First steps on the path to recovery

Well, there are a lot of firsts.  This is my first time blogging, and certainly my first time writing about something like obsessive compulsive disorder.  I was first diagnosed slightly more than one month ago with "Pure O."  Specifically, I have "harm ocd."  For a lot of reasons, in this blog I am going to refrain from writing in detail about the content of my intrusive thoughts, but suffice to say that they cause great anxiety and pain, and have also led me down a path of despairing.  Now, I'm connected with a great counseling center and working with both a therapist and psychiatrist.  I am on a low dose of SSRIs, which so far doesn't seem to be making a difference but over the next few weeks the dosage should be going us. 

As for CBT, I am working with the books noted at the right and about to begin my Exposure and Response Prevention therapy.  I am curious about how this will go, and more than a little nervous.  But for the reasons that you're probably reading this, I am eager to begin:  I want to feel better.  I want to reclaim the joy I have felt in my life. 

A word about me ... 

I'm a 20-something young woman living in the Northeastern part of the U.S.  I have a great job, though I'm beginning to apply to graduate school.  I also have a wonderful and supportive network of friends, including one who has gone through the trials of OCD, and an active faith life of which prayer and service are foundations.  My boyfriend, we'll call him J., is a source of constant support.  So, everything should be fine in my world, right?  I wish!  Here's to kicking OCD in the pants!  

I decided to write this blog because it's been so helpful to read other OCD blogs, and to know that I am not alone.  For those of you just beginning down this path, perhaps we can accompany each other.  You are in my thoughts and prayers.