Challenges, meet ERP

I thought the compulsions made me feel better, but it just fed the OCD.

I’m currently in one of the most stressful times of my life. But I’m stable. I would be NOWHERE near this stable without the ERP therapy. When faced with a moment of panic I don’t try to suppress it or distract myself. I see it out and steer into, I assign my level of anxiety a number, I sit with it until I naturally come down to at least half that number. ERP taught me that I always over estimate the danger and underestimate my ability to cope. I remind myself I’m very good at coping.

95% of my triggers occur while driving. ERP has helped me realize I don't have to make a u-turn for reassurance.

It’s allowed me to create distance between triggers (difficult situations) and my emotional responses, so I can respond appropriately later

I'm more open to other possibilities with less expectations

ERP has helped me gain the confidence and strength to understand fears through discomfort.

I reply with something which makes me feel worse in the short term and is unsatisfying but has shown to help me in the long run.

ERP teaches me to face the fear and see it doesn’t mean anything…

ERP helps me to learn that I can handle fears. I am slowly taking on things I have avoided for years. I don't like doing it, honestly. I put it off when I'm having a good day, bc it seems so counterintuitive then, especially with depression. But then I realize how much it's needed. When I turn the distressing situation into an exposure, and it helps so much. After decades of relentless suffering, I can say it is changing my life for the better.

The need to realizing I’m changing the way I use my brain

It makes me question why I feel the need to have compulsions and have intrusive thoughts in the first place. It’s made me seperate my OCD from what is actually happening in my life and where I am in my existence.

It’s helped me to face my fears and look them dead in the eye and realize they’re not really that powerful. It’s the most empowering thing I’ve ever done! Terrifying and feels like I’m jumping into an empty abyss with no safety net but then I realize that I don’t need one!

ERP has given me a new confidence help face obstacles. Instead of trying to tackle a problem head on and getting overwhelmed, I can find different ways to work on the problem be successful.

I am not sure right now!

I face insanely uncomfortable urges throughout the day towards my daughter and it absolutely kills me. The only time I get relief is at night for some reason.

Do not avoid! Walk toward it!

It taught me that I’m not gonna grow if I avoid everything that makes me scared