Scared ERP won't work when I start

I have my fears. I have written down what keeps me up on several nights. I haven't gone into detail but I have written it down. I've been up since 3am. This isn't the first time it has happened and I feel like my mind can't get a break. I don't even feel tired. I feel way too anxious and I just can't calm my thoughts. My intrusive thoughts turned into nightmares and it woke me up. I know that ERP works because people report that it does but I've tried to do it on my own very few times and it doesn't feel like it worked. I really really want it to work though. My eyes burn a little and I just don't feel calm. Anything but calm and free from my thoughts.

AverageJoe

Date posted: 2d

Hey I totally get where you are coming from. Intrusive thoughts are incredibly brutal. I’m doing ERP as well and let me tell you it probably won’t work immediately. But that is ok! The more you do it and the more consistent you make it, the more you will train your brain to adapt. I’m in the same boat as you. I’m just starting and also have setbacks, but you just have to keep trying to consistently resist the response. I’m sorry you are in the storm at the moment, but I promise it will eventually get calmer as you keep going.

BigGyro09

Date posted: 2d

Did you get to a point where it did start working consistently? For me it never started to work but I also haven't started it with an OCD therapist

AverageJoe

Date posted: 2d

@BigGyro09 I did. I unfortunately had a bit of a spike recently and am working through that. But yes I did! And I’m also going to say that therapy is a wonderful thing. If you are able to go into therapy I do recommend it. There are also plenty of resources here or elsewhere for guides in ERP. But you can do this! It takes time, and it’s not easy, but once you start turning corners it will become manageable.

BigGyro09

Date posted: 2d

@AverageJoe I'm going to start therapy for my OCD tomorrow. I hope I can get an OCD specialized therapist, speak to them about all my problems with and without OCD and I just want ERP to be the cure for me so this can be over. So that I can just get better sleep again

AverageJoe

Date posted: 2d

@BigGyro09 That is good to hear! I’m glad you are gonna try therapy! And I’m there with you, I can’t wait to get back to where I was before. Just remember. This process takes time. We learn not to necessarily remove intrusive thoughts, but understand how to handle them and make them much more manageable until they become much more quiet. You can do this!

BigGyro09

Date posted: 2d

@AverageJoe I'm glad too. I hope it can solve all of my problems. I don't want my mind to keep treating them as threats, I just want my mind to label them for what they really are and I just want to be able to calm down and have good consistent sleep so I can work and go to school.

AverageJoe

Date posted: 2d

@BigGyro09 You will get there! Persistence and practice is the key. And remember, you are gonna have setbacks and it may not be easy right off the bat. But as you keep going and master it, you will get that freedom! :D

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