Before and After Treatment

When I began treatment for OCD several years ago, I wondered what my life deep into recovery would look like. Many people starting OCD treatment for the first time have the same question. The answer differs for everyone, however, I want to give you an idea of what life far into OCD recovery can look like compared to my life before appropriate OCD treatment.

Before treatment…

I stayed up until 1 am and woke up at 5:30 am to make room for compulsive behaviors.

In recovery…

I go to bed at 10 pm and wake up around 7 or 8 am by choice.

Before treatment… 

I would miss family dinners and be late to school and appointments.

In recovery…

I choose to be a bit early to school and appointments, and can do this easily

Before treatment…

I yielded to every single compulsive urge, which were constant all day.

In recovery…

I can resist most compulsive urges, which are much much more infrequent.

Before treatment…

Obsessions and intrusive thoughts filled my mind, and I could barely think of anything else.

In recovery…

My mind is mostly clear with the occasional intrusive thought, which I can acknowledge and let pass without obsessing about it.

Before treatment…

I would rarely see friends.

In recovery…

I can see friends whenever I want!

And finally,

Before treatment…

I never saw a future for myself.

After treatment…

I am making a future for myself.