Haven't had my first session but...

Hi, I'm new and have my first NOCD session next week. I was trying to waiting to post on here but I'm really really struggling. I struggle with mold and bacteria atm, and keep wanting reassurance that things are normal/common/okay/not harmful. It's hard to know the line because of past trauma and living with a hoarder for 20 plus years who never taught me how to clean anything. I have health issues that I'm waiting to see what the cause is and I'm afraid, very afraid of mold, right now. In fact, I'm writing this after a big trigger. I panic when I learn I haven't cleaned something I was supposed to and now I just sit and worry or extend myself to thin on cleaning. Please don't give advice on how to clean because things like Google and internet advice just makes me panic more. I'm at a loss and feel panicky. Any advice for dealing with mental anxiety attacks while waiting for my first session? It's impeding me from moving forward with my day. I'd love to hear from people who deal specifically with this OCD that have already been to therapy. Trying not to ask for reassurance.

Contamination OCD

Nica

Date posted: 50w

Here are some tools and resources to help get you started! -Download either the Calm app or Insight Timer app for guided meditations, -Read ALL the books by Lee Baer and Martin Seif on OCD and anxiety, -Look into Therapy in a Nutshell’s YouTube channel, -Start doing yoga! Because exercise is good for you. I suggest the YouTube channel Yoga with Adriene, -Subscribe and follow the YouTube channel, Psychology With Dr. Ana for great mental health content, -Start watching Thich Nhat Hanh’s guided meditations and talks on mindfulness. Also, buy his books on meditation and mindfulness, -Look into OCD International’s website if you’re international (or is the US but having issues finding help outside of NOCD) for help, -If you are looking for inpatient treatment for extreme OCD, look up Rogers Behavioral center’s website. You can even reach out to them for help, -What’s Pure O OCD? https://www.verywellmind.com/pure-o-primarily-obsessional-ocd-4159144 -How To Stop Rumination Video: https://youtu.be/CkcspsmLh9k?feature=shared -Confessing compulsion vs. healthy sharing: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/ocd-compulsive-confession-vs-healthy-sharing -ERP scripting: https://www.shalanicely.com/aha-moments/erp-scripting-for-ocd/ -The Hidden Power of Swearing at Your OCD: https://www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/beyond-the-doubt/201711/the-hidden-power-of-swearing-at-your-ocd -Taking The Power Away From OCD: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/taking-the-power-away-from-intrusive-thoughts -Worry Script: https://www.anxietycanada.com/sites/default/files/WorryScript.pdf -What is ERP therapy: https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/erp/ -What’s An OCD Trigger? https://psychcentral.com/ocd/what-is-an-ocd-trigger -Differences Between OCD & GAD: https://ocdla.com/ocd-vs-gad-7071 -The Psychology of Seeking Reassurance: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/reassurance-seeking-ocd-anxiety-how-to-stop-cycle -Grounding Techniques: https://www.therapistaid.com/worksheets/grounding-techniques -OCD vs. Phobia Differences: https://www.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/info/related-symptoms-conditions/ocd-vs-phobia-how-to-tell-the-difference -ERP Techniques for Reassurance video: https://youtu.be/D1O3RGnLjRM?feature=shared

ACrumpledWhi...

Date posted: 50w

Thank you for this specific guide to get me started. The literature is very overwhelming. Meditation and mindfulness are quite hard for me but I have been trying to practice for years with the guide of CBT therapy/therapists. Best I can get to is mantras and then it slowly turns on me as OCD shame. I love yoga with Adrian and so does my husband! Not that we get to it regularly but you know, a great resource!

Nica

Date posted: 50w

@ACrumpledWhisker I would specifically look into Thich Nhat Hanh’s mindfulness practices. He helped create Zen Buddhism and a lot of daily mindfulness practices for all ages that you see often.

izzyyyy24

Date posted: 25w

How to prepare for your first session with NOCD?

I have an appointment this Wednesday and it’s my first one and I’ve been told the first 2 appointments are diagnostic appointments Obviously initially im anxious as I’m sure most people usually are. I’m anxious that I’m going to be told it’s not ocd (classic) and I’m worried I’ve been doing things wrong (in how I handle my ocd) I just wanted to ask if anyone has any pointers or tips for preparing for the first 2 sessions? I want to be honest and be prepared but I also feel anxious to speak about all my intrusions, obsessions etc. Anyways if anyone has any advice I’d appreciate it, Thank you :) Izzy I’m not sure if this is triggering but I included a trigger warning just in case <3

annabanana248

Date posted: 21w

In limbo between therapists and feeling discouraged

I've been in and out of talk therapy for OCD-related issues for years, but it hasn't been effective long-term. I am struggling with body image / eating disorder adjacent obsessions and I am really hopeful that ERP might actually give me some relief. I had my first session with my NOCD therapist a few weeks ago. It felt like a good match and I was ready to unpack my obsessions and compulsions to try ERP for the first time. The day of my second session she canceled due to personal illness. Then this happened a second time. Yesterday all of my future booked sessions were canceled without explanation. I went to schedule with a new therapist and the ones that seemed could be a good fit are filled up until at least early April. I booked a slot and sent the therapist a message letting her know I would be interested in starting sooner if a slot opened up. I am just disappointed. I could just meet with another therapist who has earlier availability, but it's most important to me that the therapist be a good fit since I've been through therapy so many times. I feel like I'm in limbo until I have an ERP plan set up and I'm not sure how to move forward in the meantime. I'm planning try out a support group but I need a personalized exposure plan and I'm not sure if that's something I should just try to set up myself? Anyone have something similar happen to them? Any thoughts or advice would be helpful.

1231234

Date posted: 10w

Tips for someone starting out with Therapy?

I’m on track to getting my diagnosis and i’m already questioning it. Pocd feels so real, and even though i once saw someone say “it has to feel real or you wouldn’t worry” which is like god level reassurance honestly, it hurts. I can’t look at children, they deserve better. My usual attraction seems to be gone and i can not think about anything else. At the same time i don’t really feel anxiety. I’m scared i don’t feel bad enough, if i just smiled maybe i honestly wouldn’t feel bad? I don’t have many other ocd symptoms either, except for some stuff when i was a kid and like questioning everything about myself. I’m clinging to the hope that this is Pocd instead of me being a Monster and at the same time i’m so sad that i have to go trough this. I don’t like myself but i’m sorry for my younger self. I just want to be held and be told that everything will be okay but how can i know? Even then i feel like comfort of that kind only really applies to others who are struggling and aren’t horrible like me. In so many ways i sm convinced i am a monster even though it might be a bit irrational. Maybe i’m a monster after all and then i should really get away from everyone i love. They deserve better :( After a lifetime of struggles (nothing super serious) i’m just getting started with therapy and i’m so.. scared. What if it won’t help? What if it turns out i’m the bad person i fear to be. Is there any way i can prepare or some tips or literally anything else? I would appreciate any wise words

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