Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that affects up to approximately 3% of the general population. It can affect people from all walks of life, regardless of age, gender or background. OCD can begin in childhood or adolescence but can also develop in adulthood. Unfortunately, many people with OCD struggle in silence, feeling embarrassed or ashamed of their symptoms. Recognizing OCD and understanding its signs is the first step in seeking help and improving your quality of life. While OCD can be a debilitating condition, it is treatable and manageable with the right help, like therapy in a treatment center. 

Symptoms of OCD 

The symptoms of OCD can vary widely from person to person, but they typically involve a cycle of obsessions and compulsions:

• Obsessions — Obsessions are intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause you distress or anxiety. Obsessions may include:
• Fear of contamination
• Fear of harm
• Fear of losing control
• Doubt of things being done correctly
• Need for symmetry or order
• Compulsions — Compulsions are behaviors, rituals or mental acts you do due to the obsessions. Compulsive behaviors are intended to help reduce the distress caused by obsessions. They can provide temporary relief, but can actually make the cycle of OCD harder to break. Compulsions can include:
• Excessive hand-washing or cleaning
• Checking behaviors, such as checking locks or appliances
• Counting or repeating rituals
• Hoarding
• Avoidance behaviors

When to seek help for OCD symptoms

If you’re experiencing symptoms of OCD, it’s important to seek help. Here are some signs that you may need professional help:

• Your symptoms are interfering with your daily life or relationships.
• You are unable to manage your symptoms on your own.
• Your symptoms are causing significant distress or anxiety.
• You are experiencing suicidal thoughts or behaviors. 

If you’re concerned about your OCD symptoms, please reach out to a mental health professional or a treatment center, like our Lightfully Residential Treatment Centers. 

10 benefits of going to a Lightfully treatment center for your OCD symptoms

Living with OCD can be tough, but with the right help, you can learn how to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. Going to a treatment center for care in one of our Lightfully Residential Treatment Centers (RTCs) or for sessions in our Day Treatment Program can bring you many benefits, including:

• Control over obsessions and compulsions — One of the main goals of OCD treatment is to help you gain control over your thoughts and actions. At a treatment center, your primary therapist will create a personalized treatment plan to provide you compassionate and whole-person-centered care using our framework built from components of evidence-based therapeutic techniques, like cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention therapy. These effective methods can teach you how to face your fears without giving in to compulsion, helping you to break the cycle of OCD and feel more in control. 
• Improved relationships — OCD can place a lot of stress on your relationships with family and friends. Constant obsessions and compulsions can be confusing and frustrating for you and your loved ones. Treatment at one of our RTCs or Day Treatment Programs includes family therapy, which can help those around you understand what you’re going through and learn how to best support you. This can help strengthen your relationships and create a stronger support system. 
• Increased self-esteem — OCD can make you feel discouraged, but as you learn how to manage your symptoms, your confidence and self-esteem can grow. Each small success in controlling your OCD can help you feel better about yourself. A treatment center provides you with a safe place where you can build your self-worth and start to feel proud of your progress. 
• Improved quality of life — OCD can make everyday tasks seem difficult. Treatment can help you learn how to handle daily activities without being overwhelmed by obsessions and compulsions. By learning how to manage your symptoms, you’ll be able to enjoy life’s simple pleasures and do the things you love again. 
• Healthy coping skills — Instead of relying on compulsions to help reduce anxiety, OCD treatment can teach you healthy ways to cope with your stress and triggers. You’ll learn skills to help you handle tough situations without resorting to compulsive behaviors, which can make it easier for you to navigate your daily life. 
• Decreased anxieties — A big part of your OCD treatment will be learning to face the fears that drive your obsessions and compulsions. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy can help you learn how to gradually confront these fears without doing the compulsions you’re used to. Over time, this can help reduce anxiety tied to your obsessions, making them less powerful.
• Medication management — Sometimes, medication can help manage OCD symptoms alongside therapy. At a treatment center, doctors and psychiatrists can help you find the right medication, if needed, to work with your treatment plan. They’ll carefully monitor your progress and adjust as needed to help make sure your medication is working in the best way possible. 
• Personalized treatment plan — OCD can come with other underlying challenges like anxiety, depression or past trauma. Your personalized treatment plan will address these underlying issues. This can help you work through the root causes of your OCD. By understanding what’s driving your symptoms, you can learn healthier ways to cope and heal. 
• Collaborative care — Our treatment centers have compassionate experts, including therapists, psychiatrists and other specialists, all working together to help you. This team approach means that every aspect of your care is coordinated and focused on your unique needs, giving you the best chance for long-term success.
• Continued care and support — Just because you complete your treatment program doesn’t mean your care has to stop. We offer continued support through our Lightfully+ Alumni Program, which uses friendly check-ins throughout your first year after treatment to help you stay on track. By staying in touch, we can offer early intervention if you face any challenges or unexpected setbacks. 

Don’t be afraid to seek out the support you need — taking that first step can make all the difference and help you reap the benefits that can greatly improve your life. With our help, you can learn to manage your symptoms, strengthen your relationships and build confidence in yourself. You can take control of your OCD and live a happier, healthier life. 

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.