ARFID Meaning: Understanding the Misunderstood Eating Disorder

Julia Actis, Assistant Clinical Manager, LMSW, CSW-I • October 16, 2024

What is ARFID?

Amongst eating disorders, Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is lesser known and often misunderstood. Unlike disorders like anorexia or bulimia, ARFID isn't motivated by body image or weight. Instead, it's characterized by a persistent avoidance or restriction of certain foods due to various reasons, leading to nutritional deficiencies and serious health issues. As ARFID gains more awareness, it's essential we explore what this condition entails to provide understanding and reach those in need of support.

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)

What is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) is an eating disorder marked by extreme food restriction or avoidance. Unlike other eating disorders driven by body image concerns, ARFID emerges from sensory sensitivities, fear of adverse effects from eating, or negative experiences related to food. These behaviors can significantly impact nutritional intake, leading to weight loss, negative effects on health, and in children, inhibited growth. Many people with ARFID struggle with meeting basic dietary needs, impacting healthy development and functioning. Although often initially diagnosed in children, ARFID can last into adulthood.

The causes and severity of ARFID can vary from person to person. Understanding these factors is critical for diagnosis and treatment:

Sensory Sensitivities: Aversions to specific textures, smells, or colors of food.

Fear of Negative Effects: Anxiety about choking, vomiting, or allergic reactions.

Traumatic Food Experiences: Past incidents that induce fear or avoidance.

Recognizing ARFID's unique triggers can facilitate accurate diagnosis and effective therapies.

Is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) the Same As Picky Eating?

A common misconception about ARFID is that it is "just picky eating". However, the two are different in their severity and impact. Picky eating is often a harmless phase in childhood that people typically outgrow without serious health implications. In contrast, ARFID involves intense aversions, leading to a restrictive eating pattern that can impact nutrition and development. Those with ARFID may avoid certain food groups all together and often experience severe anxiety around mealtimes.

The distinction between picky eating and ARFID lies in the degree and consequences of food avoidance. Unlike picky eaters, those with ARFID face significant obstacles that affect their social lives and overall well-being. The psychological component is real, causing complications that extend beyond mere preference in foods.

How Common is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?

Though ARFID is a relatively new classification (first added to the DSM-5 in 2013), its recognition is steadily increasing in various clinical settings. This condition is more prevalent in younger populations, with up to 15.5% of children and adolescents being affected by ARFID (NIH). While seemingly rare amongst adults, increased awareness has led to more frequent diagnoses.

Although it is not as commonly known as other eating disorders, ARFID’s growing rate of diagnoses underscores the importance of awareness and education. With increased understanding, healthcare professionals are more frequently recognizing and diagnosing ARFID, a crucial step in providing necessary interventions.

Symptoms and Causes

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?

Lack of appetite, disinterest in food, notable weight loss, and a failure to gain weight mark the disorder’s physical symptoms, affecting overall health and development. ARFID can affect people in a variety of ways, but understanding common signs is the first step towards effective treatment. These signs can include:

Limited Food Range: Preference for certain foods, often based on sensory features like taste, smell and texture. These specific foods are termed as "safe foods."

Psychosocial Difficulties: Anxiety at social events involving food, impacting daily interactions. People with ARFID may feel uncomfortable eating or trusting food that they did not source from their home, like at restaurants or school.

Recognizing these symptoms can facilitate early diagnosis and treatment, promoting better health outcomes for someone living with ARFID.

What are the Risk Factors for Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?

Several risk factors contribute to the development of ARFID, originating from both biological predispositions and lived experiences. Understanding these risks aids in early identification and potential prevention strategies, tailored to those predisposed to the disorder:

Genetic Predisposition: Someone with a family history of anxiety or other mental health conditions may be more susceptible to developing ARFID.

Traumatic Feeding Experiences: Traumatic experiences with food, like choking or vomiting, can instill long-lasting aversions to certain foods.

Neurodivergence: Neurodevelopmental differences like ADHD and autism spectrum disorder can lead to hypersensitivity around food texture, taste, and smell, resulting in co-occurring ARFID.

Diagnosis and Tests

How is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Diagnosed?

