- Date posted
- 1y
ERP
OCD and ERP so difficult. ERP is so difficult, I want to try so hard. As I do not want to waste these sessions but as some days I feel like I cannot do it. Like how do I change my mindset.
OCD and ERP so difficult. ERP is so difficult, I want to try so hard. As I do not want to waste these sessions but as some days I feel like I cannot do it. Like how do I change my mindset.
It's all about the practice. No one is a master when they start anything, right? If you've never rock climbed before you're not going to just shimmy up Mt. Everest on your first day, or even your 20th, or 160th day. It takes practice and lots of time to learn. Some days in ERP you'll have lapses or there will be days you just can't handle the exposures, and that's okay! More than okay! My recommendation is start small. Try homework once a week for 10 minutes, then when you feel it's easy, try 15 minutes, and then maybe try twice a week. I promise it's all about practicing and pacing yourself. Again, no one is a pro when they try something new, and even pros need to continously practice and learn. You'll get there. 😊
Also be honest with your therapist (if you're in the program) and yourself that you might need to take it down a level on exposures.
It takes a while for your mindset to change, but what got me through intensive ERP was the thought that I want to live my life without the shadow of OCD/Anxiety. What might help is setting goals throughout treatment to give some more motivation. Even when it's hard, you can push through.
What ResilientTaurus said!
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🥲
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.
Anyone else feel like they just sit there during sessions? Like I can’t wait for it to be over so I don’t have to do this twice a week anymore. I think I’m putting in effort but sometimes feels like a huge waste of time and I’m not making progress but maybe that’s just my ocd?
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