How to stop checking things? It's literally impossible for me to not checking doors, locks, switchs, etc and it affects my life very badly. I also have other themes but right now checking things is the most difficult for me. Pls help...

so sad : (

i couldn't walk away because the anxiety was so frustrating, so i keep looking for reassurance.

@Toan Start small! If you typically spend half an hour checking things before leaving, cut it down to 25min. Do that for a week or two. Cut it down to 20. Do that for a week or two. Cut it down to 15. Something like that. Fortunately, I’ve known for a long time what OCD is, and realized that’s probably what was happening when this compulsion began. So, I’m used to feeling uncomfortable when leaving places or going to bed. That said, I didn’t do so great keeping it in taken care of. I’ve had to set other guidelines, too. Like: Don’t go back inside after you’ve already closed the front door. Don’t drive back to a location to check some more. I slip up sometimes, and still spend too much time checking at work, but I’m working on it. If you don’t mind me asking, what do you think a good strategy for you might be?

@Alyosha dont have one yet but ill probably do like you've said. Thanks so much for the advice 😙 I will try my best

@Toan Good luck! Feel free to keep us in the loop and let us know how it’s going.

Reenacting the same events, conversations with the same emotions lmao

i had that too but its kinda something i can manage xD hope u get better soon

@Toan I hope you manage yours too >.< I'm not severe as used to though. But it can be frustrating, so I'm contacting a therapist. It's not good to rely on yourself alone 😅 I hope you get well soon! Im glad to know you had that too.

@beautifulmind ty <3 but i can't afford a therapist, only thing i've got is medicine 😬

@Toan Oh no, i dont take meds too hehe. At least you have them

@beautifulmind u dont have meds 😮? i cant handle contamination ocd without meds... in my country its more expensive to afford a therapist than to afford meds. hope u find your therapist soon 😊

@Toan Yeah I dont And I hope my brother understands that one. Yeah, I think i need some. I havent overcome this compulsion of reenacting the past

i want to do erp but i just cant stop checking :<

@Toan If you cannot stop try to delay checking. Maybe delay 1 hour and then 2 hours and increase delay time each time. If you can, buy freedom from OCD my Jonathan greyson on Amazon. The book will guide you how to do erp on your own. If you have not, look up Ali greymond and mark Freeman on YouTube. They offer free videos to give guidance on how to do erp. Good luck!

@Sunflower 1234 thanks so much for the info <3 i will try my best

@Toan You can do it. Don't underestimate your strength. A lot of people who have severe OCD have recovered. You can too. Take baby steps. Try delaying your checking compulsions for now.

@Sunflower 1234 i will... thank you 😁