Those of us who wish to recover from OCD must acknowledge that the compulsive behaviors we use to make our self feel better only make things worse.
Experts tell us that to be free from compulsions they must be surrendered; there is no other option. However, before embracing this option for one’s self, several things need to be considered and accepted:
- There’s No Escape. The anxiety that builds in us can never be escaped by engaging in compulsive behaviors, or rituals. Though rituals temporarily calm our fear, the fear is only one obsessive anxiety provoking thought away.
- It’s Our Work. Though they provide temporary anxiety relief, compulsive behaviors will always diminish our quality of life, and the only person who can let go of them is our self. Licensed professional counselors can support and assist, but cannot take the letting go process off our hands.
- It's In Our Power The power to resist compulsions lies with us because we are the ones doing them. Obsessive, disturbing thoughts can come to our mind unbidden, but compulsive behaviors are actions we have chosen, and can relinquish.
- It’s Difficult. Facing and letting go of compulsive rituals can feel terrifying, even life-threatening, but it's the only road to recovery. Having to tolerate anxiety while it gradually diminishes is difficult, and why most individuals recovering from OCD need the assistance of a compassionate, supportive counselor.
Once we have accepted what OCD treatment involves, the next best step is to acquire the assistance of a counselor experienced in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP). In ERP, we face and challenge the thoughts or situations that provoke our fear, while gradually resisting the urge to engage in anxiety relieving rituals.
Another option is to self-treat our OCD. Some individuals have success with this and there are plenty of resources available such as The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD by Jon Hershfield, MFT, and Tom Corboy, MFT.
Photo credit: Jacob Botter
