Newbies: IT GETS BETTER 🥹

This is my first post on the forum and I want it to be worth something. So if you are just starting out ERP or starting out in your OCD journey, this is for you. I’m here to let you know that it gets better. Before ERP, I was in a really dark place. I was struggling so much with my intrusive thoughts, assigning meaning to them, seeking unhealthy amounts of reassurance and spiraling everyday. But after now four months of ERP, I can already feel a difference in my outlook on life and how I interact with my intrusive thoughts. With the help of my therapists and my own efforts to want to get better, I am getting better. Healing is not linear, ERP can be rough and days where I feel like I can’t control my thoughts are rough. But I have noticed more happy days, days where I can enjoy the good moments, and days where I am able to do things OCD has prevented me from doing before. Remember to lean into your ERP exposures. Remember YOU have to put in the effort to get better. Lastly, remember you are not alone in this journey. Take care and keep on going 🫶

OCD newbies

Amy B.

Date posted: 3d

Aww, thank you for the wonderful message!

Cecylia2005

Date posted: 19h

I literally just learned I have OCD a couple days ago and I’m kind of really overwhelmed so your message is really helpful ❤️

AnonymousOCD...

Date posted: Yesterday

Thank you so much for the inspiring message. Just curious, what is an RPM?

e.a.r.

Date posted: Yesterday

@AnonymousOCDSufferer Response Prevention Message An RPM is a phrase used to identify and stop rituals and compulsions as they create a sense of false safety or relief. Examples: “Maybe this means ____ , maybe not. I do not need to figure this out right now.” “This compulsion is giving me a false sense of security. I am going to choose to sit with this discomfort.” “__________ can be a possibility. But it is not a priority of mine right now. I will allow myself to feel the uncertainty.” They are customizable to your specific situation, compulsion, and themes.

AnonymousOCD...

Date posted: Yesterday

@e.a.r. - Thanks so much! I've heard them referred to as NERs (non-engagement responses)

OCDMamaDrama

Date posted: Yesterday

Cheering you on! 🥰

Anonymous

Date posted: Yesterday

Thank you so much for sharing your experience! 💕 Gives me so much hope!

mjyapss

Date posted: Yesterday

I’m just starting out, and this message makes me feel more hopeful. Thank you for sharing 💚

mama weinman

Date posted: Yesterday

How many sessions have you been doing to get to this point in your journey?

e.a.r.

Date posted: Yesterday

@mama weinman I am not going to give an exact answer due to the possibility that someone might use it as an expectation or comparison for themselves. I will say what has helped me get to this point. Being open and honest with my therapists, communicating to my loved ones what OCD can look like for me and how they can help me (or even hurt me) when I am struggling, reciting my RPMs, finding moments in my day to day I can use as exposures, leaning into fear and discomfort and letting myself feel the emotions as yucky as it may feel. There’s so many more but these are things I can think of off the top of my head :)

JustCal

Date posted: Yesterday

This is great to hear! Are you doing ERP with a specialist from here NOCD?

e.a.r.

Date posted: Yesterday

@JustCal I have been working with therapists from NOCD :)

Isa08purinz

Date posted: Yesterday

Good job 👏👏

Anonymous

Date posted: 17h

Thank you for the great message, it's really going to help me!

Ash_Meadow

Date posted: 11h

Thank you for this! ❤️

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