OCD keeps latching on to something new. One week it’s real event ocd. Next it’s worrying about pocd. Next it’s hocd. ERP helps, but then it just finds something new to worry about... Anyone find something or have useful techniques that are helpful that combats OCD as a whole? I’ve also heard that it’s important to remember that the content of the thoughts aren’t important, ocd is ocd.

Anonymous

Date posted: 4y

Oh my gosh I wish I had a different theme! How did you move past hocd? Sending hugs and happy thoughts! OCD in any form is so hard!

babbie

Date posted: 4y

Sometimes our brains need more than just one kind of help. You could try using other coping tools in conjunction with ERP, like meditation, exercise, therapy, etc. If none of them can help you break the cycle, meds are another option you can discuss with your doctor.

Sheeby

Date posted: 4y

^!!! This. I also want to recommend that ERP isn’t the only thing you should be doing during recovery. Trying new hobbies or implementing a positive growth mindset+ self care. It’s truly crucial.

Carl Cornett

Date posted: 4y

There’s a lot of good suggestions here, but the response prevention portion of ERP is the key. How often are you ruminating? How much do you spend worrying that another theme will appear? How often are you checking your emotions or thoughts to make sure you’re “still recovering.” I’d be willing to guess you’re probably doing many compulsions.

Anonymoud

Date posted: 4y

Hey there! Not ruminating, I usually welcome thoughts, or even agree with them. No compulsions either. I don’t worry about the “next theme”. just acknowledging that is annoying or a nuisance when my ocd finds something new.

marleneee0917

Date posted: 4y

Mine is everyday

Sheeby

Date posted: 4y

Yes it’s because you’re teaching yourself your thoughts are something to be scared about. ERP can take you as far as being okay with the anxiety but you need to learn when a theme is starting up and not giving it the time.

marleneee0917

Date posted: 4y

Have you recovered?

Sheeby

Date posted: 4y

@marleneee0917 I was recovered a couple weeks ago but because I continued to pay attention to OCD as a problem still because I was worried it would come back, my themes came back full force. I’ll be okay again. Just need more time.

marleneee0917

Date posted: 4y

@sheeby Can you help me ?

Anonymoud

Date posted: 4y

That’s a useful point to remember. What do you suggest that could be helpful? Today my therapist mentioned we can kind of rollback the amount of ERP, and instead think “okay I’ll live with this thought until tomorrow. I’ll see if I need to anything about until then.” And if I do feel like doing erp, to not make them so specific. More about the underlying fears such as “these thoughts mean something”.

Sheeby

Date posted: 4y

@Anonymoud Yes exactly. Sometimes you don’t need to be doing ERP 2-3 times a day all day. You have to try to catch a theme when you feel it coming and accept the uncertainty, but never EVER start obsessing again, because you’re then stuck in the cycle. Sometimes ya just got to do positive things outside of ERP bc being hyper focused on being in a super aroused state of anixety is going to tire you out.

Sheeby

Date posted: 4y

@marleneee0917 I’m not a therapist so I’m not sure I’m the best person to help you :( I’m also struggling myself right now

Hopefloats227

Date posted: 4y

You have to practice ERP in all areas. You can do this! Just keep doing ERP on the areas you’ve overcome and then do ERP on the new areas. You got this!! You’ll kick its BUTT!!

marleneee0917

Date posted: 4y

How?

marleneee0917

Date posted: 4y

I wish I could help you

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