Managing OCD without relying on medication

I bargain with my ocd in a way. I can give into my less disruptive impulses if i can not do the disruptive ones.

I’m currently fighting mine off meds and let me tell you, the best thing for me has been my Family, Friends, and Fiancé. When I’m exhibiting symptoms they help bring me back down to earth so I can function and focus on the task at hand.

I would recommend exposure therapy with someone who specializes in OCD therapy. It helped me a lot.

In my experience, i would recommend pairing the meds with a psychologist/psychiatrist who you work well with. I tried out 2 others before I found one that actually helped me with anything. Also, one of the biggest parts of getting better for me was taking all the time I needed, and I was motivated to get better because I wanted to get off my meds within that year, which helped me to push my comfort zone. Regardless, finding someone who works well with you and acknowledging that this will take time is what worked best for me.

It’s good to remember that even if you end up giving in a few times, most especially during times of stress, you gotta forgive yourself and remember recovery isn’t linear. Habits can be hard to break out of especially when it’s all you knew how to soothe and reassure yourself

Only advice I had gotten so far is just to not give in the compulsions, it always reinforces it and yes it’s definitely hard but trying is always worth it. Sometimes it’ll get the best of us regardless of meds due to stress, stress can always be a trigger and make it worse than it usually is on or off meds