Making the Decision to Recover from OCD & Anxiety: Why It Starts Within

Making the Decision to Recover: Why Your Recovery Starts From Within
By Matt Codde

Are you struggling with OCD or anxiety and wondering how to start your recovery journey? At Restored Minds, one of the most important lessons I share is that recovery starts with a decision—and this decision is an internal process, not something dictated by your circumstances or environment.

In this blog, I want to break down what it truly means to make the decision to recover, drawing from my personal experiences and the powerful conversations I've had on the road to healing.

Recovery Isn’t Just About External Changes

Often, when we think about recovery—whether from OCD, anxiety, or even challenges like weight loss—we focus on the external factors. We plan new diets, search for the perfect gym, or look for the best therapeutic technique. But here’s the truth: real recovery begins on the inside.

I recently spoke with someone who underwent an incredible transformation, losing 150 pounds. When I asked how hard it was for him, he surprised me by saying:
"Honestly, the moment I decided to do it, it was easy."
What he meant was that everything else—meal planning, workouts, routines—fell into place after he made a firm decision within himself.

The Power of Internal Decision

If you find yourself constantly shifting blame to external causes ("I can’t change because of my environment" or "I don’t have the right support"), you’re missing the key ingredient: your own commitment.

Change starts when you genuinely decide, on the inside, that you are not willing to live the way you currently are.

Ask yourself:

• Are you truly okay with how much time and energy you're losing to rumination and fear?

• Are you happy with how OCD or anxiety affects your relationships, health, work, and happiness?

If not, that internal realization is the spark you need.

Why Half-Hearted Attempts Don’t Work

Most people attempt recovery as a half measure. They change a few habits or try a new program, but as soon as things get difficult, they revert to their old patterns. Why? Because they haven’t fully decided that they’re committed to recovery—no matter what.

Deciding to recover means adopting an entirely new practice. Just as unhealthy routines develop over time and create your current struggles, recovery requires you to install new habits, beliefs, and reactions.

What Does Making the Decision Look Like?

Making the decision to recover isn’t about wishing or hoping. It’s a solid, internal commitment that says:

"I am no longer going to live like this. I am willing to do whatever it takes, and I’ll adapt to whatever challenges come my way on this journey."

It means no more excuses. If circumstances change, you find a way. If an external resource isn’t available, you improvise. The decision is not conditional.

Shifting from External to Internal

As long as you see recovery as something outside of yourself—a new medication, a different therapist, a certain program—you’ll struggle to see lasting change. But once you shift that power back to yourself, you unlock the ability to steer your own transformation.

At Restored Minds, our "Taking Back Control" program (TBC) is built on this philosophy. You don’t need permission from anyone or anything to begin. But you do need to make the internal decision that your recovery is worth it.

Takeaway: You Hold the Power

You don’t have to let fear or limiting beliefs from the past hold you hostage. The identity you hold right now is not permanent—it was practiced into place, and it can be changed with a new set of internal decisions and daily actions.

Your recovery starts with a decision. Make it today.

If you’re ready to take your first step, explore the free resources at RestoredMinds.com, or consider applying for the TBC program if you're serious about reclaiming your life.

Decide today to become the person you want to be. Your recovery is in your hands.