[BeaFlower]

I asked something similar also in the OCD forum, but not many people seemed to know the answer. I know that you can have some improvements, because I improved too and now I can rexist to the compulsions most of the time, but I have to make an effort. I wanted to know if these symptoms can completely disappear and it can become 'natural' not to do your compulsions (maybe with a therapy), or if usually something remains. I'm not in therapy now.
Thanks!

[pegasus]

Hello BeaFlower,

Obsessions and compulsions are often done when you feel life is out of control and these rituals are done to try to make it feel safe. So, doing something over and over is actually about trying to make it feel safe. It's actually anxiety that is the driving force behind OCD. So the treatment is psychotherapy and medication. Medication for the anxiety and psychotherapy to learn to cope with the anxiety and to figure out where it stems from. Why do you feel so unsafe that you need to try and control it? If you can understand the why, then you can cope with it better.

So, can they disappear, yes but with work on your part. If you feel happy, safe and secure, you will not feel the need to carry on the rituals.

I hope this makes sense, if not please get back to me! Hugs

[BeaFlower]

Yes, I understand. So, the symptoms can completely disappear...it's a good news! But I don't know if I'd feel up to doing a long therapy And expecially I'd be embarrassed to tell it to my parents, this is the problem. But thanks for your answer.
Can I ask also another thing? I wanted to know if OCD can be more or less severe in different people. Since what I read and listen there are people with much worse symptoms than me...mine seem less severe. (But they are however annoying for me)

[pegasus]

Try not compare on severity of symptoms because your symptoms affect you more than anyone else, right. Everyone is different of course in how it affects them. A lot of people have obsessions and compulsions as a way of coping with stress, the time to seek help is when you feel it is running your life and is unhealthy.