WeCanDoThis
- Date posted
- 5y
bee232bee232
- Date posted
- 5y
I have pocd as well and I work in cosmetics, so something I’ve challenged myself to do is put lipgloss on one little kid a day no matter how anxious it makes me and no matter how much I want to run away from them and it’s been getting easier and easier to do. Also, if any friends or family know about your triggers bringing someone with you when you start practicing ERP helps a lot, my mom has been coming my to my work and we go and walk around Claire’s every day and sit by a kids play area every day for at least 15 minutes. The first week of doing all these things was hell but it’s been much more manageable since I started!
IbgIbg
- Date posted
- 5y
I’m not a therapist, but I’ve read about ERP exercises such as walking by schools, playgrounds, or sports areas like for school teams. You could go into a store that caters to youth and buy something (don’t have to spend a fortune). You could listen to a podcast about actual pedophila (check out Crime Junkies episodes called Conspiracy: North Fox Island & The Oakland County Child Killer Part 1 & 2.) Hope that helps.
WeCanDoThisWeCanDoThis
- Date posted
- 5y
Is there anything else I could do at home, you think, if I’m unable to leave the house?
Riso123Riso123
- Date posted
- 5y
@WeCanDoThis Hmm, I'm not sure about at home. One thing came to mind, but then I figured it may actually trigger you further. Besides getting out of the house is better for you. How about going shopping around the same time the school's finish for the day, so you are around children? I know that must sound and would be uncomfortable, but it's probably a good and safe ERP to practice?
Riso123Riso123
- Date posted
- 5y
As @lbg said, it's about exposure and response. Expose yourself to the unpleasant thing. In my case, I'm scared of going to the toilet or having a shower at home, add I'm convinced the floor will fall through because our floorboards creak. I don't really have any choice other thay to expose myself to that fear by using the toilet and showering.
Related posts
Girlypop
- Date posted
- 19w
ERP for fear of cancelation? (Event/False Memory)
What ERP or other techniques do you use to combat fear of cancelation? Especially curious about those with taboo thoughts, false memory ocd and event ocd based off of real events where the fear of cancellation may actually hold some validity. I once did my own ERP not under a therapist but just on my own I decided to create an anonymous account on Twitter and defend a friend who was receiving online criticism. I knew that this would be semi-controversial so I was expecting backlash and when I recieved troll replies it actually seemed to be a really helpful low-stakes exposure activity. Is this something that others have done? Low stakes online posts etc. that you know will recieve negative responses? I have had severe OCD as a kid as pretty much every subtype under the sun, and as an adult I pretty much have all the types under control except for this real event and false memory and taboo thought OCD. It seems like a different beast since it's somewhat realistic in the camcellation culture today, and it's confusing to address. Ive shut down almost all social accounts and it's keeping me from progressing in a career where I need to have an online presence :/
Anonymous
- Date posted
- 18w
What is ERP?
Can I hear some examples of specific parts of ERP that has helped you? I've been doing talk therapy for a few years and the major issue I have with it is that I already have analyzed all of my problems from every angle, so I'm kind of just sitting there yapping about it for an hour. I need solutions and things that make me feel better.
Looping
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 11w
ERP/Therapy
I find while doing exposures, rarely does my anxiety lessen. It usually amps up and stays that way for the remainder of the day. I could be having a fairly decent day, but dutifully do my exposures and then the rest of my day is anxiety filled. I guess that’s just how it is now? Also, I’m wondering if my therapist even believes I have OCD. I totally understand my therapist cannot provide reassurance. But it’s to the point it seems my therapist acts like I actually did the thing I fear. I feel so isolated.
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