Over the weekend I had so many flareups and Rushes of anxiety and panic attacks. This ERP therapy is so hard but I know it’s the right course of action just feeling stuck and a little defeated. Any advice for anybody else feeling this way or going through ERP therapy?Trying to remember this is part of the process but gosh it is so difficult.
Hi Nikki, My main theme is suicidal OCD. ERP was very awkward at first. It’s difficult to tell a complete stranger what you’re experiencing. When I was doing ERP I found some of the things that my therapist recommended sort of corny. I never really experienced anxiety during ERP though. It was almost frustrating because I didn’t know if it was working. ERP will get easier I promise. The more you do it the less anxiety you will experience. Trust the process and put it all in God’s hands. He’s got you and has big plans for you. Do not give up on the therapy. If you ever need to talk I’m always here.
@Zmanflex Thank you so much for your kind words! I really appreciate it! I have found that my faith in God in the universe has grown exponentially during this process. We have to have faith and hope that things will get better and I believe in this therapy, I know it will. Thank you so much for reaching out. It means a lot! 💕
@Nikki91 My faith is definitely what has gotten me to this point. Before therapy, that’s all I had to lean on. Besides family of course, but even they don’t fully understand what’s it’s like. You’ve got this!
@Zmanflex I’m definitely learning to learn it to my faith and more and more. It is extremely important to have faith on doing this hard work!
I'm really sorry to hear that you had a tough weekend. It’s important to acknowledge how difficult ERP therapy can be, especially when dealing with anxiety and panic attacks.Be kind to yourself. Recognize that feelings of anxiety and defeat are part of the journey. It’s okay to struggle; it doesn’t mean you aren’t making progress. When you feel overwhelmed, try grounding exercises like deep breathing, focusing on your surroundings, or using the 5-4-3-2-1 technique (identify 5 things you can see, 4 things you can touch, etc.). These can help bring you back to the present moment. Write down your thoughts and feelings about your experiences with ERP. This can help process your emotions and track your progress over time. Remember that healing takes time, and setbacks can happen. Trust the process, and give yourself permission to move at your own pace.
@Amara Thank you so much for this message! It means so much to hear from people who have gone through the similar experiences that I have and grounded techniques and tools that worked for you. I really appreciate it. This community is so amazing. We’re in this together.💕
@Nikki91 You're welcome. 🙂everything is gonna be okay.
In ERP, but have made no progress. I’m also on medication for ocd. I actually feel like I’ve resorted back to when I was at my worst. Is this normal? I feel ERP helps everyone and not me. It actually makes me more anxious and want to stop, esp because my ocd is on something physical (imperfections/hair color) I’m not giving up & going to continue through this journey regardless. I long for mental stability 😭
I find while doing exposures, rarely does my anxiety lessen. It usually amps up and stays that way for the remainder of the day. I could be having a fairly decent day, but dutifully do my exposures and then the rest of my day is anxiety filled. I guess that’s just how it is now? Also, I’m wondering if my therapist even believes I have OCD. I totally understand my therapist cannot provide reassurance. But it’s to the point it seems my therapist acts like I actually did the thing I fear. I feel so isolated.
I’m trying to do ERP therapy, but I keep thinking my subtype of ocd is the worst there ever is. I tried going on a walk tonight and the adrenaline in my body along with the shakes and the burning in my chest got so overwhelming. I felt like I was just about to lay down in the gutter along the sidewalk. I’m not trying to be super negative. I just don’t know what to do anymore. If it’s not one thing it’s another and I just wanna cry so bad and I want it to go away but it won’t I almost feel like I have to call a crisis line or something even right now while I’m writing this I’m crying so bad. I can’t enjoy a single thing. I joined a support group tonight, but I just feel like I feel so bad for everyone because of how awful it is. I know what I’m writing right now doesn’t make a lot of sense but I just don’t know what to do anymore. Part of me wants to quit ERP therapy so bad cause I don’t think it’s gonna ever help. if anyone has any advice or suggestions, that would be greatly appreciated.
Share your thoughts so the Community can respond
