Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a treatable mental health condition that affects about 1 in 40 people. While OCD can feel overwhelming, there are proven ways to reduce symptoms and regain control over your life.
The most effective way to manage OCD is with a combination of evidence-based therapies, practical self-help techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits. The six strategies below represent the approaches backed by the strongest clinical evidence.
1.Face your fears gradually with ERP
The most effective, research-backed treatment for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. ERP is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) proven to be effective for OCD. General CBT, if not tailored for OCD, can sometimes be unhelpful or even worsen symptoms.
ERP involves intentionally confronting situations, thoughts, or images that trigger anxiety (the “exposure”) while resisting the urge to engage in compulsions (the “response prevention”).
How ERP works
When you repeatedly face a feared trigger without giving into compulsions, your brain learns that the distress naturally fades over time and that feared outcomes are unlikely. Over time, ERP breaks the cycle that keeps OCD symptoms going.
What to expect
Most people work with a therapist with specialized training in OCD and ERP and can begin seeing results in 8-12 weeks. The process can be challenging at first, but it’s highly effective in the long run.
2.Practice mindfulness and be kind to yourself
Mindfulness helps you observe intrusive thoughts without judgment, and self-compassion teaches you to respond with kindness rather than criticism. These skills work together to reduce the shame and urgency that often fuel compulsive behaviors.
Why it’s effective
Mindfulness interrupts the “thought-reaction” loop. By noticing a thought (“What if I hurt someone?”) and labeling it as just a thought—not a fact—you give yourself space to choose how to respond. Self-compassion shifts your inner voice from harsh and fearful to calm and supportive.
Example: Rather than saying, “I’m a bad person for having that thought,” you might remind yourself, “I’m having an intrusive thought, and it doesn’t define me.”
Getting started
You don’t need hours of meditation to reap the benefits. Start with five minutes a day doing the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique, walking, or watching the clouds to relieve distress from OCD.
3.Accept your thoughts with ACT
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) helps you accept intrusive thoughts without struggling against them, and commit to living according to your values despite the discomfort.
How ACT works
ACT teaches you to notice intrusive thoughts without getting caught up in them or trying to control them. Instead of fighting or avoiding these thoughts, you learn to accept their presence while choosing meaningful actions that align with your values—such as connecting with loved ones or pursuing your goals.
Example: If a thought like “Am I still attracted to my partner?” pops up, instead of trying to push it away or perform a compulsion, ACT encourages you to acknowledge the thought (“That’s an OCD thought”) and then gently redirect your attention to what matters most to you, such as being a caring partner.
Getting started
With the help of an ERP therapist, many people begin with guided ACT exercises. Starting small—such as noticing thoughts without reacting for just one minute—can help build mindfulness and acceptance skills gradually.
4.Consider your mental and physical health
Lifestyle adjustments aren’t a replacement for therapeutic approaches, but they can help with your treatment journey:
- Regular physical exercise is a powerful way to reduce stress.
- Regular, balanced meals can help ensure you have the energy necessary to embark on ERP exercises.
- A consistent sleep routine of at least seven to nine hours per night can help regulate mood and reduce the impact of symptoms.
5.Use practical tools to interrupt OCD
Practical, low-cost tools can help you break the OCD cycle between therapy sessions.
Journaling
Write down intrusive thoughts and the compulsions they trigger. Over time, you’ll notice patterns, and you can track your progress in resisting these rituals.
Visualization
Mentally rehearse yourself facing a trigger and not performing the compulsion. This primes your brain for real-life success.
6.Combine strategies and seek support
No one strategy works alone. Combining these approaches—and getting professional help—gives you the best chance to overcome OCD.
Build your team
Consider therapists, support groups, friends, or family who understand OCD and support your journey.
Celebrate small wins
Every time you resist a compulsion or practice mindfulness, you’re making progress. Be proud of each step forward.
Many people find that combining therapy, lifestyle changes, and sometimes medication prescribed by a doctor offers the best results. Medication, often in the form of antidepressants, can help reduce OCD symptoms and make it easier to practice other strategies like ERP and mindfulness. If your symptoms feel overwhelming or you struggle to engage in therapy alone, consider talking to a healthcare professional to see if medication might be a helpful part of your treatment plan.
Find the right OCD therapist for you
All our therapists are licensed and trained in exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD.
Frequently asked questions
You can’t completely control OCD thoughts or urges, but you can learn to manage them through effective treatment. The most effective approach is ERP therapy, which helps you face your fears head-on without relying on compulsions. Medications, such as SSRIs, may also help reduce the intensity of your symptoms. If you’re struggling, it’s essential to reach out to a mental health professional who specializes in OCD.
OCD is a chronic condition, but it is highly treatable. Many people achieve significant symptom reduction and regain control of their lives with the right treatment and strategies.
Bottom line
Overcoming OCD is a journey with ups and downs. Using these practical strategies regularly can help you take control and live a fuller, freer life. Remember, you’re not alone—and every effort counts.
Key takeaways
- OCD is a chronic mental health condition that is treatable with evidence-based approaches like ERP therapy, medication, ACT, and mindfulness.
- You can best manage OCD by facing your fears head-on, resisting compulsions, and reducing outside stress.
- Progress is not always linear; be patient with yourself.
- Peer groups, support from loved ones, and rewarding yourself for small victories can ease your treatment journey.
