POST RECOVERY STAGE OF OCD (CHAPTER 7)

Obviously, one of the first stages in OCD recovery is to believe that you can heal yourself. However, recovery is very much on an individual basis and is considered as a lifestyle. The process of recovery from OCD similar to the onset of the common illness, is gradual and ongoing. For some, recovery is an ongoing journey. For others, recovery is a specific destination. OCD affects every part of a person’s life. It may disrupt your ability to function at work, in social situations and in the family. OCD recovery does not just come to you over a night. Like being in warfare, you need an attacking offence and the support of your armies who are your close friends, relatives, family which can help make your recovery happened.

In addition, OCD recovery does require patience, commitment, courage, resilience, and most importantly "self-compassion". A lengthy illness, for instance, can lower a person’s self-confidence; making him or her feel insecure and vulnerable in situations that were once familiar and comfortable. Such a prolonged mental disorder as OCD can cause people to become quite dependent on those around them. They are often surprised at how frightened they are at the prospect of being independent and resuming their responsibilities. As these reactions are a normal part of the recovery phase of OCD, what is clear is that recovery is a process and not an isolated event.

EFFECTIVE RELAPSE PREVENTION

OCD, like any other physical illnesses (e.g. diabetes, hypertension, and allergy), is also a chronic condition. Although the symptoms can be reduced and controlled with both medication and therapy, however, you need to take precautions to prevent the symptoms from reoccurring. It is important to be aware of how you are feeling. Anxiety, stress, fatigue and feeling out of control can trigger a sudden relapse. For some people, certain situations or conditions can inflict symptoms. After all, one of the most common causes of OCD relapse is when people stop their medication too soon or too fast.

1. Become knowledgeable about OCD

Try to expand your knowledge enrichment. Read as much references or literatures as you can about the OCD and its treatments. The power of internet, for example, makes it easy for people with OCD to seek the best form of cure through myriads of free information available across websites.

2. Learn and use healthy strategies for coping with stress and fears

Once the symptoms of ocd have improved, maintaining these gains requires commitment and determination. Ineffective strategies for coping with stress and fears must be replaced with healthy ones. Try to resist the urge to perform your compulsions. Using skills learned in therapy, continue to work to eliminate the obsessive patterns of your thoughts and rituals. Do not be satisfied with only partial improvement of symptoms since this will leave you prone to relapse from the sickness.

3. Have your support system to get involved in your recovery

If you allow yourself to become isolated and keep your inner world a secret, you will create an ideal breeding ground for symptoms of OCD. When family and friends are aware and involved in your struggle, they can help in a number of ways. For example, they can assist you to control your compulsive urges, help you guard against the recurrence of your symptoms, provide all the necessary support and encouragement. However, who you will tell about your illness is a very personal choice. As a buffer against your OCD relapse, have at least one or two trustworthy people among your social circle that you can rely on.