The freedom of choice

[OCDAdvocateKatie]

Earlier today, I came across a graphic I created with reminders for myself when I was really really really struggling. I used to look at this on my phone to remind myself to fight the compulsions taking over my life. I was trying to remind myself that I had a choice each day between life and OCD (even if it didn't feel like it). In the end, there really was freedom in taking the leap and the risk. It doesn't mean that everyday is perfect, but it does mean I live the fullest most present life I've lived in a long time. I really believe you can, too - and you deserve a beautiful life!! When I made this...I NEVER thought I would be where I am now. Does anyone relate to the graphic?

[Hidden]

I really like that....thank you for sharing that!

[Nanasherri]

I am a mother trying to help my daughter with OCD anxiety. Can anyone please give me some advice on how to help. Things to say, not say? Books to read or listen too? anything, i would really really appreciate it. Thanks

[OCDotter in reply to Nanasherri]

hi to you and daughter. I've had ocd since i was child , sporadically mainly when stressed, (now 50) , there was little therapy back then, The best therapy is CBT and EPR, which i wished i had got years ago. Books that are good are Mindfulness Workbook for OCD, Hershfield, Overcoming OCD Veale and Wilson ;Overcoming Obsessive Thoughts Purdon and Clark; Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts, Winston and Seif ...there are many other books too

[GuitarDave]

Came across this at exactly the time I needed to see it. It rang so true that it brought a tear to my eye. I will put it on my phone too. Thank you so much for sharing.

[alexandraisobsessed IOCDF Advocate]

What a great graphic! I love the idea of putting it on your phone so you always have it when you need it.

[SpeakMyTruth]

❤️

[outtasnacks97]

This right here is on and off my life for the past almost two years, when I had ups I always thought it was the end of the struggle, and when I had downs I would think I am doomed and there’s no way out. The most helpful thing has been to acknowledge the ups, downs, and giving compassion wherever it can fit. Thank you for this it has helped so much finding out what I struggle with and being able to connect with others and not feel alone

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate in reply to outtasnacks97]

I'm so glad this was helpful! I think the most helpful thing for me has been to expect that OCD will always pop up...but that I'm ready and can always handle it (while offering myself compassion). You are definitely not alone!

[Hidden]

Love the graphic. If I could make it applicable to real event ocd, I would be all set! I can’t lose the feeling that real event ocd is ‘different’ and that I will never get over my guilt and shame of things I have done due to trauma. I guess that’s the OCD talking!

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate in reply to Hidden]

I would say DEFINITELY the OCD talking. OCD always always always makes it feel different. I've actually felt like that with every theme (from false memory to harm and beyond). For the real event piece...you can do the same thing by leaning into the uncertainty that you might never get over the guilt/shame but will live your life regardless (it completely takes the power away from OCD). I struggle with my own real event OCD following a tough divorce...and I often say YEP...I really may be a horrible person but I'm going to live my life regardless. Super super super hard...and yet totally worth it to live the life you deserve.

[Hidden]

Thanks Katie! Still trying to figure out how ERP will help with this. I am having trouble finding an ocd specialist so I am considering NOCD. Ocd is making me feel like I don’t deserve any form of happiness. I know the things I did were not ‘that bad’….didn’t physically harm anyone or anything,…just stupid, uncharacteristic things that I have been forgiven for but can’t forgive myself for. Thinking of connecting with a therapist from NOCD as I really need help. Thanks.

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate in reply to Hidden]

Hi Hidden - I'm so glad you are considering ERP. I know it feels super super hard and scary...but I promise, it applies to these thoughts, too!! Over-responsibility and continuing to replay events over again to make sure you're a good person (as well as feeling like you don't deserve happiness) is a big part of OCD. I actually just made a post on this a few days ago - totally get it! But I believe treatment will really help, either through NOCD or another awesome ERP professional at iocdf.org/find-help/

[OCDAdvocateKatie IOCDF Advocate in reply to OCDAdvocateKatie]

Oh...and you DO deserve happiness and recovery. ❤️

[Garpab23]

Thank You for sharing ! I really needed this ,, as I have been struggling this year with Pure OCD and really scary and disturbing thoughts