Diagnosing ARFID involves a thorough assessment by healthcare specialists, including evaluating eating habits, medical history, and nutritional intake. Clinicians utilize screening tools and assessments to gather details about patients' eating patterns and associated distress. The diagnostic criteria are detailed in the DSM-5, highlighting nutritional deficiencies or physical health issues as a result of limited food intake. A common screener used for diagnosing ARFID is the Nine Item Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake disorder screen (NIAS).

Proper screening is crucial for distinguishing ARFID from other possible conditions. Diagnosis among healthcare providers often includes:

Questionnaires and Interviews: Collect data on eating behaviors and anxieties.

Nutritional Assessments: Identify any deficiencies or health issues.

Psychological Evaluations: Reveal any contributing mental health issues or fears.

Engaging a multidisciplinary approach ensures correct diagnosis and helps inform an effective treatment plan, paving the way for improvements in symptoms.

Management and Treatment

How is Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) Treated?

Treating ARFID requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary strategy that includes psychological, nutritional, and medical components. In severe cases, medical supervision or residential treatment may be employed to resolve health complications and restore weight. Here are some key strategies in treating ARFID:

Cognitive-behavioral Therapy: Used to tackle the negative associations or fears related to food.

Exposure Response Prevention Therapy: Supervised exposures to new foods can be effective in lowering the anxiety response around feared foods and outcomes.

Nutritional Counseling: Meal plans tailored to address and overcome deficits while expanding the diet.

Family Involvement: Family-based therapy, particularly in children and adolescents, can bolster familial support and improve dynamics around eating.

A targeted and integrated treatment fosters a supportive environment for those living with ARFID, facilitating recovery, restoration of weight and improved health.

Who Treats Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID)?

ARFID is usually treated by a team of healthcare professionals collaborating to address both its psychological and physical aspects. Each professional plays a vital role:

Psychologists/Therapists: Psychologists or therapists who specialize in treating eating disorders focus on cognitive and behavioral interventions to lessen anxiety around eating.

Dietitians: Design and implement personalized meal plans addressing deficiencies and guiding nutritional changes for patients and their families.

Medical Providers: Physicians or pediatricians monitor broad health impacts and support treatment continuity, ensuring health issues do not worsen.

Occupational Therapists: Assist with sensory processing challenges tied to food

Together, this multidisciplinary team provides comprehensive care that addresses each facet of ARFID.

What if my Child has ARFID?

ARFID can be challenging for both children and their families. If your child has been diagnosed with ARFID, the first step is to seek professional support from a pediatrician, therapist, dietitian, and possibly an occupational therapist. These professionals can work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your child's needs. Engaging in family-based therapy can also be beneficial, where parents and siblings learn how to support the child around mealtimes. Incorporating gradual exposures to new foods through exposure response prevention therapy can also be helpful. Additionally, finding online resources and support groups for parents dealing with ARFID can provide further guidance and emotional support. Remember, patience and understanding are key as recovery will take time.

Living with ARFID

Living with ARFID can deeply impact someone's daily life. People's anxiety around eating and mealtimes can negatively affect comfort around social engagements involving food, leading to isolation and depression.

Identifying and addressing the disorder’s psychological and physical aspects can allow those affected to live more functional and full lives. Through intervention and a strong support system, individuals with ARFID can better manage their disorder and overcome anxieties, improving their overall quality of life.

When Should I See a Healthcare Provider?

If your eating patterns are negatively affecting your physical health or social life, it's time to seek professional guidance from a healthcare provider. Notable weight loss and nutritional deficiencies linked to food avoidance and restriction also warrant an evaluation. If anxiety around eating deprives you of a balanced diet, or symptoms influence your ability to complete daily tasks and result in emotional distress, pursue professional intervention. Proactively seeking a diagnosis and care can improve treatment outcomes and increase the odds of recovery from ARFID.

What Questions Should I Ask My Doctor?

When speaking with a healthcare provider about ARFID, it’s important to cover all aspects to ensure there is complete understanding and effective treatment in place. When asking questions about ARFID, make sure to focus on:

- Understanding Symptoms: Confirm how ARFID differs from other eating disorders.

