How to exactly do exposures? I’m feeling anxious right now and have no clue what to do. My friend is texting me about a double date we are having and I don’t know what to do since I’m not acting very excited as the rest of us are and i fear that I’ll actually start believing my thoughts if I don’t do something to stop it

So you've been exposed to the trigger, the double date. now comes the response prevention (the important part). since you were triggered what do you feel like doing to calm down? ruminating on the past because you're not sure it's the right relationship? ask your partner for reassurance? checking in on your feelings to see if they match your thoughts? it could be a number of things. i urge you to sit with the feelings that this situation is bringing to you, and do nothing about it. do not analyze the feelings, do not question where the feelings are from, try your best not to perform compulsions. easier said than done, but it really is imperative!! sending you love, you got this ❤

Thank you so much! I will remember this for next time. I think I’m doing it correctly so far. I tell myself to just sit with the anxiety. I can do this!

@OCDuser04 yes its so tricky so just be patient and compassionate with yourself! rOCD is my main theme too, it always feels so real in the moment so i know how hard it can be. i hope the date goes well and try not to worry so much if the feelings you have about it are real or not! its likely your brain is on overdrive about the topic

@kbbaby Definitely! I can’t wait for the date, we’ve been planning it for ages :)