How Long Does De-Sensitization Take? (Episode 128)

Disordered: Anxiety Help

One of the most common questions we hear from people working through anxiety disorders and OCD is: "How long is this going to take?" In this episode, Drew and Josh tackle the timeline question head-on—but probably not in the way you're expecting.

We explore why asking "how long until I recover?" might be the wrong question, and why shifting to "how long until I'm desensitized?" can be a game-changer in how you approach your anxiety journey. We discuss the reality that there's no universal timeline, no magic number of weeks, and why that's actually okay.

In this episode:

• Why the concept of "recovery" as a finish line may not be helpful for anxiety disorders
• The difference between recovery and desensitization
• How urgency and pressure can actually slow your progress
• Why some people seem to progress faster than others (and why that doesn't matter)
• The role of self-compassion, patience, and realistic expectations
• Why hard days are a normal part of the process—even after significant progress
• How perfectionism and the need for certainty can keep you stuck

We also share inspiring "Did It Anyway" stories from listeners who are moving forward with their lives—traveling, attending events, and even jumping into mosh pits—alongside their anxiety, not waiting for it to disappear first.

Whether you're struggling with panic disorder, agoraphobia, OCD, health anxiety, or other anxiety disorders, this episode offers a realistic, compassionate perspective on what it means to make progress and why the journey looks different for everyone.

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