- Username
- lou47
- Date posted
- 3y ago
My counselor told me that if your ending anxiety is 4 or above, you need to do the exposure again. I usually have to do mine 3 or 4 times in a row before my anxiety gets low enough. But each time you do it, you peak anxiety will get longer. Also keep in mind that ERP is just like learning another language. Things will feel strange at first, but the more you practice, the better you get. A week is not long enough. Give it time.
It happens with me as well quite often. The mood is not same everyday. I am also going through intrusive thoughts. And it gets too worse sometimes. But we all have to deal with it. So stay strong.
Thank you so much. I just think mine is different because I am worrying what people think of me and if they think I am an awful person even though they helped me with my OCD years ago. But I guess it is how I feel about myself and nothing more. It is so very hard atm
I too feel that no one other than me experience these kinds of worse intrusive thoughts which I experience. Last month, I experienced worst ocd thoughts for the entire week. I thought that I would never allow those thoughts to sit over me post that week. But another thought hit me after that week and Unlitimately nothing changed. OCD is very cunning so we must deal with it strongly. So just try to ignore those thoughts.
Thank you my lovely. Yes we are all in the same boat. At the end of the day we are all far too kind and caring otherwise we wouldnt have this disorder. I hope you feel better xx
Thank you. I just feel so bad today. I hate this disorder so much. I will keep going with the ERP but it is really tough today. When your anxiety goes down you still believe the thoughts though I suppose? This is what I am struggling with
Everyone has intrusive thoughts. But people without OCD don't give them the weight and meaning we do. ERP has made a huge difference for me.
@Lms526 How long have you been doing erp?
I also think the same that mine ocd thoughts is quite different from others. I also feel that I am getting these intrusive thoughts more than anyone else. It's not about themes. OCD can strike against any theme.
I think we all think our OCD is different from everyone elses. Everytime I have an episode I ask the same question....does anyone else have these kind of thoughts. I even asked my therapist from NOCD and she said she had loads of people who worried if others thought bad of them. It is a nightmare. I never thought this until a few weeks ago. And if i did i could dismiss it but not atm i cant
You are welcome. I also hope that you do better with those thoughts and be happy. It would be great if we could join each other on watsapp or insta if you wish to.
Okay. I have messaged you.
I’m having a meltdown! Help! I have been reducing my reassurance lately. I went from 250 to now like 20 times. Huge jump in last month. But I feel absolutely awful still because it’s ERP and it gets worse before you get better. I’m so on edge so the slightest things trigger me. I’ve been having a horrible meltdown for an hour screaming at top of my lungs. I just want ERP TO Work!!! I’m putting in so much effort. I believe I’m getting closer but these meltdowns are horrible. Hopefully it’s a good sign that erp is working because the ocd is mad. Anyone else experience this in ERP? It’s such a huge change and I want my life back so bad! During this meltdown, my ocd has told me that I’m never going to get better and I’m scared.
Anyone else find ERP incredibly difficult? My OCD does not want any part of it. I feel helpless because I keep giving into compulsions and a small part of me knows that the only way out is to stop compulsions. My OCD says otherwise, however. It has even gone so far to convince me that I actually cannot ever accept uncertainty and I find it so hard to not believe it. I know I will only ever find out if I stop compulsions but it is so damn hard and now OCD is getting in the way of my school work. One week I'm highly motivated and ready to fight, then the next week I'm so low and cannot stop ruminating. Then when I want to try again I know I'll just give in again. Much love for anyone suffering from this nonsense.
I need a different perspective on this. I feel like I'm being run through the ringer. I'm doing what I can to avoid reassurance and not avoid triggers but I get triggered every day. I'm trying so hard to sit with the panic and the horror but it's so hard. It gets to the point I feel physically sick. Is there anything that I can do to help with this? I feel alone. I don't feel strong, I feel like a punching bag. Why is this so hard to master? I really want to know it gets easier. I've been suffering from POCD that has evolved and gotten worse and worse over the past eight months that has been torturing me multiple times on a daily basis and I feel like I'm drowning. I want to run away and hide because my life feel like it's seconds from being ruined. Please, please tell me this gets easier. That this ERP therapy will stop making me feel like I'm dying. The small moments of victory feel so brief only for me to get hit with another wave. There is so much uncertainty over such a horrific thing I feel ill. I feel afraid to be alone with my mind. Please if anyone out there can please give me tips on how to handle ERP. One moment I think I'm finally beating this thing and the next it's got me pinned and I'm terrified my life will be ruined. I want my peace back, I need help and I'm doing everything I can to resist compulsions but I feel so alone and dirty and disgusting. Please help me. Thank you for any advice 💕
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