- Exploring Treatment Options: Discuss the best strategies for your case.

- Engaging Support Services: Reach out to local or online resources for additional support.

Asking thorough questions allows you to work together with your healthcare providers to navigate ARFID's challenges. Find more important questions to ask your healthcare provider here.

Moving Forward with ARFID Awareness

The journey of understanding and diagnosing Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) can be complex, given its differences from other more well-known eating disorders. By raising awareness and educating people about ARFID, opportunities for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment increase, offering real hope for those affected. A multi-disciplinary treatment approach remains essential in achieving recovery and building a healthy relationship with food. As ARFID becomes more widely recognized, increased awareness and effective treatment approaches will continue to open doors for people to access needed support, find recovery, and live fuller lives.

If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of ARFID, don't wait to seek help. You can find specialized treatment for ARFID at Thrive Wellness.

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Navigating Coming Out: Emotional Wellness Tips for Every Stage

June 4, 2025

Coming out is a deeply personal, courageous, and in many cases, life-changing act. Whether you're sharing your sexual orientation or gender identity, coming out is about embracing authenticity and sharing an essential part of who you are. During the process of coming out, prioritizing your mental health at every stage is crucial. In this blog, we'll discuss insights and strategies to support your mental health before, during, and after coming out. Wherever you are in your journey, know that your experience is valid and you are not alone. Understanding the Mental Impact of Coming Out Coming out can bring about a lot of big feelings, including fear, relief, joy, anxiety, grief, and hope, sometimes all at once. Know that heightened emotions during this time are completely normal. Sharing such an integral part of yourself with the world can feel intense, but even with the ups and downs, being authentically you is worth it. Because LGBTQIA+ individuals face added mental health burdens due to stigma and discrimination, taking care of yourself during this time is more important than ever. You might experience increased anxiety, mental exhaustion, or avoidance ahead of coming out, so don’t be afraid to reach out for support. At its core, coming out is about authentic self-expression and showing your truest self, which can feel both exciting and scary at the same time . The self-acceptance and community gained from coming out is a vital part of finding long-term strength and joy. Still, it’s okay if you feel uncertain or conflicted, and these feelings are just part of the process. Before Coming Out: Emotional Preparation Coming out starts with reflection. Remember that there’s no rush when it comes to figuring out who you are. It’s okay to take time to understand your identity and what coming out might mean for you. Here are a few questions to consider: What do I hope to gain by coming out? Who feels emotionally safe to talk to? What are my fears, and how can I manage them? Mental wellness tips before coming out: Journaling can help you better understand your feelings and fears and explore different ways to share your truth. Talking through your feelings and different scenarios with a therapist , especially one who is LGBTQIA+ affirming, can help you to feel more supported and ready to come out. Practice grounding techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or visualization to ease anxiety ahead of sharing your identity. Helpful resources for coming out include: Trevor Project Lifeline (1-866-488-7386) TrevorSpace (an online community for LGBTQIA+ youth) OurCenter (a local community center for the LGBTQIA+ community in Reno) During the Coming Out Process: Staying Grounded The act of coming out can feel intimidating, as you’re sharing such a vital part of who you are. You might experience fear, panic, or doubt. While these feelings are real, know that you don’t have to navigate them alone. Tips for emotional resilience: Practice conversations ahead of time with a therapist or supportive friend so you feel ready when the time comes to share. Choose a time and place where you feel safe and in control. Use affirming statements, like, “I deserve to be loved for who I am.” Coping with negative responses: Set emotional boundaries with people who aren’t supportive. Create an emotional safety plan: know who you can call, where you can go, and what can help soothe you in moments of distress. After Coming Out: Processing and Healing Coming out, no matter how it went, deserves to be celebrated. An act of strength and authenticity like coming out is no small feat, so be proud of yourself for sharing who you are. Even so, the emotional aftermath can be complicated. You might feel joy and empowerment or loss and grief, especially if relationships shift. Healing strategies: Acknowledge your courage . Even difficult conversations are acts of strength. Rebuild your safety if you've experienced rejection. This might mean changing your environment or seeking new support systems. Release guilt or shame. Being who you are is never something you should feel ashamed or guilty for. Support networks can make a huge difference. Seek out different forms of support like: LGBTQIA+ support groups (in-person or online) Peer mentors or community leaders Allies, friends, or family who affirm and respect your identity Therapeutic options to deal with stress, grief, or isolation associated with coming out: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help process trauma. Narrative therapy helps you rewrite your story in your own empowering voice. Coming Out More Than Once: Navigating the Long Game Coming out isn’t just a single milestone, it’s a recurring process. You might come out again and again: to a healthcare provider, a neighbor, a partner, or a friend. It can feel exhausting or unfair to have to come out more than once, but each time, you’ll continue to find more strength, confidence, and understanding for yourself. Other tips for coming out: Focus on cultivating a strong inner identity that doesn’t rely on external validation. You know who you are, and you don’t need to prove yourself to anyone. Create a personal toolkit of coping and grounding strategies to deal with stress or burn-out associated with coming out. Thrive Wellness offers a free breathing exercise guide to help relieve anxiety and calm the nervous system. Download it here . Find affirmation and support through community. This can look like finding a chosen family, looking up to queer role models, attending events that celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community and its history, and working on embracing authenticity and having pride in who you are. Remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to coming out, and it’s never too late to share who you are. Whether you're preparing to come out, in the midst of sharing your truth, or processing what came after, know that you are worthy of love, safety, and joy. Your truth is worth celebrating, today and everyday! For support during the coming out process and beyond, reach out to our team of affirming, inclusive, and compassionate mental and physical health care providers. We're here for you.

