How do you guys (in counseling) feel like you’re making progress. I know I’m doing better at like identifying when something is freaking me out, and then I am aware of trying to not do a compulsion…so that’s progress right? But I just feel bogged down by everything and I keep messing up and I just feel discouraged like it’ll never get better. I keep getting disappointed in myself. It just makes me kinda sad.
I’m following this post because I am in the same boat. I just started treatment 2 weeks ago and I feel the same way. You are not alone. I almost feel like “okay yeah that’s what it is… it still feels awful. now what?” 😩
@Fridgey I try really really hard I have been doing such challenging work in counseling bc I really want to challenge myself and work on this it just feels like ocd is so stubborn the push back discourages me
@Clurp I totally understand what you’re saying. I like to think it’s because we’re facing it head on and it might be a get worse before it gets better type of situation. Definitely bring this up to your counselor, don’t give up. We got this. I try to tell myself this is just how it has to be right now.
@Fridgey I agree! It’s not all doom and gloom just a hard moment, keep on trucking to you too Fridgey
I’m doing IOP which includes 3 days of group and 1 day of IC. I won’t lie to you and say that this format is my ideal format, but considering the degree of the OCD crisis that I had, I think that this was the best option for me. To help keep me grounded in reality and have a structure for me to follow to help me rebuild from the ground up. That alone is helping me a lot. I also feel like knowing that there is help available is something that is helping me a lot. I am taking inspiration from CBT even if others in my group do not wish to participate. And building my own tool kit to help me in my own unique struggle. Individual counseling is helping because I feel like I have someone to dump all of my ruminations and thoughts onto. She’s a very nice woman. And I think she understands my humor. That is also very comforting. Challenging yourself is part of the recovery process. Obviously it doesn’t always feel good, but it’s a necessity. I find that for me, it’s extra important right now otherwise I’ll just coast by and rely only on my meds to do the work. I’m on week 3 and looking forward to seeing where it goes after I’m done with the program.
@anabanana1 I’m glad you’re getting the help anabannana1! Yeah it’s been like two months maybe three of me really challenging myself but I feel those deep rooted themes are still there and rule my life. I push back a lot…I’m just tired. Haha. I’m also bipolar and I think getting kinda depressed so sure that isn’t helping
@Clurp It must be hard dealing with both ocd and bipolar all at once. We have a family friend whose daughter dealt with bipolar disorder, but she thankfully found healing through group therapy and finding the right medications for herself, which definitely took a lot of trial and error. Dealing with that on top of OCD is definitely a steep climb, but if you’re here it means you want to help and you can definitely get better. Good luck on your journey.
You’re able to identify triggers and compulsions and you’re willing to stop those compulsions? Heck yes that is progress! I don’t think you’re giving yourself enough credit here. Rewiring your brain takes time and patience. Instead of noticing every failure, how about making a list of every win? No one is perfect and I have to tell you that even if you do everything in treatment 100% right every single day it will still take time. Also: ocd does not go down without a fight. Often times when you make progress it comes back swinging and it gets a little worse before it gets better again. Progress isn’t linear because ocd is fighting for its life and will keep fighting until the end. But eventually, if you keep going, you will win. I read this and thought wow this person is doing amazing. Please give yourself a little more credit. It’s totally fine to be sad about ocd. Having this sucks. And it can feel unfair. But that’s not your fault.
@pureolife Pureolife this made me tear up a little…I am supposed to be doing my DOCS with my counselor this time since she says I’m too hard on myself…maybe that’s what I work on next- wins instead of losses…I appreciate your comment so much
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