sandercohen
- Date posted
- 4y
Lms526Lms526
- Date posted
- 4y
Yep. When I had my 90 minute assessment, I was petrified. I was completely convinced the counselor was going to tell me I didn't meet the criteria for OCD. So I was caught off guard when she said I DO meet the criteria. I had never told anyone about the thoughts I struggled with. I have both harm and suicide OCD, plus a few others. But I was especially afraid to admit the intrusive thoughts related to my harm and suicide OCD. I was afraid the counselor was going to call the police on me or that I would end up involuntarily committed somewhere. But her expression didn't even change. Honestly, I still worry that some of the thoughts I have make me dangerous, a psychopath, or a monster. ERP has definitely helped a lot. I have several OCD themes that are rooted in real events. I feel such conflict. On the one hand, I know my thoughts and fears are completely irrational. But I just can't seem to get rid of them. I am still in treatment and am making real progress. But its still hard.
Maybe,MaybeNotMaybe,MaybeNot
- Date posted
- 4y
Yes 😬 sometimes I still think that, like my situation is special
sandercohensandercohen
- Date posted
- 4y
That makes me feel a little more inclined to go through ERP. It’s so hard the knowing that the thoughts are real things that have happened and differentiating between the idea that it could be OCD or that it’s a genuine concern. I’m not looking for anyone to solve it or tell me that it’s all going to be ok and my worst fear isn’t going to come true. I just want to be able to live moderately happy in the unknown because it beats the everyday dread of “could be today all your fears come true”. Thankyou for putting my mind at ease about ERP, I guess it’s just the idea that you’re going to be facing the ugliest thoughts/things you’ve done that you just can’t seem to get past. And I know it’s all relative with OCD, it kind of sits on what you consider your worst fears, but because it’s MY worst fear I automatically assume I will be shelved from society and cast into the dark ages only to be taught in history lessons for the evils I’ve put upon the world. Even though I’ve confessed to many and they tell me to stop being so ridiculous.
Lms526Lms526
- Date posted
- 4y
I'm not going to lie to you....ERP is crazy hard and uncomfortable, but it truly does help. You get out of it what you put into it. With ERP, there is really no halfway. Either you are willing to put in the hard work or you're not. So with ERP, you will notice a pattern. Uour anxiety will go completely crazy. The key to ERP is resisting the urge to do a compulsion during or just after the exposure. If you do, its a failed exposure. Then your anxiety will peak then decline. Your counselor will be there to support you. I have found I typically need to do exposures 3 or 4 times before my anxiety gets down low enough. That is okay. Also, expect setbacks. They don't undo your progress. Forgive yourself and keep going. Good luck. You can do this!
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TrustGod24
- Date posted
- 24w
ERP
I’m thinking about doing erp but my ocd is so severe the thought of accepting my fears happening to me makes me sick to my stomach. I also believe in the power of my words and saying I accept this Bad thing will attract it into my life. I’m not sure what I should do🥲
hbocd
- Date posted
- 23w
ERP Therapy
I read about ERP and have seen information about it on here. One of the goals is to say, "maybe I am this or that...ect." That terrified me. The thoughts and images that go in my head are disturbing and upsetting. I don't want to even think about saying, "maybe this or that." It's devasting to have these thoughts and question why you're having these thoughts. Doesn't the "maybe" make it worse? The one thing that helps me is that is to remind myself that these are just thoughts and I know I'm not a monster, even if I feel like one. Is ERP not for everyone? Has anyone else had a problem with the techniques used in this kind of therapy? I had cognitive therapy for years with an OCD specialist and that seemed to help a lot. Writing out the worst case scenarios would make me suicidal. Im having a difficult time not obsessing over the "maybe" after intrusive thoughts now. It doesn't make it better.
Dude01
- Date posted
- 14w
Does ERP mean you have to be delusional to move on?
I'm trying to get my head around ERP. What is the best way to describe how it's a "solution." Imo I think OCD happens with people who are very concerned with their own genuine integrity and probably their own "morality." So when something (like an uncomfortable "real event" that actually happened) messes that up, it's hard to grapple with that...hence the endless rumination and trying to "problem solve" it. But the mind doesn't let you sleep (i.e. OCD) if something is controversial and doesn't sit with you. Or if you obsess over something and it's based on a rooted fear. You just can't "let it go," it has to be addressed and dealt with. But what happens when it is NEVER dealt with? How does ERP address that dilemma as a permanent solution? Or does ERP only address compulsions and anxiety, but it doesn't actually deal with the issue causing it. Do you ever get REAL peace of mind? Or is just something to make you feel "less anxious" etc? Thanks I just want peace of mind. I haven't had true peace of mind in several years.
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