Deleted post.

I had a terrible fear of the wind for 8 years, one day I decided to not live in fear. I exposed myself outside and sat on the grass for 3 hours. I did it!!! I’m not afraid anymore!

I have conquered existential OCD, health OCD, postpartum OCD and POCD. Currently, I do not have a theme and it’s been quite some time since I have. At one point I felt so detached from the world and shut down I thought I would never feel like myself again. Some things that really helped me: reading books written by people who struggled with OCD like authors Shala Nicely or Rose Cartwright (I’m sure there are others out there I have not read yet) Also the book Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts. This helped me disconnect from BEING my OCD, to realizing OCD is an obstacle that can be conquered with the right tools. What truly kept the needle moving forward for me was yoga, mindfulness and ERP with a NOCD therapist (I did practice some on my own too) Both of these things reconnected me back with my body and back with the world in a way where I could shrug off fears and feel good again. It’s not easy, but worth it. Good luck!

I recovered from SOOCD with the help of anxiety medications. Once I was able to get my anxiety under control, it was like my rational thinking came back and I saw OCD’s mind games and tricks. I would still get the occasional intrusive thought, but I was able to move past it and continue my day. ERP didn’t really help me because my anxiety was always very high and affecting my body, but I know it really helps people. ACT is what I prefer to practice but ultimately the meds saved me. ☺️

Also, some of my favorite tools were: - maybe, maybe not statements. “Maybe ‘insert obsession here,’ maybe not. I may never know for sure, but I can sit with this uncertainty and continue enjoying my day” — followed by physically shrugging as a response or getting up to go do something. Acknowledge first, then redirect. - Acknowledging your OCD without taking it any further with rumination, research, reassurance seeking or compulsions. For me this looked like “oh, hey OCD! Thanks for being here. You’re welcome to stick around, but I am going to continue doing… ‘XYZ’ and living/enjoying my life”