A suggestion. I saw a post of @OCDtreated on Twitter and I’d like to share with all of you who want to recover. “I am not a fan of OCD forums. Full of reassurance seeking.” I kinda agree with him on this. When people are troubled by OCD, they are more vulnerable to negative stuff and more skeptical with positive information. Although an OCD online group/forum can be helpful in some way (knowing that you are not alone, reducing the stigma, finding understanding), it can also be not that helpful. We talk here without any therapists’ guidance, and it’s so easy we post “unhealthy” information or questions to seek reassurance. One way to get better is to “getting comfortable with being uncomfortable”. This requires you to get more involved with your life, less from OCD. Constantly checking on ocd forums is not getting on with your life. However, I am not saying that you should not visit OCD groups any more.

I think you’re absolutely right. Personally i use this forum as a place to vent and feel like im not alone, but its easy to get carried away into asking questions that could not be beneficial for you

Depends how you use it. I don’t think I have tried to seek reassurance on here even one time. There are no therapists on here, however (I think) this group is monitored so anything that is truly unhealthy will probably be removed. Also this group could be helpful in the way that maybe someone doesn’t realize what they are doing is seeking reassurance (as long as we don’t provide it to them) they can become aware of this unhealthy behavior.

I know you probably mean no harm, but I think this forum is a really healthy place for OCD sufferers and a reflection of society’s growing acknowledgement and acceptance of mental illness. I rarely see people seeking reassurance on this forum and when they do the rest of the community is cautious not to feed the vicious cycle that is OCD. It’s phenomenal that, in this day and age, we are able to connect with others over something that has been so stigmatised for so long and once left people segregated from communities. We often help each other through feelings of discomfort without running away from problems. I believe it could actually help people get on with their life by providing a medium in which understanding can be experienced. It could also help people in a bad place feel like they’re contributing to a greater good by helping others. I’m so sorry if this sounded rude, I just really want this place to be a filled with hope and positivity. I hope you have a wonderful day! d a i s y

That’s why it’s important to read the guidelines of this group. Don’t reassure, dont try to give medical advice, don’t try and diagnose anyone. I think it’s fine to see if others struggle with the same thing we do and what helped them through (ie going to therapy, using the tools within this app). But someone asking if it’s ocd or not. Or someone asking if the thoughts are real are only going to make matters worse

Also, mental illness is rarely black and white when it comes to diagnoses. OCD often comes along with anxiety and/or depression, and sometimes, it’s helpful to feel like you have a supportive community and create a level of access intimacy for these things. I’ve seen people get a little upset on here when you don’t reassure them, but that’s a them thing. I agree (if used correctly) it’s useful!

Thanks for all replies. My suggestion is to use it wisely. And, as for diagnosis, trust the doctors. Do not self-diagnose yourself with depression or anxiety or other stuff. I think this is important.