Somatic OCD

@bg123 Thank you for taking the time to share some of your story with us, you are not alone. Exposure Response Prevention therapy teaches us to confront our obsessions and sit with the discomfort we feel around them. Then, we learn to resist the urge to do compulsions. It's customized for each person and their unique needs, but here's how ERP generally works: After asking you about your specific symptoms, a trained therapist who specializes in OCD creates your ERP therapy plan. Based on that, you'll work together to rank your fears or triggers based on how stressful they seem—this way, you can gain coping skills gradually without getting overwhelmed.

@Anonymous Thank you for taking the time to share some of your story with us, you are not alone. Exposure Response Prevention therapy teaches us to confront our obsessions and sit with the discomfort we feel around them. Then, we learn to resist the urge to do compulsions. It's customized for each person and their unique needs, but here's how ERP generally works: After asking you about your specific symptoms, a trained therapist who specializes in OCD creates your ERP therapy plan. Based on that, you'll work together to rank your fears or triggers based on how stressful they seem—this way, you can gain coping skills gradually without getting overwhelmed.

@Tea You are not alone! Remember, no matter how hard OCD tries to convince us otherwise, we CAN do hard things!

@Havilahismyname It is important to remember that anything can become compulsive. You are stronger than your OCD! ❤️

@ciriomo Remember, you are stronger than your OCD!

@lulybb It is hell honestly. I know we all “wish” we had “easier” triggers and we think others are better or others are horrid subtypes, but I think this one is up there as awful. I can’t escape my own body, I think about my breath and feel like I can’t breathe, I think about my heart rate and am scared stop or go too fast forever. I’m afraid of choking and dying, or swallowing and dying, or even not being able to be happy because I’m always thinking about automatic bodily functions. Thank you for the compassion, I know I can live a normal life but I feel like it won’t go away

@Nicolebee I hope you do find a way to, at least, lessen the severity of your experience. I used to have all you describe. Much of it triggered by a difficult childhood. Meditation and breathing exercises have helped but they do not eradicate the feelings/sensations. In my mid 70s I still am aware of the triggers and they too often limit my life but I push forward. Also, I take “vacations” from situations that trigger those. As simple as staying home doing what I enjoy. Going to the library I’ve discovered to be helpful. Surprised me. Surrounded by people but in a mellow environment.

@lulybb The important thing to remember is that no matter how OCD shows up, the treatment remains the same.

@Nicolebee Hello, going through this too. Have you found anything that helps in ERP?

@Crook Which parts do you suffer from? The swallowing thing I can’t get past so I’m not much help there. The heart rate I just force myself to do cardio and sit with it. It’s uncomfortable and I almost have panic attacks over it, but over time I am desensitized. Same with breathing. Not much help :( I think doing frequent cardio helps with breathing and heart rate though. The swallowing I just don’t know :( we talk about it in therapy but it’s just something that spikes my flight or flight - feeling like choking.

@Nicolebee Breathing. I just feel lost in it.

@Nicolebee https://youtu.be/i4K6cw1cjmU?feature=shared maybe this will help?

@Lpz89 You are not alone! ❤️