I Stopped My Ocd Rituals, Cold Turkey.

[ReachingOutJ]

Almost one week ago, I got fed up with it, and I stopped all of my OCD rituals. Scary? Heck, yes, but I did it. I still have C-PTSD, and I get triggered by my family, this house, and certain music/tv/movies, but stopping the rituals felt so good.

 

[void]

congrats!

 

[ReachingOutJ]

congrats!

Thank you.

 

[The Albatross]

Good for you!

 

[ReachingOutJ]

Good for you!

Thank you. I'm trying.

 

[bjam]

Almost one week ago, I got fed up with it, and I stopped all of my OCD rituals. Scary? Heck, yes, b...

Hi , good for you I am about try and do the same thing.... hope it works out for you I can't cope like this anymore aside from the the fact that it is physically demanding and emotionally draining it is putting a strain on my family I have tried therapy in the past but it has never achieved anything so gonna try n just stop I know it's going to be hard !

 

[void]

don't worry if you have any relapses
just keep moving forward

 

[Truthful_Whispers]

That's quite an accomplishment. :tup:

 

[void]

@ReachingOutJ

and how are things going now?
just thinking of you:)

 

[Gadgie]

Well done, I wish I could stop mine as well, mine is tidiness I just have to keep things neat.

For example if I see anything on the floor, I just have to sweep it up, I'm always using that long handled brush and dustpan, (as I can't bend down) I have tried to stop doing it, but every time I see anything like that, I just have to clean it, or pick it up.

 

[Flossy]

@Reaching Out and others.

Just throwing this in for you to consider. I wonder if using a self-EMDR technique would work here. It works for me. I know it is working because I yawn within a minute or two and that means my body has relaxed.

I use a metronome, but you can use your own finger or hold something and move it side to side in a rhythmical way, at a steady pace. Make your eyes follow the tip of your finger or whatever you are holding and talk to yourself.

Like an old-fashioned hypnotist would do. "I want to do my ritual, I really really want to. But, I don't have to, I can just relax and watch my finger moving until I feel nice and relaxed." Words like that. Keep talking to yourself and do it for 2-3 minutes.

PS I use it for anxiety. I dont have OCD but I think it would work.

Then stop and see if your brain tells you that you dont have to do the ritual. Make sure you smile and tell yourself quietly or loudly, some words of congratulations.

I would be interested to know how it goes.

I personally think EMDR is similar to hypnosis and it works for me. It is easier if someone else does it, but I have never had a therapist do it. My hubbie helps me with it if I am frantic.