Hi everyone. I just wanted you to know how my progress is doing. I've been doing well. Really well, actually. I've been suffering from HOCD since almost a year now and I've been feeling much better. The OCD symthoms have decreased significantly within the last weeks, and although I wouldn't say I'm 100% recovered, this is a huge progress for me. I still get the thoughts, but they don't give me as much anxiety as before and I don't get them 24/7. I feel free and grounded. I'm still learning and trying to get even much better, but I'm really happy overall. Now I can recognize the OCD cycle and stop it easily. I just wanted to thank you all, because without this beautiful community I wouldn't get to where I am now. And just remember, IT GETS BETTER. It really does. You are not alone. One day, you'll get out of this nightmare. And if you fall, you'll rise up again. Thank you very much, for everything❤️. I'm here for you if you need someone to talk to.

I'm glad to help❣️

☺️☺️❤️

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It really depends on what's your current obsession. For example, you have HOCD, but you are currently obsessing over a beautiful actress that triggered you. Then do exposures about her. Look her in pictures or videos, anything. Imaginal exposures also help a lot. I practice gratitude everynight, before sleep. I close my eyes, I relax my body, I breathe deeply and I listen to relaxing music. First I try yo remember all the good things that happened during the day, not matter how little they were. The tasty food I ate, the call I had with a friend, anything. Then I take a bigger perspective and I start to appreciate my life. I thank the fact that I'm able to walk, hear, see, dance, smell and hear. I appreciate having a house, a place where I can sleep. I appreciate the food I eat. I appreciate having friends and having a wonderful family. I appreciate every aspect of my life, but most important I appreciate the fact that I'm alive, and that I made it through the day❤️

@Lucy1907 The list can go on and on anyways, it's something really personal

@Lucy1907 Yes I have HOCD as well as ROCD so that’s why I was wondering what you did!! As for gratitude I am definitely going to try it thank you

No I didn't. I'm from South America, and I'm working with a CBT therapist.

I used to do ERP on my own. Even though it did help, my worries were still there 24/7. I couldn't watch a whole movie without getting distracted by the thoughts. Then I got help from a CBT therapist. She helped me so much, not only with my OCD but also with general life worries. She introduced me into mindfulness and meditation and it really changed my life. I do 15-20 min of meditation everyday and it helps a lot. I'm not saying that it is magic, but is one of the things that really helped me.

@Lucy1907 Oh and no, I'm not in a relationship, sadly lol.

@Lucy1907 Practicing gratitude also helped me a lot.

@Lucy1907 Yes I’m doing exposures on my own as well. While my anxiety has decreased a ton my thoughts are still there. I’m scheduling my first appointment with a specialist on here tomorrow. I’m hoping for good things:)

@Cameron.harris0803 That's really good! I hope you the best :)

Live the present. Embrace uncertainty. Everytime you get a thought, try yo distract yourself to avoid doing the compulsion. Listen to music, talk to someone, anything. But don't do it to make the thought go away. Let it stay, and let it go on its own. Teach your brain that it doesn't deserve your attention. If the thing gets really bad and your anxiety is really high, breath deeply trough your nose yo your belly. Close your eyes. Say to yourself "this will pass". Relax your body. Stay there as much as you need. Bring your attention to your breathing.

No, I didn't. But I do think that medicine can be really helpful for some people.