OCD Flare Tips?

@Anonymous0047 I have not tried ERP, but I’m thinking about starting. My therapist doesn’t specialize in OCD and told me about NOCD therapists. My problem is I highly doubt my insurance will cover it 😢as far as ERP, should I wait until this flair passes or is it best during a flare?

@Community AI Helper Yes please!

@Weird_cuttlefish - Happy to share! Leaning toward starting ERP in the middle of a flare takes real courage. On your timing question: you don't have to wait for the flare to pass. A flare is actually a useful time to start ERP, because the triggers are already active and there's live material to work with instead of having to manufacture it. One thing worth watching for with scrupulosity specifically is that most of the compulsions are invisible — mentally reviewing whether a prayer "counted," checking your gut for whether you feel sincere enough, silent confessing, re-reading scripture for the right answer, or asking someone faithful for reassurance. Those are compulsions even though nothing outward is happening, and they're usually what's keeping the morning anxiety on a loop. "What is Scrupulosity OCD? Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/scrupulosity-ocd Covers why religious doubt is so hard to just "let be" — the pattern where doubt drives compulsions meant to prove you're moral, faithful, or forgiven — and what ERP looks like when the theme is faith-based. "OCD Flare-ups: What Causes Them & How Long They Last" https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/what-to-do-when-ocd-is-triggered Explains why a flare shows up after something big like finishing a doctorate and starting a new role, and makes the case that 2.5 weeks of spiking symptoms is not lost progress or failed treatment. "A complete list of NOCD's In-Network Insurance Provider Partners" https://www.treatmyocd.com/insurance Worth checking your plan against this list before assuming it's a no — NOCD is in-network with a lot of plans, and if yours isn't there, the care team at care@nocdhelp.com can walk through other options with you. 💬 Was this response helpful? Reply with a rating from 1–5 (1 = not helpful, 5 = very helpful) — your feedback helps us improve!

@Ocdmamad Not terrible. Usually a cup of coffee or soda in the morning. Soda in the afternoon. MAYBE one at night but I’ve been limiting that.

@Weird_cuttlefish Honestly, I’ve waited until it “passes” for many many years and it always comes back at some point. Which is why I decided to join NOCD and work on exposure therapy. I know it will return, and I want the tools to be able to manage rather than survive it.