I like to read or listen to the OCD stories of others. As I think we've found on this forum, there is a lot to be learned from others that have gone through OCD and sometimes we can learn from their lessons.
Please post here if there is a story that you run across that resonates with you and what you got out of it.
iocdf.org/blog/2018/05/03/b...
and
iocdf.org/blog/2019/01/15/l...
I think that these two stories combined together give somewhat of a path to recovery. You have to put some faith and love into yourself and be compassionate to yourself as you try to make changes. It is not easy, but trying is worth the effort.
getpocket.com/explore/item/...
When I started reading this I was thinking, that sounds an awful lot like OCD. It seems when most people write about "mental illness" that it isn't OCD, so this was an interesting change. It was also somewhat comforting to find another person that hasn't been struggling with OCD their whole life. For me OCD didn't become really disruptive until I was in my late 30s, aside from one period of a couple months in college.
A bit of shameless self-promotion, but you’re all welcome to ready my OCD story:
snjohns.wordpress.com/categ...
Quick disclaimer: it may be worth skimming the antidepressant withdrawal stuff. I’ve tried keeping it positive, and hopefully it helps one or two of you!
I've been doing a good bit of reading about OCD recently, and this account of OCD is particularly resonant with me.
iocdf.org/blog/2017/11/10/y...
I have come around to finally really accept that I do have OCD, and it has been very helpful to think that OCD is not necessarily 100% in line with what I want and how I want to act. If I treat OCD like a separate aggressor that is trying to interfere with my life, then I have a much easier time of fighting against it. I can be compassionate to myself and forgiving when I start to give in to the OCD point of view, and mean and challenging to OCD. If I view OCD thoughts as not necessarily my thoughts then it is much easier to put some space between myself and the thoughts and not take them as gospel.
This is written by a person that is in my state IOCDF organization:
livinginchbyinch.com/exposi...
She does a really good job of breaking down what ERP looks like and what it is like to try to help a loved one with OCD.
Thank you for recommending this. I just read them and found it very interesting.
The latest story posted by the IOCDF is one that I related to very strongly:
iocdf.org/blog/2019/09/25/g...
I'll repost my favorite part here for the people that don't read the full article:
The most important messages I wish to convey to others living with OCD is:
OCD is not your fault. No matter what horrendous thoughts are running through your mind, you are not your thoughts; they do not define you or your values.
The path to healing isn’t always linear. Sometimes you may experience a few great months and then all of a sudden be hit with a really bad day and that’s okay. The path to living your best life isn’t always without resistance and setbacks so be gentle with yourself.
It is important to reach out to the OCD community. I have met some of the kindest souls from OCD support groups (both online and in person).
You are not a burden. You are not unlovable because of your mental illness. Make space in your life for the right people. They will love and support you in spite of your OCD.
OCD
Teenage son with OCD
Chemical Contamination OCD
Struggling with tic-like OCD
OCD 
