Hi there, I recently (3 weeks ago) started ERP therapy for Pure O OCD. 90% of my thoughts are harm related. Since I’ve started the therapy, I’ve been doing the homework it’s been really tough. I’ve started to get depressed and my thoughts are totally whack-a-mole and seem to never stop. Did this happen to anyone when going through ERP?

Thank you SO much for the response. Are you feeling better now?

In my experience and others that I’ve spoken to.. when you start doing ERP, it’s very normal for your OCD to actually get a bit worse because you’re changing the way you normally act when confronted with OCD. Your brain will naturally start throwing more stuff at you at the start because it’s not used to this, but as your practice and keep doing the exercises, you will become stronger and stronger and the thoughts will have much less of an impact on your life.

Oh I definitely struggled. It is not easy and is honestly the last think you want to be doing. So, of course I got depressed. Starting slow and taking my time in the treatment really made it easier for me. Also, making sure I stayed in the range of anxiety that I was supposed to helped me. So, on a scale of 1-7, saying in a 4-5 range for anxiety levels and not pushing it. Just enough anxiety to make me quite uncomfortable but not enough where it is unbearable helped keep me going. After a few weeks I started getting the hang of it and my brain adjusted to these huge changes in the way I’ve handled my OCD. Knowing that it gets easier also kept me going. Sending you so much positive energy and encouragement!! You’ve got this!

Yes i started feeling a lot better after a month and a half or so; you’ll gain better control over everything at your own pace though so don’t become overly concerned with timelines if you can:)

That’s awesome, so happy to hear that. Do you have Pure O as well? Sorry for all the questions, just really nice to connect with someone!

I have pure o as well as a mix of other types haha, my OCD is kinda all over the place. I definitely relate to the constant thoughts! Don’t apologise, i’m happy to connect with someone as well ^_^

Thank you both, your comments mean a lot xoxo!

That means it’s working. It’s yer brain throwing a fit so more spikes are gonna happen for awhile. Keep it up

Thank you!!! Did any of you notice terrible foggy head symptoms as well? I think my brain is exhausted from doing exposures.

I had the same thing happen when i started ERP; I asked my psychologist about it and she explained that this is really common. Basically everything can get a little worse because you’re challenging your OCD, which you may never have done before so it makes your OCD “freak out” so to speak. It kinda sends everything up in the air for a bit before it settles down again. Hopefully it doesn’t last too long- just push through and it’ll get easier the more you practice and do the homework ^_^

@KL Yes! I think that is exactly what it is. So much emotional strain and tolerance building. It is so physically and mentally draining. I noticed after a little while the fogginess faded.

Thank you!!!