OCDlikewoah
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Worse before it gets better?
Has anyone who started ERP therapy felt that your ocd or anxiety has gotten worse (at first) before it gets better?
MichelleVMichelleV
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes. In my experience, tackling my ruminations and compulsions head on with ERP made them feel stronger. For me, it was because I was practicing not giving in to them for the first time. So don’t worry if things feel more stressful in the beginning-it gets easier.
Forever LearningForever Lear...
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes, my first month was rough. I had no idea how bad my OCD was....I thought I just had a little issue. Understanding my OCD triggers has been a breakthrough. Be patient and work the steps. I just began to see my own progress over the last week.
HobbitHobbit
- Date posted
- 1y
@Anonymous I’m had/having this same experience ❤️🩹
Stuck@theSinkStuck@theSink
- Date posted
- 1y
How long have you been working on your erp? I'm literally just starting. I have had 2 weeks of sessions for doing the evaluations and beginning my fears and response list. Just now starting the erp.
gixmogixmo
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes, the hyper awareness was exhausting but revealing. I had to give myself some space for processing it all. Got better in a strong way. Keep working 💛
Stuck@theSinkStuck@theSink
- Date posted
- 1y
The hyper awareness is like all the time for me, and like you said, so exhausting. I'm just starting my erp and looking forward to better days and having peace.
Stephen SmithStephen Smith
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Super common
OCDlikewoahOCDlikewoah
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
As an update, I did my ERP homework today. I was very stressed during but felt a sense of accomplishment after. Sometimes I dread moving up the hierarchy and not knowing how I will cope with it. But I have a bit of hope that I can eventually get there. Thank you everyone for your input. This is one of the hardest things I've ever dealt with!
MichelleVMichelleV
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
@OCDlikewoah Congratulations on doing your homework despite the stress!! It’s not easy. Hold on to your hope, you will get there ❤️
gixmogixmo
- Date posted
- 1y
@OCDlikewoah glad you’re feeling better about it !
arae624arae624
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes
Bryar___Bryar___
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
Yes, excited for when the trigger feels less immense. I am new starting, so the triggers are still quite stressing
OCDlikewoahOCDlikewoah
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 1y
@Bryar___ Oh me also! And my triggers and themes jump around trying to latch onto anything. I have been through so many hard things before and overcame them.
Related posts
Sosa2loud
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 19w
Kind of Spiraling
Hi guys! I’m new to the community and I’ve recently received my OCD diagnosis (tho I’ve known about it since childhood). I’ve been somewhat spiraling lately as I wait for my first ERP session (hooray!) I was just wondering if any of you guys have received ERP for existential OCD and if it was successful? My existential OCD compulsions are more so mental and have been affecting me in the sense of dream/memory flashbacks and giving me a sort of “uncanny” feeling about everything around me. Any advice is appreciated! Thank you❤️
Jennifer Dal...
- User type
- Therapist
- Date posted
- 19w
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?
Anonymous1990
- Date posted
- 18w
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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