Hello everyone hope all is well in your part of the world. May is mental health month so I thought I would discuss a few things.
I want to share with you some important information about ocd, and what type of treatment would be beneficial to someone that is struggling.
There are several types of therapy that can be effective in treating OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), but the most commonly recommended and the one that I personally believe in is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), specifically a form of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
ERP involves gradually exposing the ocd sufferer to situations or objects that trigger their obsessions while preventing them from engaging in their usual compulsive behaviors.
This process is done with the help of a therapist, and the individual is encouraged to sit with their “discomfort” and anxiety, until it starts to decrease. (Much easier said than done)
I have been doing this kind of therapy on my own for the past 6 months. I do not recommend doing ERP without a therapist. Even though I am doing it, it is very difficult and a lot of hard work. Even though I am working hard I am still not committed as much as I should be and I am still struggling deeply.
I am only doing this on my own because at the moment I am finding it extremely difficult to find a qualified ocd specialist near me that accepts my medical insurance. And because I know how effective erp therapy is, I decided for me it’s better to try it alone than not try at all.
It’s important to consult with a mental health professional to determine the best course of treatment for each individual’s needs, so please don’t do anything without consulting with your doctor first.
If you are like me and are finding it hard to find a specialist I encourage you to check with the International OCD Foundation first. There you will find all the information you need about OCD and they will search your area for a specialist for you. Here is their information. https://iocdf.org/
If you can’t find someone in your area I highly recommend contacting NAMI. They are awesome. They even have a 24 hour help line that you can call and just chat with someone. They have helped me so much in the past and I can’t say enough good things about them. Plus they offer help for other mental illnesses, not just OCD and anxiety. https://www.nami.org/Home
Both of these places are wonderful, educational, and helpful. Please reach out to them and discuss your concerns and situation.
Reach Out, Speak Up, And Ask For Help. Nobody should go through it alone.
Christina