“Name yourself, demon!” — that’s usually how the main character in movies about the supernatural tries to gain control over some dark force. And that’s not a coincidence. If you compare this scene to working with a psychologist, it directly mirrors the first stage of therapy — identifying and naming the problem, giving that “demon” its name. But, as the saying goes, the devil is in the details. And if our “demon” turns out to be OCD, things get much more complicated: simply naming it is not enough.
In this episode of the Misery Shared Podcast, Slava shares his personal experience with therapy and explains the key differences between OCD and anxiety disorders. He talks about why it’s important not to skip the first stage of seeing a psychologist — hoping instead to just get the right medication right away. He also shares the self-help techniques he’s learned, which can be especially useful if you can’t seek therapy due to the situation in Belarus.
Disclaimer: the author makes it clear that he is not a psychologist or a psychotherapist. He strongly opposes any form of online diagnosis. This podcast is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. Its purpose is to explain things in simple terms and to encourage people to seek help from a therapist — even if it feels like a waste of time. It also aims to help listeners choose a good mental health professional.
People with OCD, as practice shows, often understand what’s happening to them. And this is where the key difference from standard therapy approaches lies: awareness — or naming the problem — doesn’t automatically give you control over it. Because OCD is a problem that’s already very clear to those who live with it. Even if you give it another name.
That’s why the role of a psychologist in treating OCD isn’t to help you name what’s happening — but to understand how to work with it moving forward. A lot depends on who you turn to, because not every specialist has experience with OCD. And in this situation — when you’re reaching out for the first time and looking for help — it’s especially important to remember: not every form of therapy will be effective. But that shouldn’t discourage you. It’s simply the reality we’re dealing with today.
While psychologists often work with manifestations of anxiety — and that can be very helpful — there’s always this nuance: an anxiety disorder and OCD are not the same thing. They may be connected, they may influence each other, but they’re different conditions that require different therapeutic approaches.
In treating an anxiety disorder, a specialist might offer techniques to help manage general tension levels or reshape thinking patterns. And all of that can be effective. But if those symptoms are actually hiding processes typical of OCD, a completely different approach may be needed.
At this stage, it’s important to voice your expectations in advance. And if you feel like things are going “off track,” don’t be afraid to share your concerns with the psychologist. It helps you understand their reasoning and keeps you from feeling like a helpless observer. Because there’s nothing more disheartening than finally deciding to seek help — only to choose a specialist who doesn’t work with OCD and realizing it too late. And then, because of lost time and the frustration that follows, you might never reach out for help again.
Although much is known about OCD, its exact causes are still not fully understood. In some cases, it’s linked to neurobiological factors; in others — to behavioral psychology. But no single field offers a complete explanation of where the disorder comes from.
That’s why you shouldn’t expect there to be a specific medication that will “cure” OCD. The medications available today are usually aimed at reducing overall anxiety levels. They can be effective for anxiety disorders — but in the case of OCD, that may not be enough.
Because anxiety is only part of the picture. It can be slightly muted — and that alone can provide some relief. But in the case of OCD, medication cannot replace therapy. It can only create the space where working with a psychologist becomes more manageable.
Slava also pays special attention in the podcast to the situation in Belarus. Today, not everyone has the ability to openly seek support — because privacy in a psychologist’s office no longer feels guaranteed. Formally, it still exists. But in practice — after changes in legislation — any topic related to protests, politics, activism, or even a hint of civic position can become a trigger. That’s why the main advice is: in Belarus, when speaking with a psychologist, focus on the consequences — not the causes.
And if even that still feels unsafe, then the question becomes: is there anything you can do on your own?
Yes, there is. In this episode, you’ll be able to try out a few techniques — one aimed at managing anxiety, and another that’s more suited for OCD or a panic attack. But it’s important to understand their limitations. In the absence of a specialist, these techniques can offer support — but they won’t fully replace therapy. They’re simply a way to stay balanced until you’re able to get proper help.
In the next episode, you’ll learn how medications work — what not to expect from them, and where extra caution is needed when making that decision. We’ll explain how brain biochemistry works, in simple terms. And why, to this day, there’s still no universal medical solution for OCD — but there’s every chance to overcome anxiety.
If you want to contact us but are afraid to use comments, you can send us an e-mail. After that it will be enough to delete your letter from the “Sent” folder.
Our e-mail address is: help@belarus.fm
