Suffered for 28 years until I was finally diagnosed. ERP has changed my life
Pretty much the title. I’ve had OCD since I was 6 years old. I don’t want to talk about my themes as they’re pretty disturbing. I was diagnosed about a month ago after an initial misdiagnosis of panic disorder several years ago. Immediately started ERP upon diagnosis and my symptoms initially got worse…but something happened during today’s session. Don’t even know how to explain how or why. But it’s like my brain finally decided to flip the switch to “off”. I expect for there to be more challenges moving forward, but for the first time in ages, my brain is quiet.
I have the “luxury” of having episodes of flair ups and periods of complete remission. So it’s not constant. But my flair ups last anywhere from days to months, and are awful every single time. To know now that I have the ability to essentially abort an episode makes me feel so powerful.
This disease is insidious and evil. But it is conquerable. Celebrate the wins, no matter how big or small, and never give up hope that you can get better. Because you will. We got this!! ❤️