this post was submitted on 27 Aug 2025
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Anyone else got a bad case of OCD? What helps? (Sorry for the rant.) (hexbear.net)
submitted 6 months ago by YourMom@hexbear.net to c/askchapo@hexbear.net
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Obviously, CBT/ERP. I stumbled on a Reddit post about "peripheral staring OCD," and it hit me that while that doesn't describe my symptoms 100% (I don't believe I have the tourette's type parts), it is far closer than anything I have thought about or explained to a doc to be diagnosed with.

It hits especially hard because even like 5-ish years ago, when I was binge drinking, it was half as bad (at worst, probably less even). And even before that, it was so manageable that I would go months or even years without any symptoms. I thought if I quit drinking, it would be some magical fix, but nah. It's been months, and it hasn't gotten better. Definitely affecting me at my job, socializing, dating, etc.

But yeah, I'm here because the Reddit page is a nightmare. Many people just give up or accept the worst. I got a feeling it's something that can eventually be managed, and being a dramatic loser (and likely not even doing the therapy, let's be real) is what that page was for.

If anyone has some insight here, I would greatly appreciate it. I had no idea I had these issues even a week ago, but I am extremely aware now, and it's a scary concept.

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[–] Moonworm@hexbear.net 4 points 6 months ago

You gotta do ERP. One way or another you need those neural pathways to atrophy and consciously not doing the compulsion when you get a trigger is the most direct way to change your pattern of thinking. Depending on the severity, it might be really fucking uncomfortable, but that sensation will pass. Therapy is a great idea, but you can also do this when you're by yourself or whenever a trigger is felt. It's a brutal fucking disease and it's wily, but treatable. Progress might not be linear and you might not succeed in getting rid of your compulsions altogether in short order, but consistently practicing not acting on them can bring a lot of relief fairly quickly and get your symptoms manageable enough to function and explore other options for treatment.