Has anyone else found that the engagement on this app has gone down massively? I swear that a while ago (some months ago) if you posted something, it was likely you’d get a number of responses, albeit with many of the same people. There just seemed to have been a lot more activity on the app. I think that now covid is becoming more and more distant in the past, people are busier, and have less time to engage with others.

This too

I don’t think people aren’t willing to do anything to get better. It’s just genuinely hard when you’re in a moment of crisis and I think we’ve all been there. When the only thing that can keep you going is a bit of reassurance and I don’t think it’s a bad thing to give it to someone when they’re struggling and can’t see a way out. We also have to keep in mind that OCD treatment is not widely accessible to everyone for whatever reason. Resisting compulsions like confessing and reassurance seeking is significantly harder to do when you don’t have the support of a professional to teach you those skills.

@betterdays ^ this!!!

@betterdays You make some good points. But I disagree with you about seeking reassurance. I understand why people seek it and give it, but in the long run it only makes things worse. I was speaking from what I have personally experienced. There have been numerous posts on here where I ask if they have done ERP and people will say things like "I tried it, but it was too hard" a couple weeks back there was someone who posted that their counselor was getting upset because they wouldn't do any exposures. I completely understand that treatment is not accessible for everyone. But that is a completely different thing than someone who DOES have access to treatment and either doesn't seek it out or does it half heartedly. Its not just people who do this. A lot of people who struggle with mental illness. I used to go to a support group for people with mental illness. There was one lady who week after week would complain about how bad her anxiety was. People would give her suggestions and tips. The next week, she would be back still complaining about how bad her anxiety was. Someone would ask if she tried any of the suggestions people gave her. Her answer was always "No."I was apart of this group for over 3 years and every week it was the same. There are people like that here too. They would rather complain and wallow in self pity than do what it takes to get better. Mental illness is not your fault. But getting appropriate treatment and doing everything you can to get better is your responsibility.

@Lms526 I agree to this as well. My friend does this always complaining and I do too but i still seek out help and work on it and as of rn i can do better as well too. But you said it perfectly. I even said to my friend did you do these things I suggested.... he always said no

@Lms526 I see what you mean about people who have the resources and are still stuck but even then I don’t think anyone would rather suffer than do what it takes to get better. However long it takes someone to take the initial step, because we know OCD treatment is difficult in and of itself, is entirely up to the person. I agree it can be frustrating to see the same people basically continue to make their symptoms/condition worse but I just think we should be mindful of how much pain they’re experiencing. They shouldn’t be blamed because they’re not “doing what it takes” to get better. It’s not easy and they don’t need to feel bad about not being ready on top of the suffering they’re already experiencing.

@Lms526 It is an individuals responsibility. I am scared and overwhelmed with what I have signed up to do, but I am also aware that if I don't do the ERP, I will never help myself get better. Not just the ERP, but everything I have to do. I am a Christian and I know that God is there for me and will help me as long as I am willing to help myself. He will never forsake me. He will be with me through it all. God and Jesus both as One.

@God is in Control Yes! That is the point I was trying to make. I am a Christian as well.

@Lms526 We can do this individually together ❤