PolarBear Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 I started my recovery from nearly 40 years of OCD in the summer of 2013. My psychiatrist put me on two medications to battle my OCD thoughts. I took eight sessions of relaxation therapy and nine sessions of CBT/ERP therapy. During this time I immersed myself in OCD, learning everything I could about how it works, how it manifests and how it can be overcome. By November of 2013, I was at least 80 per cent better. The number of obsessions I was dealing with had been drastically reduced and the time I spent on compulsions was minor compared to where I came from. I considered myself basically reborn at that time -- for the first time in four decades I could concentrate, focus and do things without overpowering thoughts ruining everything. It also coincided with my real birthday (go Scorpios!) It's been a year. If I had to guess, I would say I am 95 per cent better now. I consider that basically cured. I didn't want to say in the past year that i was cured because I wanted to have at least one year under my belt. Now I've got it. Today I change my forum status to ex-sufferer. Today is my birthday. It's also my first birthday. Link to comment
Guest imalright Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 GO POLAR!!!! GO!!!!! ))))))))xxxxx CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Aaaw man - this feels so good hehe! Link to comment
Guest PaulM Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 Happy Birthday PolarBear! That's quite the recovery! Link to comment
Guest lizinlondon Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 That is so amazing. I am so proud. It really gives me a lot of encouragement and hope. Thank you and enjoy this special day xxxx Link to comment
Ascend Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 Congratulations. I think it wont be long until I change my sufferer status also. Link to comment
Caramoole Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 :cheer: HAPPY BIRTHDAY MR BEAR :cheer: Link to comment
gingerbreadgirl Posted November 18, 2014 Share Posted November 18, 2014 Yey polar bear!!! What an inspiration! Happy birthday!! Xx Link to comment
Hal Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Here's to many more years PB :cheers: putting the disorder well and truly where it belongs .......a huge well done :original: Link to comment
Guest nervous Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Congratulations PB, impressive recovery, it shows how much of yourself you put into beating this illness. Link to comment
Guest jayjay89 Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Congrats PB! You deserve every happiness . Enjoy being 1 again lol Link to comment
Guest legend Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Welcome to the ex sufferer status Well done PB told you it doable Legend Link to comment
taurean Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Inspiring PolarBear. Shows there is always hope, providing people are prepared to put in the work. :original: :group: Link to comment
Yrrow Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Congratulations! That is super encouraging to hear! Link to comment
OCDCanuck Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Congratulations - not only for beating this illness but for also coming on here everyday and dispensing some of the best advice to sufferers on here. It may not always get them to change but you certainly give them information that is helpful and accurate. Link to comment
taurean Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 (edited) I felt this anniversary deserved one of my dodgy poems. So here's to you PolarBear; PolarBear has gone a year today Obsessions mostly gone away. Hurrah, hurrah we shout for him (i hope he's kept his beard in trim!) it's great he chose to join our group And keep all in the recovery loop; He tells the things we need to do To overcome and get there too. He's writing a book on OCD it could be featured on TV! Well done my friend, something I'll maybe do When i can claim" recovered" like you. i'm a way off yet, still looking to balance out Maybe effort, meds and oily trout!, But I really feel i'm on my way With regular help from you each day. Have a glass of something with Mrs Bear my friend For you the struggle is at an end But your wonderful desire to help and inspire others here Is not in vain, never fear Edited November 19, 2014 by taurean Link to comment
gingerbreadgirl Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 I LOVE this!!! Link to comment
Guest Saz Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Hi polarbear, Glad I seen this before I go. I am so happy for you! You are an absolute inspiration and I will be forever grateful for your help and advice over the past few months. Hope your doing something wonderful to celebrate! X Link to comment
Guest HeadAboveWater Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Happy Birthday, Polar! You have been very helpful to me on this forum! I wish you all the best as you continue to beat the beast! Link to comment
Caramoole Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 Okay.....I'll get on the poetry trail as well Mr Bear's a grumpy chap It's really no surprise He's stepped outside of the OCD shroud And sees life through new-focused eyes No longer distortions that warp and corrupt Or thoughts that convince you're insane He's waded through the fears and doubts And back into healthy terrain He's fought his imposters, his demons he's slayed The journey was tough all along But an eye on the goal and belief on his side It paid off, he survived and grew strong So when he gets cross and he shoots from the hip It's because he just knows you're being fooled And despite OCD being cunning and cruel He knows it can be over-ruled He knows that to crumble and dance to its tune Is certain to cause so much pain That it's futile and hopeless and senseless and will Just keep calling again and again So when he's direct and you don't want to hear Just think and accept that it's true And to you Mr Bear, with your very sharp claws A big HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you!! Caramoole Link to comment
gingerbreadgirl Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 There are definitely some very talented people on this forum! Link to comment
PolarBear Posted November 19, 2014 Author Share Posted November 19, 2014 Ha ha. I love the poems! Wonderful. Thanks for all the kind words. Link to comment
mummyoftwogirls Posted November 19, 2014 Share Posted November 19, 2014 (edited) Well done mr bear you are an inspiration ! Perhaps now we will get a sneak preview of what mr bear looks like?! Love the poems xx Edited November 19, 2014 by mummyoftwogirls Link to comment
Saffie Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Fantastic to hear. Congrats and HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Here's to many more x Link to comment
bendylouise Posted November 20, 2014 Share Posted November 20, 2014 Congratulations - not only for beating this illness but for also coming on here everyday and dispensing some of the best advice to sufferers on here. It may not always get them to change but you certainly give them information that is helpful and accurate. Here! here! Very well done and big thank yous. Enjoy x Link to comment
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