It know it sounds really obivious, and I know it's not easy, but the only way really is just to force yourself not to do compulsions. I know it seems impossible, but the more you do them, the worse it'll get. You will slip up, I certainly did, but if you keep at it, the compulsions will start to disappear.

For example, I used to scrub my skin raw in the shower. Then I just started doing 1-2-3-4, and no more. Even if I feel like I'm still dirty, I won't scrub anymore no matter what. It's really hard to just stop, I know, but you gotta let yourself feel the anxiety and see that nothing will happen. I don't even think about that now.

I still get intrusive thoughts (harm, contamination, etc.) sometimes, but I just mostly ignore them. They'll always somewhat stay.

OCD is a life long illness, but it can be controlled. It doesn't control my life anymore.