10 Simple Actions to Improve Your Mental Health

May 15, 2025

Taking steps to protect and maintain good mental health is key to living your best life. Whether it's managing stress, building emotional resilience, or simply finding a moment of peace during your busy day, developing a set of strategies to protect your mental health is essential. This Mental Health Awareness Month is all about turning action into awareness, so why not take action today to care for yourself and improve your mental health? This guide outlines ten impactful activities you can incorporate into your daily routine to boost your mental health starting today. By incorporating these activities into your days, you can take control of your mental health journey, grow personally, and improve your relationship with yourself and others. Why is Taking Action for Your Mental Health Important? Understanding the significance of proactive mental health care can change how we treat ourselves and move through our everyday lives. Taking action for yourself not only improves your overall well-being but also helps prevent existing or potential issues from becoming more severe. When you prioritize your mental health, you’ll feel a greater sense of happiness and productivity, paving the way for stronger relationships and a fuller, more enjoyable life. Focusing on your mental health is not just about problem-solving, but about living in a balanced and fulfilling way that supports your overall well-being and ability to thrive. 10 Effective Activities for Improving Your Mental Health It’s essential to have a repertoire of activities on hand that can boost your mental health. Simple activities like sleeping enough, meditating, spending time with a friend, or seeing a therapist can have huge impacts on your overall mental wellness. Prioritizing your mental health doesn’t have to be complicated or difficult, it’s just about doing activities that make you feel joyful, relaxed, or energized, fueling a better outlook on life overall. Here are 10 activities you can do today to help your brain and body to feel their best: 1. Mindful Practices Practicing mindfulness is a simple yet impactful step you can take in improving and protecting your mental health. Mindfulness practices include activities like meditating and mindful breathing to calm the mind and reconnect with the body. Meditation and breathing exercises are shown to reduce stress, improve focus, and grow your self-awareness. For more breathing exercises for anxiety relief, download our free guide “Breathe Easy” . 2. Eating Intuitively Eating intuitively is a powerful way to boost your energy and mood and reduce stress around food, helping to improve your overall mental health. This approach encourages a healthy relationship with food by promoting balance, variety, and pleasure without guilt. Intuitive eating helps you recognize and respond to your body's signals, leading to more mindful and satisfying eating experiences. By focusing on how foods make you feel, both physically and emotionally, you can make healthier choices that nourish your body and mind. Adequate nutrition has been shown to support brain function, improve mood, and reduce the risk of mental health conditions. 3. Sleep Hygiene Practicing good sleep hygiene is essential for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine helps regulate your sleep patterns, ensuring you get the deep sleep your body needs. Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day if possible. Quality sleep is vital for cognitive function, emotional stability, and physical health, making good sleep hygiene a key component of wellness. 4. Mindful Movement Doing movement that you enjoy can have massive impacts on your mental health. Exercise reduces stress by triggering the release of endorphins, which have mood-lifting and pain-relieving effects. It also helps regulate hormones like cortisol, improving the body's ability to handle stress. By simply incorporating enjoyable movement into your routine a few times a week, you’ll see improvements in both your mental and physical health. 