DID! ♥️ It will come back into your life too. You can feel like your old self again, but even better, because you’ll be even more compassionate than you were before now, because of everything you’ve been through. The light will come. Be patient with your self and the process. Don’t compare. LEAN INTO THE PROCESS. :) Love, Ben
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Thanks for sharing part of your story!! This will give hope to many.
- Username
- Cosmo12345$Cosmo12345$
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Be gentle with yourself. Give yourself time and believe in the process. You will have ups and downs but it’s worth it.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Love this!
- Username
- eshoupeshoup
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
TRUST THE PROCESS. Trust your therapist. They know what they’re doing and they’re trained to walk alongside and guide you. Also fully experience whatever feelings or thoughts that are triggered. I know it feels like your whole world and identity relies on not doing so but that’s not true. I compare it to jumping into a swimming pool when you’re little and have floaties on. You have to jump in and face your fears in order to realize that they don’t have any power. You can do this!! Hope this helps!!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Love that metaphor! Jump in!!
- Username
- hannahbalrisinghannahbalrising
- Date posted
- 14w ago
@eshoup “You have to… face your fears in order to realize that they don’t have any power” just hit me so hard! They actually don’t have any power over anything
- Username
- mbrammermbrammer
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Trust the process and your therapist. I’m not the same person I was when I started, and frankly it’s incredible how effective ERP is.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
ERP can change lives!!
- Username
- ssierra22ssierra22
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
You can do hard things. Even when it seems impossible. Take it moment by moment and stick to treatment. Future you will thank you for it
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Future you will be so proud!
- Username
- Lajohnson26Lajohnson26
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Commit to what you can in that moment. If you push yourself too hard too fast, you will want to give up. Meet yourself where you are at. There is no timeline for recovery.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
"There is no timeline for recovery." great piece of encouragement to keep going!
- Username
- phillyspecialphillyspecial
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Your feelings are real, feel them. However they are not fact.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes.. I've always said that when you're struggling with OCD, your feelings aren't always factual..
- Username
- 13rianna13rianna
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Trust the process. Trust yourself. You are not alone. Once I started with NOCD I realized how many people actually struggle with anxiety and/or OCD. Be the change, be the lending ear, tell your story, and be strong for those who have yet to feel comfortable enough to voice what they are going through. Greet people with arms wide open, you never know what they are battling.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
You're incredibly correct with this!! You truly never know what someone is going through.
- Username
- gregmichaelsgregmichaels
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
response prevention is key, and you must let yourself be uncomfortable! Intrusive thoughts never go away, but once you stop giving them meaning or power, they become less scary
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes.. OCD will lose power!
- Username
- ivrecivrec
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Always remember that your symptoms are a result of ocd. Try not to interpret it as facts but symptoms
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Love this!
- Username
- AnonymousAnonymous
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Do the response prevention!!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
YES!
- Username
- AnonymousAnonymous
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
The exposures seem much scarier than actually doing them! The more you do, the easier they get! And it’s super empowering. 😊
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Empowering is such a strong word!
- Username
- hestiahestia
- Date posted
- 18w ago
You’re brave for moving forward in helping yourself manage your OCD. It is terrifying sharing your experience with a therapist and you will accomplish the hardest part by doing this!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
So much bravery!
- Username
- GermanCowboyGermanCowboy
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Make sure you seek out a NOCD or other specialist in OCD. Regular talk or CBT therapy doesn’t work for OCD. It can make it much worse to be honest. The gold standard for therapy is ERP. So don’t be afraid to leave a therapist that doesn’t work or just makes things worse. Also, don’t underestimate the importance of being consistent with your medication! If you’re prescribed an SSRI, take it as directed! DON’T skip doses or you’ll regret it later. And most importantly, learn to deal with your own discomfort. It may feel urgent to you and that you’re having a panic attack, but it’s actually all in your head (as cliche as it sounds). Learn to turn off the false alarm or at least sit it out.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Exactly. Talk therapy did not help me either, it actually made me worse. This is great awareness about ERP! Thanks for sharing!
- Username
- as20as20
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
-Make your life bigger than the small world OCD wants to keep you in -Don't give up on the hobbies/activities you love doing. -Laugh as much as you can
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Living life you want to live, not the life OCD is telling you to live!
- Username
- MadlexyMadlexy
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Stay the course be patient. Expect ups and downs. It takes a lot of practice and effort.
- Username
- marinaramarinara
- Date posted
- 17w ago
@Madlexy What exactly do downs look like?
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes, it truly is a rollercoaster and takes time!!
