You're Not Meant to Do This Alone | Breaking Free from OCD, Anxiety & Stress
Jul 14, 2025
You’re Not Meant to Do This Alone: The Power of Connection in Recovery
By Matt Codde, LCSW | Restored Minds
When it comes to recovering from OCD, anxiety, or chronic stress, many people have the strong urge to go at it alone. This lone wolf mentality often stems from pride, a reluctance to admit fault, or simply not wanting to rely on others. But as I’ve seen in my work at Restored Minds, taking the solo route paradoxically leads to more struggle and, for many, builds a prison of isolation.
Why We Try to Do It Alone
A lot of us start our recovery journey by keeping everything to ourselves. Some admit what they’re experiencing, from years of OCD to cycles of anxiety, but then continue trying to fix things solo—despite not getting the results they want.
Our minds are skilled at coming up with reasons for why things haven’t worked out: blaming circumstances, other people, or external events. Rarely do we consider the possibility that “maybe I don’t know the way.” Instead, we end up projecting the root cause outside of ourselves, and keep repeating old patterns.
The Role of Pride in Recovery
Pride can be an invisible energy field that sabotages progress. It’s difficult to admit that we need help or that we might have been going about things the wrong way. In fact, pride is so powerful that many people would rather hold onto suffering than confess fault or weakness.
Avoiding vulnerability keeps us trapped—sometimes even channeling our energy into distractions, overachievement, or helping others just to avoid facing our own pain. We end up self-medicating or staying busy, telling ourselves we’re working on the issue, but deep down, we’re just masking it.
Admitting the Need for Help
The first step toward genuine recovery is to honestly admit when something is hurting us or causing suffering. This doesn’t mean weakness—it simply means acknowledging our humanity. We need to recognize when we don’t know how to solve our problems, despite our best efforts.
That’s where seeking guidance and support comes in. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s an act of strength that allows healing to begin.
We’re Wired for Connection, Not Isolation
Humans are communal by nature. Throughout history, we’ve thrived in tribes and communities—not as isolated beings. That’s why group support is so powerful on the recovery journey. Being part of a community lets us share energy, gain insights from others, and offer support, which accelerates healing for everyone involved.
The moment you reach out, read a book, or listen to a podcast, you’re already drawing from someone else’s experience. Truly “going at it alone” would mean shutting off the world completely, which simply isn’t realistic—or healthy.
Guidance Shortens Your Path to Success
When you work with others or seek expert help, you benefit from their tried-and-true methods. It’s like climbing Everest with a guide who knows the safest, quickest path—instead of wandering aimlessly and risking more suffering.
Pride often keeps us from reaching out. But the moment you let go of the need to do everything yourself, you open up opportunities to heal faster, more deeply, and with real support.
Your Story Can Help Others
Once you accept help and achieve your own breakthroughs, your story can then inspire and support others who are suffering. If you want to be the person who someday helps someone else out of the darkness, you first have to allow others to help you. It’s a cycle built on connection, not isolation.
Final Thoughts
Recovering from OCD, anxiety, or chronic stress isn’t meant to be a solo journey. Support is not just helpful—it’s essential. Remember, letting others in isn’t weakness. It’s the bravest and most effective step you can take toward real healing.
If you’re ready to begin your journey with support, explore the resources at Restored Minds, or check out our community offerings to see how you can benefit from the power of connection in your recovery.
Here’s to your healing,
Matt