5. Go Outside Spending time outside can support physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It allows you to disconnect from everyday stressors, reconnect with the natural world, and experience a sense of tranquility and peace. Spending time in nature has been linked to reduced anxiety, improved mood, and increased mindfulness. Make time to explore outdoor environments such as parks, forests, beaches, or gardens. Practice mindfulness while in nature, focusing on the scenery and sounds that surround you. Incorporating nature into your daily routine can provide a refreshing break from everyday life, improving your mental health. 6. Make Time for Creative Pursuits Creative activities can be a great outlet for self-expression and reducing stress. Creativity allows you to explore new ideas, solve problems, and connect with your inner self. Even dedicating just 10 minutes a day to creative pursuits can have a positive impact on your mental health. Activities like drawing, painting, journaling, or crafting can help you unwind and stimulate your mind. Creative expression can also improve mood, enhance cognitive function, and foster a sense of accomplishment. 7. Practice Positive Self-talk Positive self-talk is a powerful habit that involves speaking to yourself in a kind, supportive, and encouraging manner. It's about cultivating a positive mindset and nurturing self-compassion. By shifting negative thoughts and beliefs to positive affirmations, you can boost your self-esteem and overall well-being. Practice acknowledging your strengths, accomplishments, and perseverance, even in challenging situations. 8. Practice Social Wellness Social wellness is about nurturing meaningful connections with others and fostering a supportive network of relationships. It involves engaging in positive interactions, building trust, and offering and receiving support. Cultivating social wellness contributes to emotional resilience, reduces feelings of isolation, and promotes overall happiness. Take time to connect with friends and family members regularly, whether through phone calls, video chats, or in-person gatherings. 9. Do Something for You Making time for yourself is crucial for maintaining life balance and preventing burnout. This involves setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and prioritizing activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Taking time for yourself allows you to recharge, reflect, and reconnect with your inner needs and desires. Self-care can take many forms, from indulging in a hobby to simply enjoying a quiet moment alone. Regularly dedicating time to yourself helps reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and enhance overall well-being. 10. Visit a Mental Health Professional Sometimes, we need professional support for our mental health, and that’s okay! Knowing when it’s time to see a therapist shows strength and self-awareness. No matter where you are in your mental health journey, getting guidance from a therapist can be a helpful tool in living your best life. Our team of mental health professionals are ready to support you now, don’t be afraid to reach out and open up. When Should I Seek Professional Help for My Mental Health? It's important to know when it's time to reach out to a mental health professional. Persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or emotional distress that interfere with your daily life are clear indicators for seeking professional help. If your coping mechanisms and self-care activities fail to alleviate your mental health concerns, reaching out can offer valuable support and interventions. Nurturing Your Mental Well-being Through Action Investing time and effort in your mental health can make positive differences in your everyday life. By understanding the importance of mental health practices and incorporating proactive strategies, you lay the groundwork for feeling better and staying mentally strong over time. Whether through improved sleep hygiene, mindful practices, or seeking professional help when needed, these efforts can bring more joy, emotional stability, and peace into your life. Make these activities a regular part of your day with a focus on self-growth, and you'll be on your way to a healthier mind and a fuller life.

