Help us smile please

Hey! First off I’m so sorry that your son is going through this. You are amazing parents for getting him the help that he needs. Back in 2020 I had the most debilitating OCD; unfortunately it had made me suicidal. However, after a failed attempt I realized that my only option was to seek treatment through ERP: and so I did. It was very very difficult at first. There were times where it seemed like I was going to be “stuck” forever. However, the thing that gave me hope was reminding myself that recovery truly is not a straight upward trend (as corny as it is). After a great amount of time doing research and heeding to advice by my therapists, OCD started to lose grip on the state of my well being; I am able to experience happiness in my daily life and function like a “regular” adult. I will recognize, however, that I was lucky because I was able to recover in a positive and safe environment; I understand that not everyone has access to that. Nowadays, do I have flares ups from time to time? Yes. However, because I have the base-level tools to combat it, I know it won’t ever reach the level that it was when I was suicidal. Combatting OCD is a mind-game that anyone is capable of beating, as long as you have the tools and motivation :).

I was in intense therapy for about 8 months before I recovered. OCD in the end is very simple, once he understands it and has done enough exposure he will be fine. You just have to grasp that there is no problem to solve and trying to solve the ocd spike is the actual problem. The “what if” uncertainty he feels is pulling him into the ocd loop, once in you must break that loop. The loop is this, having a thought, feeling anxiety, trying to solve the thought, doing a compulsion, feeling temporary relief, repeat. Anxiety is an illusion of control. You must allow your body to feel anxious and not do the compulsion. When you finally know the compulsion is not going to save you, that it will not make you safe, you then can be free of ocd. In the end after recovery we are better at dealing with uncertainty than people without ocd. I hope his recovery goes well and he is better soon.

It's important to remember that recovery is a journey with its ups and downs, and progress often comes in small steps. Success stories in OCD and overcoming challenges are not only about reaching the end goal but also about the resilience, courage, and determination shown along the way. Many individuals have faced similar struggles and have found their way towards healing and managing their conditions effectively with time and support. Your son's commitment to his treatment and efforts in working on resisting compulsions show his strength and determination. With time, persistence, and support from loved ones and professional help, positive changes and progress can happen. Stay hopeful, stay supportive, and believe in the journey of recovery. Sending you and your son much love and positivity. I personally was in a bad situation. I didn't have OCD, I think, a couple of years before covid started, and it was mild. During the pandemic, it became severe, and I didn't know it was OCD. Then, a while before I came to this app, I searched and found out it's OCD. I watched Matt Codde's YouTube videos and learned about OCD. I also used Matt Codde's 12-week program. I made a lot of progress. I wrote about myself in my profile too. I want to say that I have made so much progress and have recovered from many of my compulsions. I am sure your son can do the same soon.

I am in the same situation. I feel, sympathize and pray for you and your son. May God bring cure to all of them, Amin. Here is what we did, and it seems to help. 1. Started sessions with NOOCD, initially he was doing just because we told him, but he saw progress, and start to regain control. 2. He visited a psychiatrist, and he is on medication, which possibly helped. 3. We planned a trip for him , where he can be under sun and on a beach, to get him off the same environment and social media and his cell. 4. We send a good friend and dear to him to meet in that destination. Did that end it, maybe not, but there is progress. Next, I am investigating hypnosis as another vehicle along with other methods, in hope to crush this evil illness. I pray for your son and mine, and all on this platform for recovery. Trust that your parents and family is with you sharing your suffering. We will never leave you as long as you try and fight , it will get better. Get busy, let other priorities and thoughts compete in your brain with those intrusive thoughts. Trust that you one day will crush it. Have a great day all!