Some of you probably think that I am being dramatic.  If you do, I can almost guarantee that you have never suffered from obsessive-compulsive disorder, because those with OCD know that it essentially steals life and joy right out from under you.

I was in a dark place.  My thoughts felt uncontrollable and blasphemous.  I could not take long car rides or fall asleep at night without audiobooks because I needed to give my racing mind something to focus on.  I felt deeply guilty nearly all of the time– and even about small or ridiculous things.  I had an unreasonable weight of responsibility on my shoulders, as if I were somehow the one keeping the world functioning.  I entertained silly and/or terrifying idea of reality.  I felt hellbound and cut off from God’s love and forgiveness.  I was without hope and utterly exhausted.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy was one of the hardest things that I have ever undergone– but those 12 weeks of intense therapy were what God used to set me free from the clutches of OCD.  CBT is a strange concept– give in to your obsessive thoughts in order to gain control over them– but IT WORKS.  I am living proof.

I cannot recommend CBT enough.  It is my mantra to anyone who suffers from OCD: get CBT, get CBT, get CBT.  I feel so much happiness, joy, security, normality now that I want to plead with OCs to come join me on the other side.

Listen up.  If you have OCD and are living in darkness, I know the way out.  I would be happy to sit down with you and tell you all about CBT, answer any questions that you might have, and encourage you as best as I can.  Go to http://abct.org and find a cognitive-behavioral therapist in your area.  There is a light ahead.