A year later.

[californiadreaming]

And I’m doing pretty darn good!

I changed my status to “recovered” because while I do have intrusive thoughts every once in a while, they pass rather quickly. I no longer have to apply my therapeutic behaviors, they just come and go much like a normal person’s mind would and I don’t really care about them - no matter how bizarre or scary they might be.

My recovery in numbers:

- 2 amazing OCD specialists. 1 hour appointments, 2 times a month.

- About 4.5 years of work (!!!) I had to hit bottom a few times and get back up.

- 1 hour of ERP a day ... then 30 minutes ... then 15 minutes ... then 10 minutes and so on.

- 50 mg of Zoloft a day.

- Countless relapses and even more small victories.

- 3 therapists that didn’t work out because they weren’t trained in OCD therapeutic practices.

- Seconds: how long an intrusive thought lasts now.

- Days/weeks/years wasted over worrying about nothing.

- 1 extremely supportive partner who encouraged me to keep fighting when I wanted to lay in bed depressed.

I know it may come up again, but I’m much more equipped for it. My brain just works differently than others’ and I’m finally okay with that. I’m not afraid anymore.

 

[malina]

Hi @californiadreaming,

I remember how much you were suffering and it's really great to hear how well you're doing now! It's so encouraging to hear stories like this. Well done to you!!

[PolarBear]

Great way to start the day. Log on and see this.

Congrats.

And people should know that your OCD was just as bad as everyone else's. You had the anxiety, the crushing doubt and the mind that wouldn't stop.

It's nice having a peaceful mind, isn't it?

[gingerbreadgirl]

this is fantastic   

[snowbear]

So pleased to hear this, Californiadreaming!  Very well done.

Your recovery in numbers list makes interesting reading. Between the lines it says, 'Determination and a lot of personal effort.'

I'm sure others will be inspired by your success, and yes, you should say you're recovered.

[Hdigtts]

This is fantastic news!! 

[californiadreaming]

10 hours ago, PolarBear said:

Great way to start the day. Log on and see this.

Congrats.

And people should know that your OCD was just as bad as everyone else's. You had the anxiety, the crushing doubt and the mind that wouldn't stop.

It's nice having a peaceful mind, isn't it?

Yes, it was just as bad as everyone else’s here. It’s too easy to fall into the trap of “oh, mine is wayyy worse. They got out of it, I could never.”

It’s a total lie.

[Caramoole]

Well Done you.  I'm so pleased your hard work, determination & courage has paid dividends.  A lovely post to open up and read

[Handy]

Are you still on medication?

[Agrippina]

That is amazing! It is also just the encouragement I needed to hear about this morning so thank you.

[Binxy]

Amazing news. Congratulations!

 

[Hd120820]

Thank you so much for posting and well done  im nearly there but some days it creeps up on me