New to NOCD

I’m new here to NOCD. I had my first session last week. I struggle with hit & run OCD, intrusive thoughts, checking plugs, making sure toilets and sinks aren’t running or leaking, and checking door locks. I’ve had these symptoms for most of my life I’m 35 now. More compulsions and OCD have come into the picture over the years. I’ve had a long history or anxiety & depression treatment. Been on medication and talk therapy throughout my adult life with a handful of out patient programs and 2 inpatient. My OCD was always pushed to the side by doctors and therapists saying I just have the tendency but not a formal diagnosis until a few weeks ago. I just wonder if it was OCD a lot of the time that was untreated. I’m looking forward to starting therapy for my OCD, in hopes I can get back to a more regular life. It keeps me from getting out of the house and going to new places especially driving.

RayMoe

Date posted: 19h

Glad you're finally able to get proper care! I'm 31 and started my mental health journey in 2020. I always thought I just had anxiety and therapist often confirmed it. It wasn't until 2 years ago I realized I had OCD and every therapist I met dismissed it. I think therapist if they aren't familiar with a condition they'll assume you aren't either despite you doing research and realizing all you thoughts align with this thing. I had my first session this week as well. For the first time I felt like I could be 100% honest in a conversation with a therapist and they didn't try to provide immediate reassurance or dismiss what I had to say. Just took in my words and went "yep, we'll work on that with ERP." Refreshing to know what I think is common in the world of OCD and treatable. Say all this to say, sorry you didn't get proper care sooner but I'm so glad you're here now. You got this!

Rafif

Date posted: 18h

I'm not a therapist or someone with enough knowledge to give advice. But from my experience and what I've read, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) increases the more you give in to it. The moment of giving in might seem insignificant, but the opposite is true. Every time you give in, your mind treats that thought as real or dangerous, depending on the type of OCD you have, and so the cycle repeats. The best thing you can do now is find a serious therapist who can help you with treatment.

Robyn🪴🧘🏻‍♀️🧠

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 18h

Very similar story! I was diagnosed at 36 after being diagnosed with depression, panic disorder, anxiety disorder, paranoia and borderline psychosis. Nobody ever even asked about OCD until I had a mental breakdown in 2022 with a hospital stay. I’ve been on every medication you can think of, even trial meds. The only thing that ever worked for me is ERP with NOCD. It gave me my sense of self and life back. Now I am only on Zoloft and was able to taper off of everything else about a year ago. Lean into the fear, work hard, do your exposures, but be kind to yourself! Schedule self-care after an ERP session. You’ve got this! We can do hard things!!

Carole Mac

Date posted: 18h

Welcome! I’m fairly new here too and already seeing how erp is helping. I also had lots of other therapy that didn’t really get to the core issues of ocd. Hope it helps!

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond