Problem with ERP

[sealonging]

So I've been reading books and listening to podcasts about ERP, and I've been wanting to try it myself. I know people say you should try it with a therapist, but A) I can't afford one right now, and B) I am a pretty self-aware person so I think I'd be pretty good at recognizing when I'm slipping into avoidance or reassurance.

However, my problem is that I can't seem to stir up the anxiety that comes with intrusive thoughts and OCD. For the past few days I've been feeling pretty good, mostly anxiety free. I don't know if it's because I recently switched to Prozac, but I wouldn't have expected it to take away all the anxiety completely. I didn't think that's how it worked. Regardless, I know you have to summon the anxiety for ERP to work. And I've been deliberately thinking the most worst case scenario thoughts from my OCD, and I'm getting nothing.

I guess I'll just have to wait until the next time it resurfaces, but I'm kind of disappointed because I've been hearing so much about how effective ERP is at recovery, and I've been psyching myself up to lean into feelings of discomfort and the idea of seeking out anxiety, to the point that I was excited to get started. And now when I try…nothing.

Has anyone else had this problem? The inability to summon anxiety for the purposes of ERP?

[Lgaspar]

I'm trying to get more and more into it (ERP) since I'm not a professional, but I need and want to learn a bit more about it. How it works precisely, the methods, the process to act in the person with a condition, how long it will take (guess it depends on each person, we're all different. So I believe it takes different "measures" just like any other medicine prescribed). But I think all these, and other aspects that I might be missing only will be met with the guidance of someone professional or experienced. As I think at a first sight, a "DIY" ERP might not be the best approach.

I know what you mean it's not always affordable, I'm in between that and being in an isolated society, since in my country there's not that much info nor support. It's each time more mentioned "Mental Health" 's importance, and mainly due to the Pandemic reality with all its consequences. But in the end, in fact there's not so much to attend, so much options where to find help.

About me, I'm in this to improve the person with who I am engaged, living together and who I Iove. And I don't intend to give up, otherwise I intend to stand by her side and go on together.

We sure have a long way ahead yet, but we must go on.

So keep in mind, that you're the most important in this matter, and even my words worth much as anyone just recently in touch with such subjects, it's likely you need a "partner" in this activity, a teammate that will work it with you (either it is a professional therapist, family, relative, close friend, or an anonymous random guy that might give you a hand). Like most of things in life, it's at least harder if we started on our own. I recommend you find someone to work it with you.

Best wishes

[Trishly1234]

I’m on a 2 year waiting list for erp so have also been looking into steps I can take on my own- I found ocd challenge online useful to a point - it’s free - I can’t say I relate to not being able to feel the anxiety as I’m ridden with it constantly but I certainly realised I was experiencing compulsions I wasn’t even aware of