New here and feeling somewhat discouraged

With OCD, it’s important to remember that avoidance itself is oftentimes a compulsion. OCD makes us second guess and question everything, including treatment. OCD treatment, especially ERP oftentimes is very overwhelming in the beginning. I find myself wrestling with avoidance quite a lot, if not more than any of my other compulsions. I’m not currently in treatment because I can’t afford it at the moment, so I find it very easy to catch myself avoiding uncomfortable situations that might end up providing significant milestones/progress. My word of encouragement would be that you should be proud of yourself for having the courage to start treatment, which in itself is very daunting and takes a great amount of effort! Even if you don’t feel like the fruits of your labor are visible yet, you are laying the foundation to build something really great for yourself. Small wins are still wins!

Hiya! when i started talking about everything with my therapists and sharing what visuals I got, they increased. It really freaked me out. I felt really bothered and My brain even told me i was making it up too! Sometimes it sure likes to attack from all angles It does get better, this is hard work. I hope you feel some recognition from accepting OCD? I did, and I feel acceptance and some comfort in chatting with everyone in messages too. I’m proud of you for taking the first steps and not putting it off. (oh and it’s the holidays! everyone gets a little more crazy-trust me i went to the grocery store today and saw it!) hahah. It’s good to be honest about the feelings or concerns and fears you’re having. but I hope you can let it go tonight and do something you enjoy :) Be Here in the Present What do you like to do!!?

I was the same way (horder OCD) and during the beginning I was being positive and proud of myself. Then my skin picking got so bad and bleeding. I had trouble walking cuz of pain. Then I realized I was hyper focused on my things. All my stuff just going into boxes or trash. I was ready to cry. So, I messaged my therapist and asked for a break. I took two weeks off from therapy. Then when I had my appointment, she told me that it was ok and there is plenty of other areas to delve into. Its helping. Getting in to other things about myself. Taking a break helped a lot. Have you considered taking a week off to catch your breath?

Avoidance is a big component of ocd. Exposure response therapy is SUPPOSED to feel hard, even impossible, at first--but it isn't! It's super effective, you just have to give it time. My first couple weeks were insanely difficult, I thought that my thoughts would never go away. That just isn't true. The more you keep doing the hard thing the easier it becomes, even if the process seems painstakingly slow. My main advice is this: OCD can be a waiting game, so be patient! Don't give it the satisfaction of doing anything out of urgency. I'm praying for you!! Keep it up!