I remember the exact night my brain turned on me last year and it’s just been downhill ever since. I just don’t understand why I’ve gone all my life so far without OCD and it just hit me out of nowhere at 25.. i guess everyone is different.. but I just don’t know what to do now. I’m terrified to try meds. Therapy is expensive. I just feel so lost.

I’m 22 and this all started a few months back as a result of chronic stress from the pandemic. Meds can be helpful but they’re not the end-all solution, and for some people they don’t work at all. I tried Lexapro and it was awful. But, to address the question of whether your brain will be like this forever — not necessarily. While medications alter brain chemistry, so can lifestyle changes, meditation, exercise, and therapy. ERP and CBT are considered the golden treatment for OCD because it alters the brain and remisses symptoms. I have personally had symptom reduction simply from living healthier and getting more exercise.

Your situation is very similar to mine. August 5 last year I came across something very disturbing online and that initiated this whole madness. I’m also 25.

I remember the exact day and moment my brain turned on me too. I genuinely thought I was going crazy. I was terrified. I’ve had tons of ups and downs since then. It’s been about a year and a half and still, every time I have a couple days that are amazing and I think I’m finally starting to get better, it’s followed by weeks of horrendous OCD episodes. I just started talking to a therapist and I’m already feeling more hopeful. I haven’t started my ERP yet, but just finally getting these thoughts off my chest to a real person and knowing that other people understand, made me feel a little bit better. Therapy is expensive af unfortunately. My insurance doesn’t work with NOCD and to see an OCD specialist in my area, the wait is months. No one is accepting new patients. I’m on a payment plan with NOCD right now. It’s still more than what I’d like to pay and more than what you should have to pay for mental health services, but it’s worth it. Maybe look into that.

That’s honestly so crazy. It happened to me like that too. One little thought one night and then BAM. It’s weird how that works.

Meds arent bad, they can be your friend when things are.topsy turvy. Before they work. Gotta give them at least 2 mos., then after a few months, and you feel under control, with a Dr's help, you can wean off. .. Also research homeopathic SSRI and see what it comes up with. Allot of health food stores , with help, can recommend supplements too. Good luck! You'll be fine.

I am 25 too and mine came on almost exactly a year ago!

This is exactly me! Though I tried antidepressants 2 years before for GAD and depression ! Therapy is doing wonders

I was also 25 last year when this all started! I also remember the exact date! Mine started almost overnight, too! I think my OCD was brought on by a concussion. You are not alone, and this will not last forever.