- Username
- MadlexyMadlexy
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
@marinara Just that sometimes you may relapse and are hard on yourself. Or if your ocd theme changes don’t get frustrated and accept and allow those feelings to past.
- Username
- OcdcantbeatmeOcdcantbeatme
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Never EVER give up. Keep pushing when things get hard because I promise you will be better for it. You can get your life back!!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes!!! Life is worth to be fully lived.
- Username
- Alex McCordAlex McCord
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
The goal isn’t to know how to feel good it’s to know how to feel bad.
- Username
- HealingLadyCHealingLadyC
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Because when you figure how to feel bad even with the uncertainty, you realize how to feel good!
- Username
- JamesAGloverJamesAGlover
- Date posted
- 17w ago
@Alex McCord Wow
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
So much wisdom in this!
- Username
- Natalie SchwemNatalie Schwem
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Don’t listen to the intrusive thoughts. The longer you ignore them the quieter they become and the easier it gets to live the life you want to live. The discomfort will be hard at first, but the more you do it you are able to continue to sit with it.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Getting comfortable in the uncomfortable is hard but one of the most important things!!
- Username
- CurlygGirly03!CurlygGirly03!
- Date posted
- 16w ago
@Brenna - NOCD Team Member How do you do this with psychosis ocd…I’ve been spiraling lately it’s so scary I can’t stop it’s all I think about but my outside appearance I don’t show it but inside I’m just spiraling…but tonight is one of the worst nights like I know I’m not actually seeing or hearing anything I know my internal monologue is me all of that but I can’t stop overthinking it and I know it’s my anxiety making my symptoms worse having me scared I’m going into psychosis when I’m not…and it just happens randomly out of no where…please help with advice or anything…
- Username
- Jeffrey Jeffrey
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
It is a challenge so worth taking. Trust the process and trust your therapist. There are many days that you will likely want to quit - don’t. OCD can be managed - it takes practice and determination. And reach out here when you need help. All of us with OCD can relate in some manner. You are not alone.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
You are NOT alone!
- Username
- Zack VagneurZack Vagneur
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Do what scares you. You can do hard things.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Need this on a t shirt!
- Username
- HealingLadyCHealingLadyC
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
That thing you never thought you'd be able to do...you'll find you can do it. And it feels...good...afterwards. it wasn't as scary as you imagined. And each step is another step to overcoming the OCD. OCD is like a scary raincloud all full of noise, air and fluff with nothing that will actually hurt you. It sounds terrifying, but has no real power. And trust your therapist, especially when they tell you they think you can do it. Because you can, you've always been capable, the OCD has lied to you and told you can't and aren't capable. Prove it wrong. The fact that you are here means you've already decided on that outcome.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
"OCD is like a scary raincloud all full of noise, air and fluff with nothing that will actually hurt you" YESS!
- Username
- HealingLadyCHealingLadyC
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
@Brenna - NOCD Team Member I tried to create a picture of it and it looks like this little puffy pissed off grey fluffy cloud with eyes, lol. I can laugh when I look at it.
- Username
- Wolfram Wolfram
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Keep your goal or purpose forefront in your mind when things get tough. It'll get you through even the hardest erp sessions. I'd go through all the hardships of ERP therapy a million times over to never go back to my life with ocd prior.
- Username
- Anonymous_1613Anonymous_1613
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
At every chance you get, make yourself feel uncomfortable. The thoughts won’t change but how you respond to them will, and that makes all the difference. Think of the discomfort as a good thing, even though it’s hard.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Changing how your respond to thoughts is where I found freedom!
- Username
- Balance123Balance123
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
It gets so much better!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes!!!
- Username
- CaseyDemkCaseyDemk
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
It’s going to feel weird, but say what’s on your mind. No matter how hard
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Therapists want to help, not judge! Love this! You never know how sharing can help you...
- Username
- MeredithMeredith
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Stay with it, especially when you don’t feel like it’s working
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes!
- Username
- jonnyfivejonnyfive
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Lean into uncertainty, do what makes you feel uncomfortable every day. Run toward the things you’re afraid of, and before you know it, you’ll feel much much better.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
"Lean into uncertainty" great reminder!
- Username
- SaanchSaanch
- Date posted
- 17w ago
It will take all of you, don’t be afraid to change
- Username
- MKatherine1234MKatherine1234
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 18w ago
Trust the process and it will get easier!
- Username
- lizzybagslizzybags
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Power through those first few sessions, as scary and unfamiliar as it is. Trust in yourself and trust in the process. It will be hard at times but the relief you will feel is worth it all. You will slowly but surely begin to live your life again!! You got this!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Love this encouragement!
