Why Am I Scared To Let Go Of My OCD?

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours.

We can all have intrusive thoughts from time to time, but if you are struggling with OCD, these thoughts can trigger extreme anxiety that gets in the way with your day to day functioning.

Although you may be aware that your thoughts and beliefs are irrational, you may find it hard to control your worries and anxiety, feeling afraid of letting go of ‘the sense of control’ that OCD provides you.

Reasons Why You May Be Scared To Let Go Of Your OCD

Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are often the result of intense anxiety. This anxiety is then regulated and reinforced through the OCD.

The compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts that you may use with the intention of neutralising, counteracting, or making your obsessions go away.

Although you often realise that this is only a temporary solution, you may find it hard to find a better way to cope, and so you may rely on the compulsion as a temporary respite. Compulsions can also include avoiding situations that trigger obsessions.

Do you often find yourself going through worrying thoughts of letting go of your OCD? Here are some examples of reasons why you may feel scared to let go of your OCD:

• ‘It helps relieve my anxiety’
• ‘It protects me from falling apart, I need it to survive’
• ‘Something very bad will happen if I do’
• ‘It helps me have a sense of control , I have a great fear of letting go’
• ‘I cannot tolerate the thought of uncertainty’
• ‘I don’t know who I am without it’

Therapy will help you recognise the coping mechanisms that you use to deal with intense emotions (one of them being anxiety), and find different coping skills to help you process emotions in a healthier, more efficient way.

Treatment for OCD will focus on challenging your rituals and beliefs, reducing your anxiety, and finding new ways of managing emotions.

Living with OCD can be debilitating, and it can be scary to let go of rituals that feel familiar and safe. We understand this, and will help you create new healthier resources to manage stress and life events.