Managing OCD as a Young Adult: The Role of SPACE Treatment and Supportive Strategies for Latter-day Saints
Navigating young adulthood while managing OCD is no small task, especially for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The intertwining of faith and mental health presents unique challenges—and opportunities for growth. OCD, including subtypes like scrupulosity, can intensify in young adulthood due to increased responsibilities, life transitions, and the pressure to align personal beliefs with spiritual practices.
This blog explores how SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) treatment, traditionally geared toward children, offers valuable insights for young adults with OCD. We’ll also look at supportive strategies to help Latter-day Saints cultivate emotional resilience and spiritual peace.
Understanding OCD in Latter-day Saint Young Adults
OCD can manifest in ways that directly impact spiritual practices and daily routines. For young adults, the symptoms often coincide with the developmental challenges of independence, education, and forming adult relationships. Those experiencing scrupulosity—a form of OCD focused on religious or moral concerns—may struggle with intrusive thoughts about their worthiness or the correctness of their actions.
Some common signs of scrupulosity among young adults include:
Repeatedly seeking reassurance from parents or church leaders about spiritual worthiness
Avoiding social activities, media widely accepted by other members of the faith, or other triggers because of fears of being exposed to something immoral or doing something that might violate the law of chastity
Excessive anxiety while preparing to serve a mission or in the mission field regarding moral or spiritual matters
Early recognition is key. These behaviors, while rooted in sincere faith, may become compulsive and debilitating without proper intervention. If left untreated, they can erode a person’s sense of self and connection to their faith.
What Is SPACE, and How Can It Help Young Adults?
SPACE, developed by Dr. Eli Lebowitz at Yale University, is a groundbreaking program initially designed for parents of children with anxiety and OCD. It focuses on two main principles: responding supportively to anxiety and reducing accommodations that unintentionally reinforce symptoms. While SPACE is a parent-driven model, its principles can also guide young adults in fostering healthier relationships with their own emotions and spiritual practices.
The concepts of SPACE encourage individuals to develop a balanced approach to anxiety management. Instead of avoiding triggers or giving into compulsions, the program emphasizes facing fears with compassion and structure. This approach is particularly effective for conditions like scrupulosity, where rituals and avoidance behaviors often dominate.
Faith-Compatible Strategies for Managing OCD
For Latter-day Saint young adults, incorporating faith into the healing process can be both a source of strength and a challenge. By reframing spiritual practices and emphasizing grace over perfection, young adults can manage their OCD symptoms while maintaining a strong connection to their beliefs.
Rather than focusing on achieving perfection in every prayer or scripture study session, consider embracing the concept of effort over outcome. Faith is about progress, not flawlessness. For instance, if repetitive prayer is a common compulsion, practicing shorter, heartfelt prayers can help break the cycle. Additionally, studying scriptural passages that emphasize grace and God’s love can help shift focus away from fear-based beliefs.
Practical Strategies for Latter-day Saints Young Adults with OCD
Creating a supportive environment for yourself is essential when managing OCD. Here are a few actionable strategies:
Build a Support Network
Seek out trusted mentors, therapists, or church leaders who understand your struggles. Connecting with others who respect your journey can alleviate feelings of isolation. Support groups, whether faith-based or focused on mental health, can also provide valuable encouragement.
Practice Self-Compassion
OCD often feeds on guilt and self-criticism. By adopting a self-compassionate mindset, you can learn to view intrusive thoughts as symptoms of a condition—not reflections of your moral character. Acknowledge that healing is a journey and that every step forward is meaningful.
Gradually Face Triggers
If you avoid certain church activities out of fear, take small, manageable steps toward participation. For example, start by attending sacrament meetings for a portion of the time before gradually staying longer. Each step helps build confidence and reduce avoidance behaviors.
Engage in Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness can be a powerful tool for managing intrusive thoughts. Techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and meditation can help you stay present and reduce the intensity of OCD-related anxiety.
Seeking Professional Support for OCD
Professional treatment options, such as SPACE, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), can provide young adults with the tools they need to manage OCD effectively. For example, ERP is particularly effective in helping individuals confront intrusive thoughts without performing compulsive behaviors.
If you’re in Utah, consider treatment for scrupulosity in Provo, UT, where mental health professionals offer tailored, faith-sensitive care. For those outside Utah, resources like religious OCD treatment in Arizona can help you find the support you need. Working with a therapist who understands the intersection of faith and mental health can make all the difference in your healing journey.
Encouraging Resilience and Growth
Overcoming OCD is a gradual process, but progress is possible. Celebrate small victories—whether it’s resisting a compulsion or finding peace during a moment of prayer. Every step forward is a testament to your resilience and commitment to living in harmony with your faith and mental health.
Take time to reflect on how far you’ve come and the strength you’ve demonstrated in facing challenges. Recognizing your growth can help you stay motivated and reinforce your capacity to navigate future obstacles.
How SPACE Empowers Young Adults and Their Families
SPACE treatment isn’t just for young children and their parents—it’s also a powerful framework for parents of young adults navigating anxiety and OCD. The program provides parents with tools to support their young adult children, helping them manage symptoms in a way that fosters independence and resilience. By focusing on reducing accommodations and encouraging supportive responses, SPACE empowers parents to guide their young adults toward greater emotional strength and self-reliance.
This approach is particularly valuable for parents of young adults who are serving as missionaries or who may be struggling with scrupulosity after returning home from their missions. Through SPACE, parents can help their young adults confront fears and develop healthy coping mechanisms, all while maintaining a compassionate and structured approach. For Latter-day Saints, these tools align seamlessly with gospel principles, offering both spiritual and emotional support. By integrating empathy and structure, SPACE provides a faith-compatible pathway for families to help their young adults thrive.
Finding Peace and Resilience in Managing OCD as a Young Adult
Managing OCD as a young adult requires a multifaceted approach that honors both your emotional and spiritual needs. By embracing tools like SPACE treatment, reframing faith-based practices, and seeking professional support, you can build resilience and find peace in your journey. Whether you’re exploring treatment for scrupulosity in Provo, UT, religious OCD treatment in Arizona, or support within your local community, help is available. With faith, determination, and the right resources, you can navigate the challenges of OCD while strengthening your spiritual foundation.
Take the First Step with Religious OCD Treatment in Arizona or Utah
Living with scrupulosity or religious OCD can feel overwhelming, but with the right diagnosis and evidence-based treatment, relief is within reach. Through compassionate care and tailored approaches, including ERP and SPACE principles, you can take control of your anxiety and find a path to balance and fulfillment. If you’re ready to explore your options with Mountain Home Center for Religious and Moral OCD, reaching out is simple:
Reach out through out contact page or directly at claire@mountainhomeocd.com.
Meet with a compassionate OCD therapist.
Begin your journey toward healthier, more empowered ways to manage OCD symptoms.
Explore Personalized Services at Mountain Home Center for Religious and Moral OCD
At Mountain Home Center, I offer more than just support for moral OCD through SPACE treatment. My evidence-based treatments are designed to help you address a variety of challenges, including different OCD themes, anxiety disorders, and relationship struggles. Understanding the unique needs of Latter-day Saints and others seeking faith-compatible care, I am committed to providing compassionate and personalized support tailored to your journey. Whether you’re managing religious OCD, relationship OCD, or general anxiety, I am here to help you find balance and peace. My goal is to empower you to achieve mental well-being while staying true to your values and spiritual foundation.