Love, Doubt, and Obsession: Understanding Relationship OCD and How to Heal Together

April 28, 2025

Romantic relationships can be one of the most joyful parts of life, but they can also stir up deep fears, especially for those living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). When OCD takes shape around your relationship, it’s known as Relationship OCD (ROCD), a lesser-known but deeply distressing form of OCD that centers on obsessive fears and doubts about your partner or the relationship itself. Have you ever found yourself spending hours analyzing how you feel, seeking reassurance that your partner is “the one,” or constantly second-guessing whether you’re truly in love? If so, you’re not alone. ROCD is real, and with the right tools and support, healing is possible. Let’s break down what Relationship OCD really looks like, how it affects interactions, and how to find more peace, connection, and presence in your relationship. What is Relationship OCD? Relationship OCD is a subset of obsessive-compulsive disorder that fixates on doubts, fears, or perceived flaws within romantic relationships. Unlike the normal ups and downs that every couple experiences, ROCD involves a preoccupation with intrusive thoughts that feel impossible to stop thinking about, like whether you’re really attracted to your partner, or if they’re “good enough” for you. These thoughts can feel distressing, uncontrollable, and all-consuming. What sets ROCD apart is the compulsive mental checking that follows. You might replay interactions, examine your partner’s every word, or repeatedly ask friends or family members, “Do you think we’re good together?” These rituals, designed to bring relief, often do the opposite. They intensify the anxiety and begin to erode the connection you’re trying to protect. Relationship OCD Examples: What It Can Look Like in Real Life ROCD doesn’t always look the same for everyone. For some, it shows up as intense anxiety about having children with their partner: “What if they’re not going to be a good parent?” For others, it might revolve around analyzing every interaction or feeling jealous of a past relationship their partner had. Here are a few common presentations of ROCD: “Do I love them enough? ” spirals, even when nothing’s wrong. Feeling distressed if your partner doesn’t respond the “right” way during a conversation. Constantly seeking reassurance from others about your relationship. Comparing your partner to idealized versions of relationships you see online. Avoiding important conversations or decisions (like parent-child planning) because of underlying doubts. The key thing to remember? These thoughts are symptoms of OCD, not reflections of reality. How OCD Affects Relationships ROCD can strain even the strongest partnerships. When someone is stuck in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions, it often leads to emotional distance, communication breakdowns, and frustration on both sides. A partner might feel like they’re walking on eggshells or like they’re being constantly evaluated. Meanwhile, the person experiencing ROCD may feel ashamed, misunderstood, or exhausted by their own mind. Many individuals report feeling like they can’t be fully present during time with their partner because their mind is so busy analyzing, comparing, or worrying. And over time, these patterns can impact the health of the relationship itself. That’s why relationship-centered, mental health-informed approaches are so vital. How to Treat Relationship OCD Thankfully, ROCD is treatable. But the most effective treatments don’t just focus on the relationship, they focus on the OCD. At Thrive, our therapists often use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and a specialized approach called Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) . These modalities help people face their fears without performing compulsions. Over time, this rewires the brain’s response to uncertainty. Therapists may also incorporate experiential techniques like eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, which engage both the body and mind to help clients process intrusive thoughts and emotional pain. For some, prescription medication like SSRIs may be helpful as part of a treatment plan. For couples navigating ROCD together, couples counseling can support healthy communication and connection without reinforcing compulsions. How to Support a Partner with Relationship OCD If your partner is experiencing ROCD, your role is crucial. It's not about "fixing" them though, it’s about being a safe, steady presence. Here are a few ways to support your partner with ROCD: Educate yourself about OCD and ROCD so you can identify symptoms versus your partner’s true feelings. Avoid reassurance loops . It’s tempting to soothe their fears, but constant reassurance can reinforce the cycle. Encourage professional support with a therapist or psychologist experienced in OCD. Focus on building a relationship where uncertainty is tolerated, not feared. Practice empathy. Remember that these thoughts are distressing and involuntary. With the right tools and support, both of you can learn how to thrive even in the midst of mental health challenges. Final Thoughts: Healing Together ROCD can feel isolating and confusing, but you don’t have to face it alone. Whether you’re the one struggling or the one supporting, healing happens through community, compassion, and the right care. At Thrive Wellness, we believe in compassionate, holistic care, and we’re here to walk alongside you. Whether you need individual therapy, couples counseling, or a dedicated treatment plan, we’re here to help you find your way back to connection, peace, and presence. Need support? Reach out today and begin your journey toward healing together. For tools to help you cope with anxious thoughts, download our free breathing exercises guide "Breathe Easy" .