can one recover from ocd ? Or are people just giving false hope ?

[Helpgod7]

hi, my son has ocd since 15 years. Can one actually recover or are the so-called recovery testimonials just giving false hope ? What is the actual truth regarding ocd recovery chances?

[JoeS00]

Hello there.I'm sorry to hear that. OCD is a terrible thing to have. Mine started at around 15. Now of course it's not fake hope that you can recover. I'm not saying it can be cured 100%, but symptoms can be minimized to a level not interfering with a person's life. I always say ERP is the best approach in my opinion combined with a healthy lifestyle. ERP isn't easy at all. It is painful at first, and requires a lot of effort but with time symptoms can be remarkably lessened. They can come back later severe as OCD is a chronic illness, but a person can always do ERP for relief. ERP can also teach the patient some techniques so that he/she can battle OCD alone. I pray for your son for relief.

[Helpgod7 in reply to JoeS00]

Thank you so much for your reply and kindness.

[MothFir]

I've had OCD since I was 8, maybe earlier, and that was 40 years ago. I have always been able to function but often my inner mental life was a mess. When my fears and rituals really starting interfering with my work and family a few years ago, I started ERP and upped the low rate of the SSRI that I had been taking. I am much better off now than then, and in general better off than I can ever remember. Instead of just functioning, I usually have a sense of mental peace and "groundedness" that I only knew rarely before.

Getting better is not an easy process but I would compare your question to someone who is in terrible physical shape asking, "Can exercise and diet help me get more fit, or is it all just hype?" The answer depends on the person's motivation, their willingness to try different exercises and diets that work for them and that they can stick with year after year, their support network, and their genetics. They may never be an elite athlete, or they may decide they don't want to put in the effort that would require. But starting some sort of program will help them be better off than they were, and the more they improve the more they may want to improve, and the easier and more natural improvement will become.

I base all this not only on my own experience but on the experiences of other "real" people I know in my support group and on this forum. Some people have an easier time recovering than others -- they might happen to get a great OCD therapist on their first try instead of going through several who they just don't work well with. I believe, though, that anyone who really wants to get better can do so if they are determined to find a path that works for them, and if they have the motivation to stay on it even when they are challenged or discouraged.

[Helpgod7]

Thank you so much for your detailed reply. My son falls easily into the recovery avoidance trap and we have to help him get out of the deep ditch he is in. Thanks so much for your fantastic encouragement. I agree, it’s all about putting in the work and perseverance but since it’s been dragging on for so long, it’s frightening.

Thanks once again

[FirstResponder23 in reply to Helpgod7]

I agree, it is a lot of hard work. I will say, one of the best things my parents did for me when I was younger and going through this was to encourage me to put in the work. They didn’t get upset or frustrated with me when I was lazy and didn’t do my work. They reminded me that in order to get better, I need to do the work that I have been taught by my therapist. And they did their absolute best to not give me reassurance.

And I’ve always been taught not to look at it as “recovering” from OCD. We will always have OCD, but there can be periods of time where OCD is quiet and we can live a life free from doubt and worry. Personally speaking, I just went almost a full year without having OCD be loud. It’s about putting in the work to get better, and continuing the work at any opportunity. I hope this helps, and I pray that everyone in your family can overcome these hard moments.

[MeetingWithBobs]

my wife has also struggled with OCD her whole life but only recently hit a low and was diagnosed. She’s had remarkable progress in just a few months with the combination of a great OCD therapist, a healthy lifestyle, and daily ERP. ERP does seem to be a really potent healing tool when used as part of a proper program.

There is unquestionably hope for anyone willing to put in the effort and time to recover. Your son can have a much better life, most important thing is to keep moving forward.

[Helpgod7]

Thank you so much for your heartening answers. I agree it’s about putting in the work but it is such an arduous journey that one feels sad for one’s child but I understand that I have to remain strong in order to help him get through it .

Thanks so much

[MoonMove]

that all depends. I feel like we more likely go into remission. I’m heading towards menopause and the ocd has been a struggle after about 5 year remission. With the tools of ERP and mindfulness I’ve been able to manage them without falling off the deep end. I also have been on SSRIs since 1996 which work very well for ocd in my case but really help to keep my co condition of depression in check

[Helpgod7]

Thank you so much for your reply .