ERP achievement

[disneyandme]

Just finished probably my hardest ERP to date- googling topics that scare me and reading the headlines without going into further research, rumination, or "figuring it out" in regard to my existential obsessions. I'm so proud of myself- when I started therapy I told my therapist I'd never be able to do something like that. But I did!!! It was hard and anxiety filled, but then calm, but then anxiety filled, and so on. Bounced back and forth between the realization that I don't have to react with fear, and reacting with fear. I know that these topics may or may not now continue to pop in my head even after I'm finished with the exposure, and I'm going to do my best to not go into rumination/"figuring it out" (my compulsions) and stop them as soon as I notice if I do so by accident. Progress is hard but so worth it!!! I've already gotten so much of my life back (and even improved areas I'd never thought of) since starting ERP. Yay!!! 😊 now for my next challenge-- going a full month without a therapy appt (I went last week, but now my therapist is going away for a week and I am too the following week, so a forced accidental exposure but my therapist is glad and knows it's good for me). Wish me luck! I'll do great, progress not perfection- perfectionism is also a big issue of mine that I'm getting ahold of 😊

[Selesnya]

It sounds like things are going really well for you. I'm glad that you've settled into a good routine with your therapist and that you are still working through ERP.

It's always surprising to see what areas of your life OCD will sneak its way into, so its great to see that you're making improvements in other areas of your life as well.

If you need help while you're on a break from seeing your therapist, we're always here for you!

[disneyandme in reply to Selesnya]

Thanks Selesnya!! OCD loves to sneak in everywhere, and it still tries to find new areas, but now that I'm consciously aware and choose how to respond it doesn't take ahold as strong as past themes. Always doing the best I can but not looking for perfection! Thanks for the support and encouragement ❤️ keep up the good fight!

[Dutch-girl]

Great job! Keep up the good work!

[disneyandme in reply to Dutch-girl]

Thanks so much!!

[Aleese]

Great Job Disney girl👍🏼

[disneyandme in reply to Aleese]

Thank you Aleese, hope you are doing well! ❤️

[Aleese in reply to disneyandme]

❤️ All is fine here. I had a small OCD today..’trying to get things right’ in my mind, Perfectionism OCD is probably it. I remembered, if it causes threat...let it fly on by. That’s what I’m doing😁 Oh, did you ever go on your second Disney trip that you were mentioning? Curious how you did this time around. Best to you & Thank you,

Aleese

[disneyandme in reply to Aleese]

So true!! Perfectionism is something I have come up at times even when I’m doing otherwise well. I’m going to Disney on Tuesday the 3rd until the 12th! I’m excited and I know I’ll do well and just bring OCD along with me but not let it steal the show.

[Aleese in reply to disneyandme]

YES‼️ You will do well as you have so much ammunition now. Sounds like so much fun😊

[Myralee]

Thank you so much for sharing this! I do similar things and you have encouraged me to do my ERP again.

[disneyandme in reply to Myralee]

I'm so glad!! Thank you ❤️

[trailwalker53]

Congratulations! I'm so happy for you and proud of you....we all know how VERY difficult this is! Stay strong and keep up the good work 😊

[disneyandme in reply to trailwalker53]

Thanks so much for the support and encouragement! I wish the same for you! ❤️

[MyOCD123]

This makes me so happy to hear!! It’s crazy to think about all of the difficult things we are able to do in the fight against OCD. When I first started ERP I could barely right out the thoughts on paper and gradually I got to a point where I was able to hold a knife to my therapists neck and leave without contacting her or googling the news. Still not something I enjoy doing lol but I have done it a few times now and conquered it. I never would have imagined it was possible in the start and I thought she was crazy for suggesting it. Keep pushing on! I know you’re going to do incredible this next month and use it as an exposure. You are brave and that is a beautiful thing!