OCD Awareness Week

It is OCD Awareness Week. OCD stands for obsessive compulsive disorder. It is a mental health condition that affects many. Unfortunately, it is often misunderstood and used casually or even as a joke. This has a negative impact on people who have OCD. 

I have a friend who has OCD. I have also recently learned that a family member is has been diagnosed with it. So, I would like to spread awareness about OCD. Having watched my friend live with OCD for years, I have an understanding of how debilitating this mental health disorder can be. I think people mistakenly assume that OCD is just about handwashing or constant cleaning. Some people with OCD may do those things, but it is a complex disorder. OCD is a disorder comprised of thoughts that won’t go away, of fears that paralyze a person, and so much more. 

What is OCD? This disorder is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts and repetitive ritualistic behaviors. Breaking it down further, the obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety or distress. These obsessions can be found in several categories including, contamination, harm, sexual, religious or moral, symmetry or order, fear of losing control, and relationships. Examples might include fear of germs or contamination or needing things to be symmetrical or “just right”. A person might fear becoming ill or spreading an illness. They may fear accidentally harming someone. Another example might be a worrying about doing something inappropriate such as shouting in public. A person with OCD might constantly analyze their relationships for any signs of problems. 

 Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that are done in order to neutralize the obsession or prevent a feared event. Categories of compulsions include cleaning/washing, checking, repeating, mental rituals, ordering/arranging, and avoidance. The compulsions might include excessive handwashing, checking locks or appliances repeatedly, counting, repeating words, arranging things a certain way, avoiding certain words or numbers, or mentally reviewing events to prove nothing bad happened.  Usually, the person recognizes that the thoughts or behaviors are irrational or excessive. The symptoms of OCD consume a lot of time and interfere with daily life functions. 

It is likely that OCD is caused by multiple factors. These include genetics, brain chemistry, and environmental factors. There are different options for treatment. One is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). There is a type of CBT known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) that is often used to treat OCD. Another treatment option is medication, often SSRIs. 

Another support that can be used in combination with the above is a support group. These groups allow people to share experiences and coping strategies. Support groups can also help reduce a sense of shame or isolation. Three organizations that can offer help to individuals with OCD are NAMI, International OCD Foundation, and Anxiety and Depression Association of America. 

While I do not have personal experience living with OCD, I have watched my friend. From her I have learned how debilitating OCD can be. People with OCD need mental health care. OCD is not a joke, even though people often speak of it causally. I think if there was a better understanding of how painful and difficult this disorder is, maybe there would be less jokes or insensitive comments about it.  So, the next time you are tempted to use OCD as an adjective for a person who is tidy, think twice. OCD is not a joke. It is a mental illness and should not be joked about.