This post is going to be a real tough moment for you if you’ve ever felt like a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery, and just super stuck its grips. So, if you’ve ever felt like OCD, intrusive thoughts or anxiety is something that just “happened to you”, meaning it’s something that you feel really powerless against. I want you to hang with me because I’m going to share a mindset shift that can change everything! You are not a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery journey, and the more that we take action, the more power you take back. 

So today, I am going to explain what I mean and how you can start taking back control.

In this post, we are going to be talking about:

• Having OCD and anxiety is not your fault, but it is now your responsibility
• How you can take back your power
• How OCD and anxiety can pull you into a frustrating cycle
• How you can (and should!) still do enjoyable things even though they have OCD and anxiety

Reclaiming Responsibility in Your OCD and Anxiety Journey

First, let me say this: having OCD, intrusive thoughts, or anxiety is not your fault. You didn’t ask for it, nor did you sign up for it. But here’s the truth: while you’re not to blame, it is now your responsibility to take action. OCD and anxiety may feel like external monsters that suddenly showed up to disrupt your life, but they’re not some toxin that came out of nowhere to attack you.

Instead, it’s more like a toxic cycle that you got pulled into—a cycle of fear, avoidance, compulsions, and temporary relief that kept pulling you deeper. You became invested in these loops, contributing to the pattern, until it started to feel overpowering and completely helpless. And that’s okay. It’s totally understandable. But recognizing that your brain isn’t “broken” and that these habits can change is a powerful shift in your journey to reclaiming your peace. Taking up this responsibility, even when it feels difficult, is your first big step toward breaking free.

You Are Not a Passive Participant in Your OCD and Anxiety Recovery: Taking Back Your Power

The good news? Because OCD and anxiety operate in cycles, you have the power to break them. You’re not just a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery, waiting for these “monsters” to vanish or resigning yourself to a life of constant anxiety. You hold the tools within you to reclaim your life from these painful cycles. Yes, this responsibility can feel heavy, especially when we want to point to genetics, upbringing, or brain differences as the sole causes. But when you realize that it’s within your power to make changes, hope returns. This journey takes work and courage, but the fact that it’s not out of your hands is what makes it possible.

While you might not be able to control every thought that comes up or the rush of anxiety that follows, you can control how you respond. You can stop feeding the cycle of avoidance and compulsions, and instead, take meaningful steps forward in your recovery. The path to freedom isn’t beyond your reach; it’s something you can actively work on, one empowered choice at a time.

OCD and Anxiety’s Frustrating Cycle

Here’s how OCD and anxiety can pull you into a frustrating cycle: a scary thought or uncomfortable feeling appears, and, like anyone, you naturally want it to go away. So, you might avoid the situation, check for reassurance, or do something that gives a brief sense of relief. But that relief is only temporary. Soon enough, the same thought—or a new one—pops up again, often more intense than before. This pattern keeps you trapped because each time you give in to the urge to avoid or seek comfort, you’re reinforcing the cycle, making it stronger next time.

You are not a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery! The key to breaking free is to start responding differently. Each time you choose to face the fear, sit with the uncertainty, and resist the compulsion, you’re taking an active step in weakening anxiety’s hold. And trust me, I know it’s hard. I have been there myself. OCD and anxiety make it feel as if you have to check, avoid, or seek reassurance to prevent something bad from happening or to keep your anxiety from spiraling. But these are just tricks that anxiety uses to keep you in a familiar cycle.

Our brains don’t know how to prioritize long-term benefit over short-term gain. But here’s what you need to remember: you are stronger than those primitive brain circuits. You have the power to override them with discipline, motivation, and a focus on your values. This journey isn’t about eliminating anxiety or erasing intrusive thoughts forever; it’s about learning to experience them without letting them control you. By standing up to these fears and living your life in spite of them, you’re taking back your power and growing stronger each time.

You Can (and SHOULD) Keep Doing What You Love Doing!

Recently, someone asked me if they could still do enjoyable things even though they have OCD and anxiety. My answer? That’s exactly what you should be doing! Engaging in the activities you love is a powerful way to keep OCD and anxiety at bay. By continuing to do things you love, you leave OCD and anxiety with less room, making them smaller and smaller over time. So the moment you realize that you are responsible for throwing the logs on the fire, the moment you realize that you’re not a victim of OCD, but actually a person with the strength to challenge it, everything changes. You actually start playing offense instead of defense, and you become an active participant and not a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery.

Take Action to Break the Cycle: Join the Break Free Power Hour

Ready to make real progress and finally break the cycle of anxiety and intrusive thoughts? I invite you to a special, free event on November 21st, called the Break Free Power Hour. In just 60 minutes, I’ll guide you through actionable steps, tips, and essential tools to help you stop being a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery and start taking control. We’ll dive into responding to intrusive thoughts, resisting compulsions, and tolerating uncertainty—skills you need whether you’re new to this journey or have been at it for a while.

And here’s a bonus: everyone who attends or signs up will get early access to my Black Friday and Cyber Monday specials, plus exclusive bonuses like live Q&As and videos to help you dive even deeper. Can’t make it live? No worries—sign up anyway, and you’ll receive a replay within 24 hours. Don’t miss this chance to take real steps forward! Trust me, this is going to be the moment that you start to make real progress!

You Can Break Free From Being a Passive Participant in Your OCD and Anxiety Recovery

Remember, you don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of OCD and anxiety—you have the power to pull back and control the fuel you’re adding to that fire. While OCD and anxiety aren’t your fault, taking action to break free is your responsibility, and it’s the key to reclaiming your life. You’re stronger than you think, and with the right tools, you can change this.Remember to join me on November 21st for the Break Free Power Hour, where we’ll dive into practical strategies to help you start taking control. Save your spot now! And remember, you’re not a passive participant in your OCD and anxiety recovery. You’re strong, you’re capable, and I’m here to help you every step of the way. See you at the live event!

Keep doing all the hard things. Bye for now.

⚡ Sign up for my FREE Masterclass, Break Free Power Hour, on Taking Control of Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts: ⁠⁠https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/power

👏 Unlock your free 40-minute video on “5 Must-Know Strategies for Handling Anxiety and Intrusive Thoughts”: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/strategies⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

🧠 Start your transformation today with the Mental Compulsion Mini Course referenced in this episode: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/mental-compulsions⁠

💪 Ready to conquer OCD/anxiety? Explore The OCD and Anxiety Recovery Blueprint – with or without a therapist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://jennaoverbaughlpc.com/blueprint⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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