- Username
- Hopeful58Hopeful58
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
This is an anxiety disorder, not a content disorder. It is a journey and soooo worth it!
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
The journey has ups and downs but it is so worth it.
- Username
- AnonymousAnonymous
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Acceptance is key. Accepting all the feelings, thoughts, emotions. They may always be there, but soon enough they will not control you.
- Username
- Brenna - NOCD Team MemberBrenna - NOC...
- User type
- Staff
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Yes.. OCD does not need to control you, you're stronger than it!!
- Username
- kabazakabaza
- Date posted
- 17w ago
I'll throw this in for some variety in the comments!! I've been medicated for the past 14 years. I cannot stress enough how important creating the right balance is with prescriptions. I trusted the process with my doctor and tweaked the doses and types until we found what worked. If something didn't work I didn't give up or become avoidant of prescriptions, I would be honest and work it out. While therapy and self work has tremendously helped my journey, without the proper medications to even out my brain's playing field I believe the therapy process would have been significantly slowed down and my brain wouldve been at full capacity to resist. If medication isn't an option for you, then refer to the other posts. If it is but you are scared about the process, remember that just because something didn't work in the past doesn't mean there aren't any more options out there. If you don't like medication because it makes you feel "not like yourself" make absolutely sure you're talking about an actual negative mood side effect and NOT just because you've become so accustomed to your brain being loud and defiant 24/7 that the dampening is uncomfortable. Good luck :)
- Username
- avacado3avacado3
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Get a good therapist
- Username
- XKrazyTavXXKrazyTavX
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Good luck you never know how long the road is
- Username
- Karotajs-theanxiousgogettergirlKarotajs-the...
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Thank you all. Im havibg a really hard time with erp for health ocd. Its terrifying.
- Username
- This Barbie Has OCDThis Barbie ...
- Date posted
- 17w ago
OCD lies and attacks anything that you find important from your identity to your career. So if OCD is trying to make you feel uncertain, just remember what it’s telling you is untrue.
- Username
- Sarah CSarah C
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Enjoy the ride even though it’s intense. Just know it gets better after it’s over.
- Username
- vantasselvantassel
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Know you can beat it
- Username
- AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Breathing/Somatic OCD. Anyone else battle breathing obsessions? It's slowly been creeping in my life over the years butlately I feel like I'm spiraling. I'm constantly aware of my breathing and trying to take satisfying deep breaths. Of my breathing is shallow I FREAK OUT. It's worse at night. I've barely slept in the last couple days, and feeling like my ocd is at an all time flare up. Anyone else gone through similar? What helped?
- Username
- Ellsx Ellsx
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Remember replapses/set backs don’t mean you’re back to square one even though it feels so scary!
- Username
- AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Scary initially then manageable overtime
- Username
- Ruthbn2020!Ruthbn2020!
- Date posted
- 17w ago
My best advice is to love yourself even the parts like OCD that make it difficult to live because it is a part of you and it makes you stronger and gives you a better empathy and understanding for others who struggle with mental health disorders.
- Username
- SHarvey1908SHarvey1908
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Give yourself grace and patience. ERP is not an easy process at first, at least it wasn’t for me. But I continued to face my concerns, do my homework and remember “Thoughts are just thoughts.” I am doing so much better now and have faith that all those with OCD challenges can and will improve. ❤️
- Username
- AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Has anyone fully recovered without medication ?
- Username
- MelissaislivingwithocdMelissaisliv...
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Thoughts don’t equal reality! Thoughts are just thoughts that your brain rapidly fires out. It’s not your fault if you get an intrusive thought!
- Username
- theali-est theali-est
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 17w ago
Things might not get “better” all the time. But they will be different!
Related posts
- Username
- Anonymous
- Date posted
- 27w ago
Hi all! Any tips for riding out an OCD episode? Trying not to use safety behaviours/compulsions or ruminate etc.
- Username
- pymaldonado
- Date posted
- 23w ago
Hey everyone! So I’m currently looking for any books that might have helped you in this ocd journey. I’m currently reading untethered soul is really good. I am really in that phase that no matter how scary ocd can be I’m ready to overcome it. I’m not letting it defeat me like it has for years. I would appreciate your recommendations.
- Username
- Anonymous
- Date posted
- 15w ago
Hello! I am pretty early in my journey with receiving treatment for OCD, although it seems I’ve had it my whole life. I would love to hear any inspirational stories from people who have seen improvements from treatment! I am feeling good about ERP so far but I could use some inspiration as I embark on the harder parts :)
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