[gubernova]

I manage my OCD pretty well most of the time, but when I fail to stop a compulsion I take it really hard. I could be having a great few days but then I start feeling so much pressure to stay strong. Then that something is just not right feeling hits me and I engage in ritual checking for hours. I eventually stop but I feel the illness has won more so because of the depression I go into afterward. Are we allowed to fail, because sometimes I feel during treatment that if I give into the compulsions I am not going to get better. How do I deal with this cognitive distortion?

[gayleggg]

I don't think you should look at it as a failure. Just because you fall prey to it sometimes, it doesn't take away the importance of the days you refrained. Remind yourself that you don't have to be perfect. Challenge that all or nothing thinking distortion. Think of yourself as a work in progress. Some compulsions take a long time to over come, so give yourself credit when you manage you compulsions.

I like a couple of AA sayings in regard to this:
One Day at a Time
This to shall pass

Please keep these in mind when you are getting down on yourself.