If you’ve ever seen someone portrayed with Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder in the media, chances are you have an idea of what OCD looks like. But it’s important to understand that these portrayals aren’t always accurate. Many people are unaware of the complexity of OCD and the wide range of behaviors that can be included in this diagnosis. In this blog post, we will unpack OCD and separate facts from fiction, in order to help reduce the stigma associated with this mental health disorder.

Obsessions Are Not Just About Germs Or Being Clean

When we hear the term "obsessive-compulsive disorder," most of us immediately think of someone who is obsessively washing their hands or cleaning their environment to avoid germs.

Some common obsessions that people with OCD experience include fear of causing harm to others, intrusive thoughts of a sexual or violent nature, excessive worry about religion or morality, and an intense need for symmetry or order. These obsessions can be just as distressing as fears of germs and may lead to compulsions such as counting, checking, or avoiding certain situations.

It's important to remember that every person with OCD experiences it differently, and their obsessions and compulsions may not match the stereotypes we see in media and pop culture. This is why it's so important to break the stigma surrounding OCD and start understanding it for what it truly is: a complex and often debilitating mental illness.

Compulsions Are Not Just About Washing Your Hands Over And Over

When most people hear the term "OCD," they often think of compulsions related to excessive cleanliness or a fear of germs. While these types of compulsions can certainly be present in OCD, it is important to note that compulsions can manifest in a variety of ways.

Compulsions are defined as repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are performed in response to an obsession or in order to prevent a feared outcome. This can include things like checking locks, counting objects, arranging items in a certain way, or repeating certain phrases or words.

It's also worth noting that not all compulsions are visible to others. Mental compulsions, such as praying or silently repeating certain phrases, can be just as debilitating for someone with OCD as more overt physical compulsions.

It's important to recognize that compulsions serve a specific purpose for those with OCD. While they may temporarily alleviate anxiety or distress, the relief is short-lived and the compulsion often needs to be repeated in order to maintain that sense of calm. This cycle can become all-consuming and significantly impact a person's daily life.

People With OCD Are Not Just A Little Bit Obsessive

One of the most common misconceptions about OCD is that it's just a mild form of obsessiveness. However, this couldn't be further from the truth. While it's true that people with OCD have obsessive thoughts, these thoughts are not just passing worries or anxieties that we all experience from time to time. Instead, they're persistent, intrusive, and often disturbing.

For instance, some people with OCD may obsess about harming someone they love or doing something taboo, even though they would never act on these thoughts. Others may obsess about germs or contamination to the point where they avoid leaving their homes or interacting with others. These obsessions can be debilitating and can greatly interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life.

It's also important to note that compulsions, or the actions people with OCD take to alleviate their anxiety, are not just simple habits. Compulsions can be time-consuming and disruptive to a person's life, and often involve repetitive or elaborate rituals. For example, someone with OCD may have to check and recheck that they've turned off the stove or locked the door multiple times before they can leave the house. This can cause them to be late for appointments, miss out on important events, and feel ashamed and isolated.

It's critical to get professional assistance if you or someone you love is dealing with OCD. For people who are affected by the condition, organizations like OCD and Anxiety can offer helpful tools and assistance. Keep in mind that OCD is curable, and with the proper resources and assistance, people may learn to control their symptoms and have happy, meaningful lives. Together, let's spread knowledge about OCD, foster understanding of it, and offer encouragement to individuals who are experiencing difficulties.