Is it common for OCD to worsen after starting treatment?

Yes, treating OCD typically becomes worse at first because you should stop doing the compulsive behaviors that were providing you with temporary relief. After time with ERP, it will improve.

Ignoring a small leak in your roof might give you temporary peace of mind, but as the seasons change and storms intensify, that blissful unawareness will only lead to a flooded attic. Just as addressing roof damage early prevents catastrophic home repairs, confronting issues head-on, rather than remaining ignorant, can save us from more significant problems down the road. This analogy compares ignoring a problem to neglecting a leaky roof. Initially, the ignorance might seem like a blessing, providing a false sense of security. However, as time passes and the problem worsens (like a small leak turning into major water damage), the consequences become much more severe and harder to manage

Heyy! It happened to me at first too! Youre not alone🫶 When someone makes you go head first into your fears everything just seems to get so much worse and youre aware of all the icky OCD thoughts so you freak out, but I guess its just a part of the process! I finished my treatment (my weekly heavy ERP sessions with my therapist ahaha) and when I look back at it I can say it was 1000000% worth it! YOU GOT THISSS