Progress

Hey you all, from August to early October I entered in the worst spiral I have ever experienced, it lead me to constant anxiety attacks, derealization, depression, etc. As I continue with ERP, I have def made progress in learning how to react to intrusive thoughts which has helped me feel at more control. However, in the back of my mind there is that fear of relapsing, I do not ever want to feel like how I did then. I also feel like because it took me a while to feel "normal" again, my brain is now wired to always think abt OCD and not recognize myself, at times I just feel numb. I am going to start medication too, does anyone want to share their experiences?

Anonymous

Date posted: 8h

Thank you for sharing your experience! I’ve been in a flare up since July and am just starting to feel more “normal”, as well. I wasn’t diagnosed with OCD until I started therapy last month, but I’ve realized I likely developed this in childhood and never knew. That being said, I can tell this has been my worst flare up. I started medication (fluoxetine) about 5 weeks ago and just recently went up in dose. I’ve been lucky to not have any side effects, but everyone is different. I’m not sure how long I’ll be on medication, but so far I am feeling more like myself! Not sure if that is ERP, medication, or the combination of both. Just my experience! I can definitely relate to the fear of it coming back or getting worse at some point. I’ve been working with my therapist to accept that unknown and simply tell myself “I don’t need to figure that out right now”. Best of luck!

Anonymous

Date posted: 8h

Thank you so much! I totally relate to your experience. Unfortunately many of us are diagnosed until way later due to lack of awareness. But I am so happy that medication has gone well for you! Were you ever scared or hesitant about medication?

Anonymous

Date posted: 7h

@Anonymous It is such a shame that awareness of OCD is so low. Hopefully that narrative begins to change! But yes, I was definitely very hesitant about starting medication. I’ve never been on any medications before, so it freaked me out a bit. However, I was at a very low point where I felt I’d try anything. I thought if I had some side effects but felt less depression and debilitating anxiety then maybe it’d be worth it. I don’t regret my decision at all!

sortedgnat

Date posted: 6h

I was diagnosed with OCD today after struggling with a flare up of symptoms for the last couple of months, a never-ending pit of anxiety and self-isolation/avoidance. I struggle with depression, anxiety and PTSD symptoms as well and have been medicated for those without success for the last 8 years, varying medications. learning about how i exhibit ocd symptoms is making me feel hopeful that I am closer to being prescribed a medication that will provide me relief, I was just prescribed Lurasidone, Prazosin, Clonadine, and Prozac, and while a hefty regimen, my next goal is to talk to my current therapist about her experience with ERP or therapies targeted for OCD. I really don’t want to switch therapists, but I find our kind of talk therapy seems to be validating or explaining my obsessions based on my previous traumas instead of facing them and embracing uncertainty. A little lost, but one step in the right direction at a time

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