Ask friends and family members for the name of a therapist they trust. Look online for recommendations, as well. [2] X Research source

With CBT, your therapist will help you learn new ways to handle these tasks in your life. As you progress, these will gradually become more difficult. [3] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source It can be helpful to include family or close friends in your treatment. They can help you practice your exposure and provide you with support and encouragement.

The therapist may prescribe an antidepressant. Be patient, as it can take some trial and error to find the right medication and dose. [5] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source Medications may also cause unpleasant side effects like nausea, decreased sexual drive, or weight gain. Talk to your doctor to decide which, if any, medication is right for you.

Talk to your therapist if you feel this would help. They may be able to refer you to a facility and help you get admitted. [6] X Research source Don’t just depend on your provider to do the legwork. Research treatment centers to determine which is right for your case.

Write down your thoughts. Getting them out in the open may get them out of your mind. Your notes can also help in your treatment process. Try not to prevent the thoughts from coming into your head. The more you try to keep them away the more likely they are to return, often making the fear worse over time. [7] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source

Tell yourself that every thought you’ve ever experienced in your life has not come to fruition. Therefore, the chances of these thoughts actually occurring are slim to none. [8] X Research source Say, “Just because I think it does not make it true. " Repeat this whenever your thoughts overwhelm you with fear or worry.

This type of treatment is used in exposure and response prevention therapy. It takes a lot of psychological effort, but is often effective with the help of a therapist. [9] X Research source You might practice deep breathing when you feel strong compulsions. It may also help to count aloud to 100. Practice getting further and further along the number line before you give in to the compulsion.

Eating a healthy diet is also essential when trying to become physically and mentally healthy. Talk to your doctor about any vitamins or supplements they think you may also need. [10] X Research source Make time for daily relaxation, as well. Therapy and practice with exposure are important, but can be emotionally draining. Take time to rest, recharge, and put yourself at ease.

Talk to your therapist about any support groups in the area that they may recommend. You may also consider attending one online. [11] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source

You might say to a friend, “I am late for class a lot because I have to do these rituals before I leave my apartment. I just wanted you to know what I’m dealing with. " Your friends and family can also help hold you accountable for doing exposures, and can provide you with support and encouragement when you face challenges.

Consistency and persistence are critical in recovery for OCD, so it is important to tackle something that challenges you every day. Even if the homework is difficult or you feel that it isn’t helpful, it is still important to finish it. It is likely working in ways you aren’t aware of. [13] X Trustworthy Source International OCD Foundation Non-profit organization dedicated to helping everyone affected by Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and related disorders to live full and productive lives. Go to source