Overthinking and exposure therapy

[krosee]

Today... and the past few days have been tough. I start doing some exposure therapy very soon for both GAD and for OCD and I’m excited and yet so terrified. The past week or so has been a tough one and it’s really starting to cause strain within my relationship with my partner. I’ve been in such a low mood and constantly doubting myself about wether or not I’m capable of being in a healthy relationship or just doubting my ability to get better or wether or not I’m a good person.

Has anyone done exposure therapy? I’ve been so many groups and seen so many therapists but I don’t think I’ve ever stuck with one long enough to really get to this point. It’s time but it’s terrifying. Any tips?

 

[triceps]

Today... and the past few days have been tough. I start doing some exposure therapy very soon for both GAD and for OCD and I’m excited and yet so terrified. The past week or so has been a tough one and it’s really starting to cause strain within my relationship with my partner. I’ve been in such a low mood and constantly doubting myself about wether or not I’m capable of being in a healthy relationship or just doubting my ability to get better or wether or not I’m a good person.

Has anyone done exposure therapy? I’ve been so many groups and seen so many therapists but I don’t think I’ve ever stuck with one long enough to really get to this point. It’s time but it’s terrifying. Any tips?

Hi krosee. I think the most important issue is your relationship. It's not for me to say but you'll always have anxiety but not always someone there who can accept you with it. My suggestion would be to sit down with your partner and have a direct, lengthy discussion about how your anxiety is affecting each of you and what each of you can do to make things easier for the other.

 

[scharley1973]

Hi krosee. I think the most important issue is your relationship. It's not for me to say but you'll always have anxiety but not always someone there who can accept you with it. My suggestion would be to sit down with your partner and have a direct, lengthy discussion about how your anxiety is affecting each of you and what each of you can do to make things easier for the other.

ive never done that exposure therapy or even know what it really is? do you?? just curious...sounds interesting.

 

[triceps]

ive never done that exposure therapy or even know what it really is? do you?? just curious...sounds interesting.

I'm not aware of it either. Probably involves therapists wearing trenchcoats.

 

[scharley1973]

I'm not aware of it either. Probably involves therapists wearing trenchcoats.

hahahahahaha!!!! your funny.

 

[krosee]

ive never done that exposure therapy or even know what it really is? do you?? just curious...sounds interesting.

It’s something done in therapy. I’m definitely hoping without the trench coats as Triceps mentioned lol but it’s where we confront fears in a controlled setting. Starting with something small. So like for me, germs are something that cause anxiety so my therapist could have me touch a door handle or shake a hand and just have me sit with the discomfort and to talk through what I’m feeling to show that the rituals I use to make the discomfort go away aren’t really necessary. I guess it’s all to challenge the way of thinking.

 

[krosee]

Hi krosee. I think the most important issue is your relationship. It's not for me to say but you'll always have anxiety but not always someone there who can accept you with it. My suggestion would be to sit down with your partner and have a direct, lengthy discussion about how your anxiety is affecting each of you and what each of you can do to make things easier for the other.

Oh we’ve had many discussions. My partner is very supportive and is always making sure we communicate with one another. Sometimes those low moods just kind of cloud my thinking and I get very insecure. Even with the reassurance.