This post comes from our regular contributor, Melanie Lefebvre. 

What having OCD has taught me:

1) Keep learning. The saying “knowledge is power” may be cliché but its got some bang for its buck when it comes to OCD. My scrupulosity has acted as the judge of all behavior, but learning about my OCD has given me a different perspective of what’s happening. Feeling like a morally bad person still hurts but I’m no longer navigating the pain blindly – I’ve learned how to deal with these thoughts.

2) Save what you learn. Unless you have a didactic memory, consider keeping an “OCD file.” I have one on my phone – I can quickly turn to nuggets of wisdom when my OCD is throwing a party. I save quotes from books, words of encouragement from friends, and advice from professionals. I also stumble across gems outside of OCD literature. My favorite poem is The Guest House by Rumi, specifically this line: “The dark thought, the shame, the malice, meet them at the door laughing, and invite them in.” I asked for a fake tattoo for Christmas with the text “invite them in” as a reminder to welcome OCD rather than resisting it. Maybe one day I’ll get it permanently inked.

3) Reach out (when you’re ready). Connecting with others who have OCD has helped take away some of its power. There was a time when being open to others about my OCD was unthinkable, but I slowly opened up. Go at your own pace and find an anonymous online message board when you’re ready. OCD can make us feel like we’re lone soldiers and reaching out can help you realize we’re all in this together.

4) There is empowerment in advocacy. As you become more comfortable with connecting to other people and managing your OCD, advocacy becomes a possibility. Of course it’s entirely optional, but for me advocacy has taken the pain of OCD in a direction I didn’t anticipate. It’s given me something to believe in and it’s been a way to channel my energy. I wish I didn’t have to be channeling the energy of what feels like a demon, I wish I didn’t have OCD, but I do and I’m taking a stand.