Tried to practice ERP today. I was able to handle some things. It just seems so scary. I hope I can continue to improve but worried something may trigger me. Yesterday i had a bad episode to the point of being in tears. I dont like when it gets to that point. Hoping to stay strong. Any tips from anyone on here that helped them stay motivated?

I did intensive erp daily for a few months and it completely saved me... I am recovered.... when I mean recovered I mean through erp I have learned to accept that I have ocd and I can live with it..a day for me can be either I have some ocd acknowledge it and use my techniques learned from erp and it quickly dissolves, or my brain naturally just passes over the thought and I didn’t even realize I had the ocd... I am telling you this because I think it’s good to show that if you stick to it there is a light at the end of the road... my ocd was atrocious I can’t even begin to explain how it took an entire yr of my life basically from me...the first few erp practices were so hard I broke down sobbing in my husbands arms telling him I wish I could pull my brain out.. but, it becomes easier... I dedicated basically everyday of my life to erp, I did it almost 30 times a day and I saw results... my brain finally began to be trained.... I started erp the first time then had a terrible relapse, but it taught me to go deeper into my fears and that intensity the 2nd time around for erp did the trick! Try to have someone be there for you as a support system.... don’t give up, I’m on the other side and I can tell you it’s so peaceful here :) you can do this! It’s not easy it’s supposed to be hard! Your on the right path!

You got this! Stay with it and stand strong! Good for you for going forward!

I don't have a choice when it comes to doing ERP on my own. I have to do it. I failed very badly yesterday and it felt very frustrating and demoralizing. I'm all over the place when it comes to staying with the uncertainty while not giving into compulsions. I tried deep-breathing, mindfulness exercises, trying to remember words of encouragement from other people. Finally, it came down to just being honest with myself and treating myself with self-compassion: I AM SUFFERING. I don't need to suffer anymore. My poor brain! I am going to do this thing that I'm afraid of doing and I (and my brain) will be better off for it. Then I imagine someone saying to me, "You've got this one! I have your back!" Does anyone else do this? Imagine someone else with you when you're doing ERP alone?

For sure!

@deemajical - Your comment is really really helpful. I start erp next week. How many times a week did you work with a therapist. How much time each day did you dedicate to erp? Or did you do it throughout each day?