Maintaining progress??

[ilikebl]

Hi all

so I wrote on here a few days ago about how I was doing a three day challenge to not wash my hands, it went very well! But now that I am not on it, my OCD is creeping back up. I've tried telling myself to the challenge again, but it doesn't seem to be working. I am about to finish finals and know that when I go home my OCD will spike. Does anyone have any tips on maintaining progress, dealing with little structure, or how to challenge myself to not wash my hands?

Thanks,

R

[Katz101]

I challenge you, to go on another 3 day challenge. ☺️

When it creeps back in, you say to yourself, I know what this is, and let it flow over you.

Being focused on a challenge is a great way to build your resilience to the thoughts.

[ilikebl in reply to Katz101]

Solid advice. Honestly needed someone to just tell me to do it, so thank you. It helps to have accountability. I will start on Sunday. 💙

[Katz101 in reply to ilikebl]

Also, have this thought, even though I'm having a bad moment!!! I'm not letting it affect my study, I'm going to achieve something positive.

I have achieved sooo much with that one.

Hope the studying is going well.

[ilikebl in reply to Katz101]

Thank you so much!

[MyOCD123]

Hi!

I think the best thing you can do for yourself and your OCD is to continue to do your exposures regularly without engaging in compulsions (ie. washing your hands when not necessary). If you can’t do another three day challenge than that’s perfectly alright! What matters is that you simply try to delay the compulsions and see how long you can go without giving into them. If it’s three days that’s great, and if it’s three hours or three minutes that’s great to! It’s a hard battle to fight and I would urge you to remember to be kind to yourself and do something each day that brings you a little bit of a joy. You deserve it! The fact that you’re willing to attempt to resist your compulsions and taking that step is amazing all on its own. I’m rooting for you! 💖

[Hidden in reply to MyOCD123]

Hi 123 - I'm glad you're back.

[MyOCD123 in reply to Hidden]

Glad to be back!

[ilikebl in reply to MyOCD123]

Such great advice, thank you so much, this is motivating me to start one tomorrow. This group is filled with such positivity, I love it 💕

[MyOCD123 in reply to ilikebl]

We’re always here!