Don’t be fooled – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is far from a quirky trait, OCD is a serious condition

The topic of mental health is more prevalent than ever as more people speak openly about their health, and there are many valuable resources at hand to be healthier. Yet, at the same time, there’s much misinformation about certain conditions. Let’s look at obsessive compulsive disorder.


Quick Read:

  • If you don’t get help sooner than later, OCD can become debilitating to live with.
  • The condition can start in childhood and get worse as time goes on.
  • OCD may lead to isolation and depression.

OCD is…

You’ve probably heard someone say, “I can’t fall sleep without switching the lights on and off exactly five times; I have OCD!”, or “I hate the colour yellow; that’s my OCD coming out.” These casual remarks highlight common misconceptions about OCD.

Have you ever left the house, then ran back to check that the stove was switched off? Most people experience this randomness each day. OCD, on the other hand, is about persistent compulsion. A person with OCD may not be satisfied with checking once. They need to check on that stove a specific number of times to feel safe. The OCD sufferer may also feel they need to walk around the house in a particular route to make sure nothing “bad” happens.

OCD brings on incessant unwanted thoughts and feelings that can cause significant stress. These obsessions can be highly distressing and intrusive. To cope with the anxiety these obsessions create, people with OCD often perform repetitive actions or mental routines, called compulsions.

For example, someone might feel an urgent need to wash their hands over and over, not just to stay clean, but because they have entrenched fears about germs. Unlike ordinary habits, OCD behaviours are driven by deep anxiety. The OCD person performs these habits to try and prevent something terrible from happening, or to find some relief from their obsessive thoughts.

There’s nothing “wrong” with you. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental health issue and you can always take steps to feel better.

 

OCD self-care

What is OCD is NOT…

Almost everyone has some or other seemingly “weird” habit. For instance, washing your hands regularly or keeping things tidy is usually about personal hygiene or order, not about obsessive fears.

Perhaps you always wash the dishes before bed, as an example. While some people do this as part of their daily routine, it doesn’t mean they have OCD. On the other hand, someone with OCD might feel they must wash the dishes repeatedly, and in a specific way because they fear something bad will happen if they don’t. Their actions are driven by intense anxiety and are done to prevent a perceived disaster, not just for cleanliness.

Am I at risk of OCD?

It’s difficult to pinpoint the exact causes of OCD, but researchers suggest it might be a mixture of genetic and environmental factors. About three percent of people suffer from OCD, and they may also have depression or bipolar disorder.

OCD might be linked to how different parts of the brain communicate, specifically the areas that manage emotions and behaviour. Problems with serotonin, the brain chemical that helps manage mood and anxiety, could also contribute to OCD. Plus, some research suggests that OCD might be triggered by autoimmune reactions from infections like strep throat, particularly when symptoms appear in childhood.

Common OCD obsessions

  • Constant worries about dirt or germs.
  • Fears about causing an accident or damage.
  • Anxiety about something terrible happening.
  • Compulsion to have things arranged in perfect order all the time.
  • Disturbing, violent images or ideas.
  • Excessive guilt or doubt about religious or moral issues.
  • Repetitive cleaning, hand washing or scrubbing that leads to pain and irritation.
  • Constantly checking locks, appliances, or other items to ensure they are properly secured or turned off.
Help at hand
  • Let’s start with the good news: there is always help out there! Share your feelings with your doctor. They will be able to refer you to a therapist or counsellor. The therapist will have a range of therapies that may help you, including cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
  • Next, there’s medication. After speaking to a therapist, you may be prescribed a specific medication. Please do not self-medicate – always make sure you get a prescription from your doctor.
  • It may not always be possible to immediately find a therapist. In this case, do your best to exercise regularly, and find opportunities to relax and manage your symptoms. Some people have a lot of success with gentle forms of exercise, writing in a journal, or even just confiding in a friend.
  • Understanding your condition can help you find coping strategies that work. You could also join online support groups where you can find comfort and practical advice from others who know exactly what you’re going through.

Remember: there’s nothing “wrong” with you. Obsessive compulsive disorder is a mental health issue and you can always take steps to feel better.

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