Doing ERP

It’s been about two years since really struggling with OCD. I’ve made a lot of progress I would say. Before I couldn’t even leave the house due to my fears. Now I don’t think about those worries as often. Even if I do, I’m able to go on about my day. But tomorrow my cousin asked if I could help with a kids birthday party tomorrow. I thought this would be something that could help me even more by facing those fears head on. My biggest fear actually. This one has been the one that has stuck around the longest. Something that I still struggle with at times. I agreed to help her, but now I’m scared. All these worries are coming back to me, and causing this anxiety that isn’t going away. Even with distractions. I know everyone will say that this is the perfect time to face this fear knowing I’m still scared of it. I just don’t want this to be something that sets me back AGAIN. I don’t want to start from the beginning. But I guess that’s what ERP is all about. A little motivation I guess is all I’m looking for.

Anon849

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 46w

Can you go to a private room if you need to take a break if it becomes too much to handle?

stranger

Date posted: 46w

@Anon849 I’m not sure. It’s gonna be at her work and I’ve never been there before. But I mean I guess if it gets too overwhelming for me I could step outside for a while or just go home. I hope it doesn’t come to that though. I hope I show myself that I’m strong and I can handle my anxiety. It’s just very persuading to just stay home and not go anymore.

Kayla12

Date posted: 46w

Get a good sleep the night before and decide in the morning if you can handle this exposure, which is most challenging to you. Being open to your cousin about your OCD fears helps alot too because she will be there to take over your role if you need a break. It's important that nobody blames you for not meeting their expectations when you've put some much heart and energy not only to help out the kids party but also overcoming MAJOR personal struggles that no one sees (all at the same time!). Being understood and appreciated helps motivate us to face those challenges because we know we are not alone anymore. Be open and transparent about your condition to your family is first step to helping yourself overcome ocd so they can accept, support and love you the right way. We need to take initiative to build our own support system with people who understands us.

stranger

Date posted: 46w

@Kayla12 I unfortunately haven’t been able to sleep due to the anxiety. If I feel completely overwhelmed by tomorrow morning I might just have to cancel. Ive told her about my ocd, just not the details of it. I guess I could just tell her that I’m worried about my ocd today and I might not be able to stay too long. I will definitely tell my mom considering she knows more about what I’ve struggled with. It’s just still so embarrassing and scary to bring up. Wish me luck!

Kayla12

Date posted: 46w

@stranger I'm sure your mom will fully support you. You are brave. Take care

Jennifer Dal...

User type: Therapist

Date posted: 25w

Let’s talk about Therapy

So you got to ask me anything… Now I’d like to ask you something! I’ve heard from Members that they were so scared coming to their first ERP session. They were terrified that I would think they were crazy, that I would tell them their worst fears were true. That I would confirm they are some form of a terrible person or have them hauled off to prison for their thoughts. I’ve also had Members share how they’re very scared to begin ERP treatment because they’ve researched enough to know it means facing the fear, without the compulsions that have kept them feeling safe (but not really safe) this entire time. They struggled to see how they could be capable of doing this, while simultaneously acknowledging that they did not want to live like this anymore. If you have had your first session, what were your thoughts before? Did you have any hesitations or fears going into it? How did it turn out? If you haven’t yet begun to work with an ERP specialist, what is holding you back?

Anonymous1990

Date posted: 25w

ERP

I’m starting NOCD. I had several years of cbt as a child (well over 20 years ago) and I see a trauma therapist. But now I’ll be seeking further help for OCD and just really scared. CBT wasn’t helpful for me. How has ERP been helpful for you? Do you feel like you’ll finally get your life back? I’m consumed by my obsessions 😢 Would love others feedback if ERP helped you ❤️

"Pure" OCD

anxietypoops

Date posted: 22w

The RP in ERP

Hi! I've been on my OCD healing journey for about half a year and I have seen a lot of success. I'm reaching out for advice, I am very willing to do exposures because I know the more I do them, the more I get better, but I struggle with the response prevention part. I don't know how to control my brain when it comes to facing the fears especially since most of my compulsions are mental. I can tell myself the typical things "I am okay with the uncertainty of this happening", etc. but its like my brain doesn't believe them. I've been stuck in this disconnect for a while and would love advice you have heard from a therapist or learned that has really help you.

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Doing ERP

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