iamqiy
- Date posted
- 3y
cookiesbirdcookiesbird
- Date posted
- 3y
I went on an intensive therapy course that included ERP (I'm in the UK). Complete game changer. I especially found learning how the brain works and why it doea what it does really helpful but ERP is the thing that has helped me the most. Good luck and definitely think about doing it
cookiesbirdcookiesbird
- Date posted
- 3y
@anonymous, I take venlafaxine
Lms526Lms526
- Date posted
- 3y
I lived with OCD for 37 years before getting diagnosed and treatment. I didn't get treated because I didn't know I had OCD until a few months ago. When I first started treatment, I had an intense fear of knives and was struggling with harm and suicide OCD. ERP was brutal, but it taught me how to deal with my intrusive thoughts. I also have panic attacks and ERP helps with that too. I have made so much progress. If you do ERP, go all in. It will be scary and uncomfortable, but the benefits are more than worth it. I can now hold a knife no problem and things that used to give me major anxiety no longer do. You will have good days and bad days. The key to a successful exposure is not doing a compulsion during or after. ERP will be one of the hardest things you have ever done. But its worth it.
passiepassie
- Date posted
- 3y
@cookiesbird I’m in uk & just wondering where you got this help?
cookiesbirdcookiesbird
- Date posted
- 3y
OCD treatment centre in Taunton. Unfortunately I had to pay (borrowing from parents) but they were brilliant
passiepassie
- Date posted
- 3y
Thanks for sharing. I’m going into week 3 with an NOCD therapist but like you @Lms526 I’m 57 but was only self diagnosed 3 years ago after suffering for 40 years. So glad to hear you’re improving
cookiesbirdcookiesbird
- Date posted
- 3y
I'm 52 in a few weeks. Only formerly diagnosed last year after breaking down at work. I knew I had OCD but it's taken a long time for gp's to understand it. Looking back I was probably about 20 when it started. I also think mine has reared it's ugly head during menopause
passiepassie
- Date posted
- 3y
@cookiesbird I take the same antidepressant
passiepassie
- Date posted
- 3y
I do relate cookiesbird as I to believe menopause has made things worse. I eventually had to come out of work as I just couldn’t do it anymore but ocd makes you doubt if that was right thing to do! Do you mind me ask what your theme is?
cookiesbirdcookiesbird
- Date posted
- 3y
It's varied over the years and at the moment it's a horrendous one that I hate to tell
passiepassie
- Date posted
- 3y
Has it impacted your relationships?
cookiesbirdcookiesbird
- Date posted
- 3y
No....I'm very lucky with my husband but he is my 2nd one!!
Related posts
Jennifer Dal...
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 25w
Let’s talk about Therapy
So you got to ask me anything… Now I’d like to ask you something! I’ve heard from Members that they were so scared coming to their first ERP session. They were terrified that I would think they were crazy, that I would tell them their worst fears were true. That I would confirm they are some form of a terrible person or have them hauled off to prison for their thoughts. I’ve also had Members share how they’re very scared to begin ERP treatment because they’ve researched enough to know it means facing the fear, without the compulsions that have kept them feeling safe (but not really safe) this entire time. They struggled to see how they could be capable of doing this, while simultaneously acknowledging that they did not want to live like this anymore. If you have had your first session, what were your thoughts before? Did you have any hesitations or fears going into it? How did it turn out? If you haven’t yet begun to work with an ERP specialist, what is holding you back?
Hailey.7e
- Date posted
- 25w
What is ERP?
Can I hear some examples of specific parts of ERP that has helped you? I've been doing talk therapy for a few years and the major issue I have with it is that I already have analyzed all of my problems from every angle, so I'm kind of just sitting there yapping about it for an hour. I need solutions and things that make me feel better.
Anonymous1990
- Date posted
- 25w
ERP
I’m starting NOCD. I had several years of cbt as a child (well over 20 years ago) and I see a trauma therapist. But now I’ll be seeking further help for OCD and just really scared. CBT wasn’t helpful for me. How has ERP been helpful for you? Do you feel like you’ll finally get your life back? I’m consumed by my obsessions 😢 Would love others feedback if ERP helped you ❤️
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