Cat21

Thanks for the encouragement

I can relate to the fear of covid. I'm sorry you're clinically vulnerable. That must make the fear even worse. Is there some other way you can deal with your shopping though? Maybe try to reduce the 7 day period of leaving them?

Thank you. I really appreciate the replies. It's awful that I got so freaked out by thought of actually booking the session when that's what I wanted to do. I've been working my way up my hierarchy to tackle touching things in public and not washing or gelling my hands straight away. It's so very hard though and the thought of getting covid germs or any other for that matter gets me in an anxious spin! It really would be a good exposure exercise and I know that a workout would make me feel good. I wish it wasn't that hard to face my fear! I think I could try getting some of those gym fingerless gloves to wear. Part of the problem is that I've never been to this gym class before so I have no idea what to expect exactly. I've only seen a photo showing handweights and a rowing machine etc.

I have a compulsion with handwashing. I consequently have little cuts on my hands from where they are cracked and dry. Because of my fears of getting covid I stopped going to the gym 2 yrs ago but do a bit of outdoor running instead. I saw a new fitness group had started up near me, exercising outdoors so I enquired and then had a panic at the thought if having to touch shared equipment. I thought I could be brave and try the group classes but now I'm so upset I can't do it because of the cuts on my hands. Feeling really frustrated

Hi Summer9173. I had what they call a Therapy Blueprint at the end of therapy. Mine sort of summarises what I learnt ftom therapy and what to do if I feel I'm relapsing, which is basically recognising my behaviour and doing all the things I've been doing in therapy to tackle it , eg ERP, mindfulness meditation, pushing myself out my comfort zone etc.

Thanks Ashley. No problem.

Hi James M, I really struggled when I finished therapy. It was like a big hole had been left and now I was in my own to keep dealing with what the OCD throws my way. My advice would be to try to find something else to fill that gap that will be of help to you. I tried signing up for some wellbeing courses, started running regularly and joined support groups. Good luck and keep going!

Hi. When is the 'worried well or worried sick' webinar available for general viewing please?

Thank you for the replies. Yes, I've realised that ERP is the only way I'm going to keep on top of the OCD - as hard as it is. I'm feeling a bit more positive since my first post. I've been putting myself in situations I would have avoided and doing things I enjoy which is making me feel better.

That's the problem PolarBear, my brain can't seem to compute in the same way as many other people. I wish I did not have this intense fear of covid but I'm trying to push myself out of my comfort zone every day as I know it's the only way I'll make progress. It's very hard!

Thank you for your replies. I find it quite confusing knowing what is 'normal' behaviour and what is not. I also then question whether I have OCD or not, even though I'm pretty sure I do ( and that's what I was treated for!) I did a search for 'Covid' in the forum but a search for 'Coronavirus' brings up a lot more information and past comments - thank you for the tip.

I am really struggling with fighting my compulsions in response to a fear of getting covid and also passing it on to other people unwittingly. I know from therapy that I have to face my fear and stop the compulsions, which include excessive handwashing and not touching anything outside that other people have touched. The thing is, if I don't wash my hands and touch the door to a shop, for example, I will increase my chances of getting ill. I'm finding this so difficult to challenge, even after my course of CBT. Is anyone dealing with a similar problem?

Thank you for your reply, northpaul. I did complete a 'blueprint' in my final session which involved thinking reviewing what I had learnt etc. It feels daunting going it alone now. It's interesting that you say CBT was the start of your recovery. Perhaps I should look at it that way and not feel so bad about the work I still have to do.

Hi. I've completed a course of 12 sessions of NHS CBT but I'm feeling as though I've still got quite a bit of work to do to challenge my OCD compulsions. Is it worth me just trying to persevere myself or find a private therapist who can help me? I was wondering what other people's experiences had been who had accessed NHS therapy. Was it enough?