Welcome back ninjas! Why does treatment not work for some people, but it does for others? OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, affects millions of people worldwide. While there are effective treatments available, not everyone responds well to them. In this video, we will explore some of the reasons why OCD treatment may not be working for you and what you can do about it. So, let's dive in.

Firstly, it's important to understand that OCD treatment is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of therapy and medication. However, many people misunderstand the treatment process, which can lead to an unsuccessful outcome. For example, some people believe that medication alone can cure OCD, while others believe that therapy is unnecessary. In reality, both medication and therapy are often essential components of OCD treatment. This doesn't mean that you have to be on medication to see success. But if therapy alone isn't cutting it, it's something worth exploring.

Medications for OCD

However, not all medications work for everyone, and some people may not respond well to them. If you're not seeing results with medication, it may be because you're not taking the correct dosage or the right medication. It's essential to work closely with your doctor to ensure that you're taking the right medication and dosage for your specific condition. Additionally, it's important to note that medications can take several weeks to start working, so it's essential to be patient and give them time to work.

Exposure and response prevention, or ERP, is a type of therapy that is highly effective in treating OCD. However, it can be challenging to implement, and many people may not be willing to do the hard work required or frankly are not sure what to do. ERP involves exposing yourself to triggers that cause distress and anxiety and then preventing yourself from engaging in compulsions. This process can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it's essential to the success of OCD treatment.

If you're not seeing results with ERP, it may be because you're not fully committed to the process or not doing it correctly. It's vital to work closely with your therapist to understand the ERP process and persistently work on it.

Obviously, I'm not aware of everyone's efforts, however, I do know that there is often a disconnect between expectations and therapy.

For instance, when I see someone in a forum say. "I did ERP, the treatment for OCD and it doesn't work for me." My first thought is:

Did you make treatment your part time job? Did you dedicate literal hours a day to it? Did you stop or delay the compulsions?

If you did all of these things, did you attempt medications in conjunction to ERP? If so, did you wait long enough to get on the therapeutic dose? If you don't know, it often has to be pretty high before it even touches OCD.

But Nate! I don't have access to a therapist or they are too expensive. I don't even know what to do. Well you're in luck! Go to my online program outlining exactly what you can do. And helping you make a structured plan toward beating OCD and anxiety. I'll link that down below.

For some they may not need to dedicate as much time. Others, dedicate their life and to it for a while until they see their results. For EVERYONE, it becomes a lifestyle. Not a temporarily change, lifestyle.

Imagine you broke both of your legs. So bad that you're unable to walk. The doctors tell you, if you don't do physical therapy everyday for 2-3 hours you'll never walk again. Would you do it? Most would. It's a physical function that is often seen. While OCD is often internal and not seen, I'd want to treat it the same. If I'm not dedicating the time daily, how can I expect to get better?

Imagine this same scenario, but I did the exercises 1-5 minutes a day. Yes, I may see some improvement, but will it be enough to be functional?

Sometimes, underlying conditions can make OCD treatment more challenging. For example, if you have depression in addition to OCD, it can be harder to treat. If you're not seeing results with OCD treatment, it may be because an underlying condition is making it more challenging to manage your symptoms. In this case, it's essential to work with your doctor to address any underlying conditions and adjust your treatment plan accordingly.

OCD can be a challenging condition to manage, and it's essential to have a strong support system in place. If you're not seeing results with OCD treatment, it may be because you're not receiving enough support from friends and family. It's important to have people in your life who understand your condition and are willing to support you through the treatment process. Additionally, joining a support group can be helpful in connecting with others who are going through a similar experience.

Enter, join OCD ninja's here....😉

You know what's important. Remove the shame and guilt. I can tell by watching this video, you may have feel a sense of shame. Stop it. Learn from what's worked and what hasn't worked. Lean on those around you. Find things that help. Use your weakness and turn them into strengths.

I can attest that people do get better. Don't think that treatment doesn't work for you because that's one of OCD's biggest lies. Your life is worth living. For real though.

I also am aware that it can sound easier than done, but when someone just surrenders in faith that the treatment will work......it tends to work.

The more you learn about OCD, the more you can tell it what to do. So go watch this video here. And until next time my friend, say awesome, I'll see you next time.