Hi new here.

[Liz1965]

Hi I am new here. My username is liz1965. I am 55 years old. I suffer from OCD and generalized anxiety disorder. I am glad to be here.

[Hidden]

Welcome, Liz! I'm 58 and my name is also Elisabeth. I have OCD also and it can be quite a struggle. Thank God for music from the 70's, right?!

[Liz1965 in reply to Hidden]

I am glad for the music and tv to watch. Thanks.

[Hidden]

I would like to welcome you to the OCD Support Network.

We are here to offer support and help to each other.

We are in this together.

[davidovergoliath]

Welcome Liz! Davidovergoliath here. 37 year OCD sufferer. Last 16 years with PURE O. Horrible!!! Welcome aboard and God bless.

[Chinaniso]

Welcome Liz

[blueturtle28]

Hi Liz...Welcome! I am also an OCD warrior and my name too is Elizabeth!

[trailwalker53]

Hi Liz...Welcome....We're about the same age...I am 54 and have suffered from OCD since I was a child. I have found that reading certain books have really helped me to understand this disorder and have also helped me to implement ERP. A few of my favorite authors/therapists are Mark Freeman, Jon Hershfield, Jeff Bell, and Shala Nicely! I wish you well.

[Liz1965]

Thanks so much for support here. It helped me a lot. Take care.

[trailwalker53]

A therapist who specializes in ERP would be ideal, but I just haven't had any luck finding one! It is possible to practice ERP on your own though. I'm constantly challenging myself and I have made progress....some days are better than others.

[trailwalker53]

I have a lot of OCD "themes", one of which is that I am terrified of using public restrooms. So I would force myself to use the employee bathroom at work. Another example would be for times when I feel like I really NEED to wash my hands after touching something dirty.....I would refrain from doing so. I also have health anxiety....when I feel that I really need to look something up on the computer, I try not to. It is VERY stressful, but I try to live with the anxiety and try to desensitize the fear. Mindfulness helps a little with this. It isn't easy. I am not always successful and sometimes I go into full panic mode. I also ruminate constantly about perceived mistakes and decisions I have made. This area has been much harder for me to apply ERP. I'm sure working with a therapist would be very helpful!

[Karla12]

Hi Liz. Welcome. I’m 53 and have suffered with OCD and general anxiety since I was a child. I often ruminate and find it hard every day. Iv had most themes of OCD. it doesn’t like your mind to be peaceful. I also worry about how frustrating it can be for my family and am frightened of being disliked. I read an article about EPR and sitting with the anxiety without trying to find a solution which with pure OCD can be helpful. It takes practice and some days are better than others. We’re all here to support each other so hope this helps

[Liz1965]

Thanks so much

[TheGeneral]

Glad you could make it! I am 72 and have had OCD for many years. The current crisis is challenging but I am doing my best to learn from the experience. Hopefully, I will come out stronger.

[Liz1965]

Thanks. Glad to be here . Take care

[Vail1964]

Welcome Liz1965! We are all in this together, glad you joined.