Does ocd ever go away?

My little brother and I got into a heated discussion because he argued that the mentality I have been approaching mental health with, under the guidance of several professionals, is doing me harm. I have always thought that we are working towards managing the disorder, not “curing” it. With the eventual goal being to make it so small you maybe barely notice it, but always maintaining an understanding that your brain is capable of engaging in these cyclical behaviors, so in case they ever pop up again, you can manage them. He said that mentality that I will “always have” ocd, means I will never get rid of it. That if I simply change my thinking, I can actually rid it forever. I told him I think it’s valid to keep awareness of it “forever” as a way to prevent from falling into the suffering again, similar to how alcoholics will always need to be aware of their feelings and behaviors around alcohol, or ED patients around food. He said that is a sad way to live.

★

Date posted: Yesterday

People have gotten into remission from OCD from what i am aware I think that for a lot of sciences we are at the very start of understanding disorders and what helps, maybe in the next decade they will find more stuff and maybe better treatments. Society may also change how ocd is viewed and that could change how we are treated, but i think we have a stereotypical black and white view on OCD currently. i don’t think it’s simply black and white in the way that you have ocd or you cure it. i think it’s either you are living with ocd or you are surviving with ocd, and we get to chose which one we want to be. i hope this helped in anyway and wish you well on your journey :) (im lowkey half asleep while writing this so i hope it makes sense)

Anonymous

Date posted: Yesterday

Hey! I have the same mindset as you! As we know, ocd is very complex and theres no definitive way to cure it. It sounds like he’s not really educated on ocd or mental disorders at all. I actually think you’re approaching it in the best possible way. I think one of the most important parts of recovery is the acceptance that ocd may always be a part of you in some way, and it’s all about making it more manageable 💕

#happiness

Date posted: Yesterday

I share your mindset

Anonymous

User type: OCD Conqueror

Date posted: Yesterday

I have recently had to practice having lot of acceptance for having OCD symptoms so this hits close to home. There are differences between the brains of people who have OCD and who don't. Its true that people who overidentify with their mental disorders and trauma often have worse outcomes. But there's also a lot of OCD that is out of your control. You dont have it because you have a bad mindset, but bad luck. (Genetics and/or environment.) Also, the therapy thats all about changing your mindset, cognitive behavioral therapy, doesn't work very well for OCD and ironically can actually make it worse. It is sad, in a way. But accepting that its part of how your brain works doesn't have to be an excuse to limit yourself. (I think that might be what he's afraid of) In fact staying aware and managing mild symptoms will actually increase your ability to go on adventures and doing great things.

Be a part of the largest OCD Community

Share your thoughts so the Community can respond