Hey guys I have some questions on OCD recovery. I just get confused on what to do, like some people say to distract yourself when the thoughts come in, others say to think it harder or on purpose or something. Are some forms of distraction better, like exercising and not forcing distraction. A thought can get stuck in my head for a while and I’m not really sure how to distract from it, do I just let it be there while doing something else like the exercising or drawing? I just need some advice. Any techniques you have for recovery will be much appreciated ? Thanks in advance!

Yes, the key is allowing the thought to sit there and do nothing about it. Continue with your day whether it’s Cleaning/cooking/watching TV. Although it may seem so hard, with time the thought will pass, and if you keep doing that after a while the thought will bother you less and less. The thoughts I had that scared me months ago, still bother me somewhat, but not nearly as much as they did. The only thing I can’t get passed currently is the past memories that OCD has attached itself too. But I’m working on it. We’re all going to make it eventually, just keep on living and fighting.

It's so easy to say, you should just go about your day and not act on your thoughts or ruminate about them. I'm finding this really hard. I have to agree though, the longer you stay with the thought without doing a compulsion the less scary it gets...

Thank you for replying. Sometimes when the thoughts are really bed I just want to lay in bed and play on my phone hoping they’ll stop but I try to stay strong and have courage. I find it hard to keep going with my day sometimes I just feel so powerless against them. I believe you and me and all of us can get through this. Keep working on it, OCD is smart and tries to attack all aspects of our lives. But we’re still in control

I like the way you guys think I try to do this but its hard but keep positive no matter what

I know it can be really hard. I’ve always been the super positive person whenever someone was going through something I’d give super uplifting advice but for some reason it’s harder to take my own advice. I just feel I can’t trust myself or anyone else

It's difficult but just remember everyone we will get through this it may not feel like it but we will

It does sound so much easier than it actually is. Like recovery and ERP are such simple concepts, you just expose yourself until the anxiety goes down, but it’s just so hard sometimes because the fear feels so real. But yes, we just have to keep fighting and we will definitely get through this!