Terrified to work on ERP, any advice?

Hi, I’m new here. I’ve been dealing with OCD since I was 9 or 10 but only got diagnosed at 19, and started actual treatment a few weeks ago. I’m 21 now. I have severe emetophobia that fuels my health ocd and my intrusive thoughts have been so bad lately that I can hardly eat or leave my house. I don’t go anywhere except my bedroom and work. I even get anxious thinking about going to my living room. I started ERP with a new therapist, and I want to get better, but the therapy is so scary and overwhelming. I’ve lived this way for so long that confronting my fears feels impossible and I’m so scared to do it. I do everything I can to avoid anxiety attacks. I feel so unsafe in my own body because of the way I can’t stop fixating on certain actions and sensations. Does anyone who’s gone through something similar have any advice, or encouragement? I’m doing my best, but I don’t know anyone else with my ocd themes. Thanks y’all <3

Username: LowellTLowellT

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: 25w ago

I understand the struggle you are having. I’ve had ocd since my 20’s not knowing what it was. Then it skyrocketed a few years ago I’m now 63. I have been getting counseling with NOCD for two years and it had been a huge help. ERP works but we have to do the homework. All ocd can toss at us is doubt and we respond to the doubt by doing compulsions. When we don’t do the compulsions and get on with our day even though we have the anxiety - the anxiety will go down and the need to do the compulsions decreases. I fully understand your struggle, you can say “No” to ocd 👍.

Username: Anonymous_505Anonymous_505

Date posted: 25w ago

Hi sorry to hear that. I also struggle with health- related ocd. I suggest seeking a support system and talking about it with trusted loved ones. Try leaving the house with a close persons and then gradually try to do it yourself. A good approach to exposure therapy is like learning to ride a bike, we all need training wheels.

Username: LH

Date posted: 6y ago

Is there anyone here currently doing/ or has done ERP for contamination ocd? I am about to start ERP for my severe contamination ocd here in the next few weeks and I’m very reluctant and scared. I’m hoping someone could give me some idea of what is has been like for them and how they feel about ERP? I’m worried that it might not be successful and I’ll be putting myself through all of the stress for nothing. Thanks y’all!

Username: Janinenicole

Date posted: 4y ago

Hello all, I started erp therapy with the nocd therapist. I just really am having trouble saying things (worst fear) and doing the exposures of my worst fear. I know erp has helped many people. Anyone here that has done well with the full treatment? Just some positive advice needed.

Harm OCD

Username: Amanda1988

Date posted: 3y ago

Hello I am looking to start ERP on here with a therapist. I am quite nervous about it incase it doesn't work, I've had BWRT Therapy, CBT privately for months and I'm still horrified and scared of these thoughts. I haven't been officially diagnosed either which leads me down a horrible thought path.. but every therapist I have seen has said I have got harm ocd/pure o. Any advice on starting ERP? Thank you

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Terrified to work on ERP, any advice?

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