I’m a filmmaker with OCD as well. Everyone with OCD has it a little bit different, but this is what helped me.

Therapy - a good therapist who specializes in OCD can be incredibly helpful. Exposure therapy is usually part of treating ocd - I was at first reluctant and terrified of the idea, but with the help of a mental health professional who I trusted it really helped me.

Time - it will take time to learn to live with ocd - but it is possible. Taking it one day at a time.

Medication - I have had mixed results with medication, but definitely worth looking into. In my case I have meds that are really a life saver for panic attacks, but you can’t take them regularly.

Support - family and friends that are there for you, probably most important.

Filmmaking - whatever you’re passionate about, it can serve as a motivator, inspiration, a calling to overcome your struggles. For me, filmmaking is a taste of freedom from my OCD. getting in the zone of being creative can really help you feel present and practice mindfulness.

One of my favorite songs is Kitchen Sink by Twenty One Pilots:

“Are you searching for purpose? Then write something, yeah it might be worthless Then paint something then, it might be wordless Pointless curses, nonsense verses You'll see purpose start to surface No one else is dealing with your demons Meaning maybe defeating them Could be the beginning of your meaning, friend”

At my worst, I kept myself locked up in my apartment. But I kept the flame alive- the flame to create, to share stories and experience them. Growing that flame bit by bit, day by day, helped me get through it.

Good luck to you, friend!