1. Speak to a Licensed Therapist
A qualified psychologist or psychiatrist is the only one who can properly diagnose OCD and develop a plan for treating it. Depending on your unique OCD case, you may respond well to a combination of cognitive and cognitive-behavioral therapy, and some experts also recommend exposure treatment and response prevention, a form of behavioral therapy that involves confronting the triggers of ritualized behavior and then preventing the OCD patient from engaging in that behavior. In addition, licensed therapists can recommend OCD experts who are in the area.
2. Contact the Psychology or Psychiatry Department of a Nearby University
Local schools are often engaged in research on conditions like OCD and may have insight or suggestions on the best kind of treatment for your case. More importantly, they may know counselors in the area who understand OCD and can give you an effective treatment for coping with it.
3. Look for an OCD Support Group
Many OCD patients withdraw from the world rather than risk being triggered by the subjects of their obsession. Ironically, this isolation and loneliness can make the condition worse, leaving you to fixate on your obsession without anything else competing for your attention. An OCD support group can introduce you to others who know what you're going through, helping to remove some of the social stigma and encouraging you to socialize. Support groups also have contact information for nearby professionals who can set up a therapy plan to help with your recovery.
4. Learn More About OCD
The more you know about obsessive-compulsive behavior, the more readily you can to deal with it. If you understand your symptoms and where they come from, they may not seem as frightening. More importantly, increased knowledge may help stem the anxiety and stress caused by OCD, which may calm you when you are triggered and prevent any episodes from growing worse. The Obsessive Compulsive Foundation is a well-recognized resource for information about OCD treatments.
