Are you overwhelmed by thoughts and urges you can’t get out of your mind? Do you feel like the only way to stop them is to do specific things, over and over again? Maybe you’re afraid you’ll lose control and hurt someone, are terrified of being contaminated by germs, or are overly concerned about offending God. Maybe you’ve gotten rid of all the knives in your house, washed your hands until they bleed, or prayed for hours every day. But this probably isn’t working. The thoughts keep coming back – and they’re about things that matter to you the most.
When you live with OCD, you can’t stop intrusive thoughts. And the compulsions you use to try to stop them just don’t work – in fact, they eventually take over your life. Your intrusive thoughts seem incredibly real, and it feels like the stakes are so high that it’s worth acting on any compulsion to keep your worst fears from coming true.
The good news is that the gold standard treatment for OCD for adults and children, exposure and response prevention (or ERP), brings relief from the anxiety these thoughts cause, without acting on compulsions. With the right treatment, OCD anxiety decreases – and so do the frequency and intensity of intrusive thoughts. And when adults or kids do have intrusive thoughts or urges to do compulsions, ERP gives them the tools to deal with them. Kids with OCD can have a completely normal childhood, full of freedom and joy. And you’ll find that instead of your OCD calling the shots, you’ll run your own life again.
Helpful Resources
A Penny for Your Intrusive Thoughts
Beyond OCD
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
International OCD Foundation
Live with Liz
Not Alone Notes
The OCD Stories
Your Anxiety Toolkit