When obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) takes hold, it can seem to steal the most precious parts of life. The relationships that mean so much to us can become a target of relentless intrusive thoughts, the hobbies that bring us joy can become triggers, and our dreams for the future can feel impossible to achieve.
Many people suffer from OCD in silence for years, thinking they’re alone in their struggles or that their condition is untreatable. Yet for those who seek help through evidence-based treatment, particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, transformation is possible.
The changes shared below capture the journeys of 21 people who fought back against OCD with the help of ERP therapy. Their stories offer a powerful message: no matter how long you’ve struggled with OCD or how hopeless things might feel, you can reclaim everything OCD tries to take away with the right treatment and support.
How has OCD treatment changed our members’ lives?
They regained the freedom to do what they love
“I’m slowly enjoying music again. Thoughts used to be so loud, but now that I’ve learned how to deal with them, my creative and expressive side with music is coming back and that makes me happy. OCD and depression really took away a lot of things in my life.” -Julio5415
“One of my favourite movies became an OCD trigger. I ended up watching it with my therapist and started to love the movie again!” -roarytorii 🌸
“I can finally listen to music and drive again, and I can sing in the shower at home all alone. I feel like I got my life back! The OCD thoughts still linger but I know why they’re there and how to handle them!” -alissagreber
Their relationships improved
“My relationships improved a lot. I deal with sexual intrusive thoughts but as I go through treatment, I notice myself being able to relax. I’ve even been able to tell my family that I love them, which wasn’t possible before without having horrible intrusive thoughts. I am also able to be close to my partner. … Earlier this same year, if you told me that I’d be able to hang out with my family, go outside without fear, pet animals, and sleep soundly, I would have thought you were lying. Now I am doing so much better.” -regretfulrain
“I’ve gone back to school and I graduate this spring! I have a job I love now! I also am able to be in a loving relationship where my partner accepts me, OCD and all!” -lilfroggy
They learned that their thoughts don’t define them
“Before I was diagnosed with OCD and started therapy at NOCD, I would avoid discomfort at all costs. I thought that there was some deep, dark monster lurking in me and that my intrusive thoughts ‘meant’ so many things about me. Now, I’m learning to be okay being uncomfortable, and I’m making peace with the ‘monster’ that has nothing to do with my character, values, or worth, and everything to do with this disorder.” -JazzyJez86
“Before: I thought I had gone completely insane and could not handle the horridness of my thoughts. Now: I am still a work in progress, but have made huge strides since getting diagnosed and starting therapy and medication.” -Slicey
“Before I had the most horrific thoughts, didn’t understand the world and suffered greatly every single day. I’d have ‘episodes’ when my compulsions were interrupted and felt embarrassed and confused with myself a lot. After: I’m the happiest, most non-judgemental, loving person I know.” -Wolfram
We can help you tackle your intrusive thoughts, no matter what they are
They make choices based on values, not fear
“Before ERP: Living life in fear, waiting for the other shoe to drop or some catastrophe, fearing what my brain could produce. After ERP: Allowing myself to feel and be afraid while still living my values. Not engaging with the ‘what if’ and letting it all just be.” -Anonymous NOCD Member
“The need for compulsions is zero to none! I can experience discomfort so much better now and sit with it. I no longer accommodate my life to my OCD. My life feels so much more full thanks to ERP.” -Anonymous NOCD Member
“One way my life has changed since starting OCD therapy is that I’m able to use knives again. After a self-harm attempt before I started therapy I feared knives and refused to use them. At restaurants, I would order food that didn’t need to be cut by knives and no one aside from my roommate noticed. Through ERP, I’ve been able to find the courage to use them again without any anxiety.” -PatRyan
They discovered their strength
“I am able to take a breath and fight instead of continuously spiraling into the dark.” -Emess7
“Life is amazing again and a journey worth fighting for. No matter what happens, I got this, and OCD can just sit down and shut up. I am in control now.” -PatrickF
“I really only struggle with my last main obsession that is still so scary to me and feels so real. However, I was still able to go to the gym today. The me 5 months ago wouldn’t have had the strength to do that. I had a difficult night sleeping due to anxiety and yet I still went to workout, and I had a difficult day but we got through it, and I just did my exposure homework for the day. Things have changed drastically for the better.” -OCDHelp@90
No matter what happens, I got this, and OCD can just sit down and shut up. I am in control now.
NOCD Member PatrickF
They changed their relationships with uncertainty
“Before ERP: Certain, but the world was the size of a pinhole. During & after ERP: Uncertain, uncomfortable, but the world’s opening up.” -Anonymous NOCD Member
“I am able to function in my daily life even when my distress levels are high. I’ve been able to call out my avoidance behaviors and reduce the frequency of my avoidance. I’ve realized that just because I am experiencing distressing thoughts, feelings, sensations, I don’t have to DO anything about it. And I’ve realized that as much as I want to figure everything out and have certainty, I will never have it, and that’s okay.” -OCDlikewoah
They gained the tools to put OCD in its place
“My thoughts bother me less and whenever they pop up and I flare up slightly, I relax knowing I’m better equipped to deal with it, accepting uncertainty with messages, not pushing these thoughts away and, most importantly, moving on with your life.” -crumb.
“My thoughts bother me less than they used to. My main theme still loves to lurk in the back of my mind, which is frustrating. But! When new themes or one off themes arrive, I know what to do. … Grateful to not suffer like I used to. Grateful that the suffering has become less intense as time passes.” -theali-est
“Before: Low confidence in my ability to get through hard times, constant ruminating, stuck in compulsive cycles out of ‘safety,’ struggling to set boundaries. After: More self-compassion (this was so difficult prior to ERP), more faith in myself, courage to walk away from bad situations instead of staying for the ‘what if,’ I laugh more, I sleep better, I handle my emotions with more grace, I confront new themes head-on and don’t run from them, even when I want to. And, community! I love the support groups and this forum.” -MichelleV
I laugh more, I sleep better, I handle my emotions with more grace, I confront new themes head-on and don’t run from them, even when I want to.
NOCD Member MichelleV
They’re living as their most authentic selves
“I feel like I am living more. Less shrouded and protected. Just more authentic.” -Jake T
“I’ve had OCD almost as long as I can remember and I feel as if I’m meeting myself for the first time.” -ResilientTaurus
How could proper care change your life?
These stories represent just a fraction of the thousands of people who’ve reclaimed everything OCD tried to take away. While each person’s journey was unique, they all shared one crucial first step: seeking out proper care for what they were going through—specifically ERP therapy, the most proven treatment for OCD.
ERP therapy works by gradually helping you face your fears while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. Through this process, you discover that you’re stronger than OCD, and that uncertainty—while it may feel uncomfortable—doesn’t have to rule your life, breaking the cycle that keeps OCD in control. As these stories show, this process can lead to profound changes, from rebuilding relationships to rediscovering passions, to simply feeling present in your own life again.
At NOCD, our therapists are extensively trained in OCD and ERP therapy and deeply understand the many different ways OCD can manifest. They’re ready to guide you through the same evidence-based treatment that helped these 21 individuals transform their lives. Book a free 15-minute call with our team to learn more about getting matched with a NOCD Therapist and getting started.