Two Years Later, and it's Been A Rollercoaster...

[Caleb22]

I joined around 2 or 3 years ago, I was 14; (which is against the rules, I was naive), however everyone on this forum had helped me so much! Everyone helped lead me the right way. I was diagnosed with OCD by my doctor and went to therapy. Everything went smoothly, until this year. I had relapsed and find myself stuck looping through my compulsive activities and lost myself and truly don't know how to find mental strength. I honestly don't feel much faith anymore, and turned to some smokes a couple of times.

 

[covergirl]

What you are going through is 100 percent normal. There will be different seasons in your life where you will battle OCD but it's for spiritual growth. Right before I read this I was asking God about my OCD and wrote down what He said. It was that my battles with salvation are better equip me for evangelism so I don't accidentally preach obedience for salvation. I asked one of my spiritual leaders this week about obedience and salvation and he pointed me to Titus 3:5. Check it out! You will feel relieved .

 

[Mari17]

I joined around 2 or 3 years ago, I was 14; (which is against the rules, I was naive), however everyone on this forum had helped me so much! Everyone helped lead me the right way. I was diagnosed with OCD by my doctor and went to therapy. Everything went smoothly, until this year. I had relapsed and find myself stuck looping through my compulsive activities and lost myself and truly don't know how to find mental strength. I honestly don't feel much faith anymore, and turned to some smokes a couple of times.

Relapsing is definitely normal! The goal is to utilize the strategies you've learned before, and apply them again. Are you having a new obsessional theme, or is it an old one returning?

 

[Caleb22]

Relapsing is definitely normal! The goal is to utilize the strategies you've learned before, and apply them again. Are you having a new obsessional theme, or is it an old one returning?

Sorry, I have been gone for so long I have had so many things to do such as working and schooling. So many “more-adult” responsibilities I’m figuring out. But yes, it is the same theme as it always has.

 

[Mari17]

Sorry, I have been gone for so long I have had so many things to do such as working and schooling. So many “more-adult” responsibilities I’m figuring out. But yes, it is the same theme as it always has.

Sometimes I think those "adult" responsibilities are a good way to take our minds off OCD! Can you work to re-implement the strategies you used in the past? Maybe use this as an opportunity to learn more in-depth about treating OCD, and work on applying what you learn? (That's what I had to do during my latest flare. It was painful, but it was a good learning opportunity!)

 

[Caleb22]

Sometimes I think those "adult" responsibilities are a good way to take our minds off OCD! Can you work to re-implement the strategies you used in the past? Maybe use this as an opportunity to learn more in-depth about treating OCD, and work on applying what you learn? (That's what I had to do during my latest flare. It was painful, but it was a good learning opportunity!)

My strategies are somewhat helpful but sometimes might not work. Plus one of the things my counselor told me to do was not give in to the compulsions, but that in itself is strenuous. On top of that I have so many things going on that it stresses me out.

 

[Mari17]

My strategies are somewhat helpful but sometimes might not work. Plus one of the things my counselor told me to do was not give in to the compulsions, but that in itself is strenuous. On top of that I have so many things going on that it stresses me out.

What are your strategies?

 

[Caleb22]

What are your strategies?

To try and not do it, to almost ignore the thoughts and be exposed to them.

 

[Mari17]

To try and not do it, to almost ignore the thoughts and be exposed to them.

That sounds like the effective way to treat OCD - ignore the obsessive fears and refuse to do compulsions. How have you been doing with this lately?

 

[Caleb22]

That sounds like the effective way to treat OCD - ignore the obsessive fears and refuse to do compulsions. How have you been doing with this lately?

I've been doing ok... I still find it difficult to deal with.

 

[Mari17]

I've been doing ok... I still find it difficult to deal with.

It is definitely a tough battle. I think it's important to keep learning about OCD and reminding ourselves about how to deal with it. I really like the website ocdandchristianity.com, especially for scrupulosity/religious OCD. There are tons of other good websites and online support groups as well! If you want any more resources, let me know and I can recommend other favorites!