For many people, the most difficult part of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) might be the way it attacks what we hold most dear. When OCD latches onto our morals, our identity, our loved ones, it can make us question our most fundamental beliefs about ourselves.
We can end up spending years convinced that we’re a bad person with dark thoughts, or that seeking help would be even more terrifying than continuing to suffer in silence: What if a therapist says that we aren’t suffering from OCD, but are simply a terrible person? What if they’re horrified by the contents of our mind?
These concerns are incredibly common, and the 10 stories that follow come from people who once felt exactly the same way. The cruel inner voice of OCD tried to convince them that they were “a hopeless monster,” “a pervert,” or capable of terrible things. They delayed seeking care, fearing judgment or confirmation of their worst fears about themselves.
Yet in spite of their fears, each person eventually found themselves making that first call for help. And when they did, each discovered that they were experiencing common symptoms of OCD that responded to proper treatment.
10 stories of how asking for help can change everything
“When this first started, I thought I was secretly a pervert and deserved to go to jail. I thought I would never be able to go back to college and do what I love (play and study music at an amazing music school). I thought God was revealing to me that I was a hopeless monster and deserved to die for my worst thoughts. I thought I would eventually snap and act them out and die in jail, like many with OCD probably thought at some point. After over a month of ERP, I’ve realised that I am not my worst intrusive thoughts. I am my values…And as painful as it is, and even though I still have rough moments, I’m conquering it bit by bit.” –Andrei 9000
“I always believed that these thoughts must have meant something about me. I always believed that I would never be able to live a normal life. I always believed that I would never get better. I have experienced every single sub-type under the sun, whether it has been False Memory OCD, Harm OCD, or whatever it may be, I have pretty much been through it all. I know how difficult it is, and honestly, I know how easy it is to get consumed by your themes. …I got better when I figured out the goal is to just be able to co-exist with unwanted intrusive thoughts and anxiety. …Once you learn that acceptance is the way forward, you will start to realize that your thoughts and feelings and urges or whatever they may be, are not actually dangerous at all. …Over time, and with support from the community and your therapist, you will be so, so glad you made this step, and you will start to live your life on your own terms.” –AaronB1111
“When I first started therapy 6 months ago I was a ball of anxiety, completely crippled and scared. The Harm OCD thoughts jumped from others to self and POCD, and other themes crept up. The thought of recovery sounded like a distant, far-away place that I could only HOPE to get to. 6 months later I am a completely different person! I have control over my life, no longer give power to intrusive thoughts, and can manage my life.” –Anonymous
“When I first started ERP therapy through NOCD, I was scared, defeated, and unsure if what I had was truly OCD. I’ve since learned that OCD doesn’t have to rule out life. We are in control of our thoughts and that is powerful. I’ve learned that success is not linear and that there will be hills to climb but I’m confident that with more hard work and the tools that I’ve learned, I can accomplish what I set out to do. My therapist is amazing and I look forward to my future.” –Zmanflex
“When I first began therapy, the darkness was so thick and heavy that hope and brighter days felt like a sham, a lie. …I was undiagnosed and fighting for my life…Intrusive thoughts made me feel undeserving of my faith, marriage, family, home, and career. …I made the call to NOCD with tears in my eyes saying that I need help. ‘I think I have OCD, and I can’t live like this anymore.’ Treatment began. …I remember my therapist saying that while it doesn’t feel surmountable, ERP will help. She said things would get better if I trusted the process and committed. That felt like a lie back in December 2023…I’m so glad feelings aren’t facts! …I committed to the process, and…sunlight broke through my perspective little by little.” –JustBreatheItGetsBetter
“I thought my life was over and that once everyone around me realized how terrible and disgusting I was, that I would be disowned. I failed out of classes and I quit my job because of how difficult it was to live my life. …Through the help of my therapist, ERP, and a little boost from medication from my psychiatrist, I can now say that I can go a day or two, or three, or even more without even remembering that I have OCD. …Trust me—if I can get through it, you can too!” –Carcharhinus_longimanus
“When I first started, I didn’t think I could ever get a handle on things. I was so afraid and overwhelmed. Today I’m driving, I’m going to the store alone, I’m taking work trips. Though I still have hard days, I feel like I have the tools to work through them. I’m so grateful.” –Vamp DeVille
“Opening up about OCD is so hard, even when I know I’m in a safe space, but I’m so glad I did. I’m still learning how to accept that OCD is a part of me and my journey but I’m so grateful to have access to the tools that help me do that. One of the most important things I’ve learned how to do is to sit in uncomfortable feelings and not run away from them. It’s such a helpful technique, especially knowing that negative emotions are going to affect you throughout your life, so it’s important to realize you don’t have to be afraid of them.” –hellokittygirl
“For about a year, I dealt with intrusive thoughts about the worst themes possible. I would gaslight myself [into believing] that I could do horrible things, without even having access to what I believed I was capable of doing. If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts…just know it gets better! Thoughts do not define who you are whatsoever and OCD has a sneaky way of making you believe they do. …It will get better, it just takes time… You got this!” –Anonymous
“I know you doubt that I have felt like you, but I promise I have. Feeling panicked, feeling exhausted from constantly being afraid, and even self hatred for having ‘control’ of your fears but being unable to get past them. …I couldn’t picture myself growing old because my suffering was so great. I had doubts that I had OCD. I say all this because I got the correct treatment…and within a year, it was as if my life changed completely. I am about to be engaged, the happiest I’ve ever been, and OCD has taken a complete backseat. It’s honestly unbelievable to me.” –BrazenSam
What’s on the other side of fear and doubt
If you see yourself in these stories—the fear, the doubt, the belief that your case of OCD is somehow “different” or “worse”—please know that these experiences are symptoms of OCD itself. This condition thrives on convincing you that you’re beyond help, that your thoughts reveal something terrible about you, and that treatment might work for others, but not for you.
None of this is true, and you don’t have to continue suffering alone.
Here at NOCD, our team understands the courage it takes to reach out when the doubts feel overwhelming, and shame and fear are telling you to stay silent. We’ve heard it all before, from the most violent to the most taboo intrusive thoughts, and we recognize these as symptoms of OCD—not indications of who you are.
We can match you with a therapist who understands this, too, and who is trained in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, the treatment that’s been proven to be most effective at helping people break free from these thoughts. With their guidance, you can start moving towards the life you want—a life where OCD takes a backseat to the experiences that truly matter to you. Book a free 15-minute call with us to learn more.