<p>Heron, You're correct.<br>
1. True OCD is not a matter of possessing a few quirks. It is often debilitating and consumes every moment of everyday of the person afflicted. It also affects the people living in the home with the OCD person because it's like walking on eggshells all of the time. To watch a family member struggle with this is very difficult.</p>
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<li><p>Medication is not the only way to go but meds are extremely helpful when combined with therapy. </p></li>
<li><p>Make an appointment with a Psychiatrist for a complete evaluation. Do not self diagnose. The sooner the diagnosis, the sooner you can work towards healing. </p></li>
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<p>Good luck. It is treatable. When you and your mental health professional figure out which treatment plan works best for you, stick with it and enjoy each and every moment of progress. It will get better.</p>
<p>Everything could be fine at Swarthmore, or things could be very difficult, particularly considering that OP apparently has never shared a bathroom or kitchen before with a nonfamily member.</p>
<p>To prepare for the possibility of a difficult time, I'd also recommend that the OP consider speaking with a counselor at the college as soon as possible (and, as suggested above, have a letter from a therapist and ask for a single). Then, I'd recommend that the OP consider a trip to Swarthmore for the purpose of interviewing therapists in private practice (presumably, the college can recommend some therapists who have experience working with OCD clients). </p>
<p>Having a knowledgeable therapist in place that the OP is already comfortable with would be very helpful imho if things get difficult. The therapist at Swarthmore could consult with OP and with the therapist at home (hopefully the OP will see a therapist at home over the summer) so that consistent therapeutic support will be available at college if needed.</p>
<p>I'll just say that 1) recovery with therapy alone is possible, but also 2) self-recovery (that is without therapy, meds, or other professional help) is also possible, at least in some cases.</p>