Reassurance Seeking

I have been going through some rough times lately with my OCD.

OCD is flaring up, since I am giving into its compulsions.

I just feel so much not in control.

Reassurance Seeking is a form of checking, with asking lots of questions, details about any topic, future scenarios.

Every time I think if I give into OCD by checking, my brain will be free of OCD.

I guess that is just wishful thinking and an OCD trap.

There is so much suffering with OCD, that I am so fed up of it.

It makes me feel sick going through these rituals and anxiety.

I will have to start focusing on one symptom at a time now.

[tri2befree]

This week's new episode of the OCD Stories Podcast was actually on this topic! Dr. Sally Winston talks about various forms of reassurance - theocdstories.com/podcast/d...

She also just came out with a great book on this topic, available in print and kindle. I hope this helps. I know it helped me! amazon.com/Needing-Know-Sur...

[Aleese]

I understand desipurple19-checking and the details that are associated with that can be anxiety provoking. You are correct, that though you want to keep checking to find relief, that only makes ocd stronger. The key: It’s Tolerating the uncertainty without doing anything📌 we can have seasons where we feel a stronger trigger to once again want to fix, redue, check etc. I’ve had a harder week of feeling a little overwhelmed myself, but I just keep on walking and try not to listen to that noise. I know the pain & suffering/turmoil of ocd and being trapped in that cycle.....that gives me the courage and push to not go there again. Are you going to therapy? It can help using ERP and working on your suds level.

The Best to you-Aleese 😊🙏🏼🕊

[Hidden in reply to Aleese]

I do not have a therapist now.

I cannot find a suitable one.

But I have done residential and intensive outpatient treatments, but sadly nothing worked.

I have done ERP at those places also.

I have seen many therapists in the past.

I am on lots of medications, and nothing is helping either.

Thank You for your kind words of giving me support and strength, in order to feel more power over OCD.

I wish you all the best in life.

[MothFir]

This sounds very much like what I have been experiencing for the past couple months. I began having a few washing/contamination obsessions (checking and ruminating have been there my entire adult life, but basically at a manageable level) and did not recognize or fight them right away. Now they have snowballed into a larger system of taboos/rituals that I'm just starting to get under control.

I think focusing on one symptom is key, rather than just a vague resolve to "do better." Identify one of your smaller fears that you know rationally is not really a threat, and then confront it without performing the reassuring ritual (reassurance, checking, or whatever). It will make you uncomfortable, maybe miserable, for awhile, but if you stick it out it will pass. When it does you can tackle another fear.

Easier said than done, but if others can do it, you can do it. Being sick of wasting time, energy, relationships, and money on OCD rituals is a great motivation. Come up with a doable, specific plan and try to stick to it, even if you have setbacks.

Good luck to all of us!

[Hidden]

Thank You so much for your support and good advice.

I have started to work on one symptom at a time already.

It is giving me some structure now.

Face your fear is the slogan for OCD.

I am learning in my OCD symptoms experience, that just mentally trying to not

indulge in OCD rituals, makes you feel stronger.

I wish you good luck and best in life.