From Silence to Strength: Tips for Self-Advocacy
August 14, 2024Millions of people around the world struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is characterized by unwanted, anxiety-provoking thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions/rituals) performed in an attempt to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared situation. OCD can be an incredibly debilitating condition. It can impact many different areas of an individual’s life, including their relationships, work, and overall well-being. However, implementing coping strategies and finding support can significantly help individuals with OCD learn to cope effectively and improve their day-to-day lives.
What Are OCD Obsessions and Compulsions?
Obsessions are lasting and unwanted recurring thoughts, urges, or mental images. People with OCD might try to rid their obsessions by acting based on ritual. Common obsessions in OCD include fears of contamination, thoughts about losing control and harming oneself or others, and concerns about symmetry or perfection.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to carry out in response to their thoughts and obsessions. Compulsions are aimed at reducing the distress caused by the obsessions. People with OCD may make up rules or rituals to follow that help control their anxiety. People with OCD believe that the compulsion can prevent something they fear. Some common compulsions include checking, counting, handwashing, and repeating certain words or phrases. People with OCD that have compulsive behaviors might experience hand-washing until their skin becomes raw, being late to their obligations because they feel they need to check their locks/stove/candles/hair styling tools repeatedly, trying to replace bad thoughts with good thoughts, or arranging items to face the same way. There are lots of different ways that OCD obsessions can manifest through compulsions.
The Cycle of OCD:
People with OCD can get stuck in a troubling loop. It starts with unwanted thoughts that trigger intense anxiety. To escape this discomfort, they perform rituals or compulsions. While these compulsions might offer a brief sense of calm, reinforcing their belief that their behaviors are necessary. The relief is short-lived, and the cycle repeats itself. Over time, OCD can become more and more demanding, significantly impacting daily life.
Education on OCD and professional help are extremely beneficial for those with the diagnosis and their support system. A big step in managing OCD is to find a mental health professional that fits the needs of the individual. A licensed mental health professional, like a psychologist or a psychiatrist, will assess the individual’s needs, provide an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan. If medications are necessary, those with OCD might be prescribed one or more antidepressants, particularly selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These can help alleviate the symptoms of OCD.
Understanding OCD is key for individuals and their families. Learning about the disorder, its symptoms, and its treatment options can help reduce stigma and increase awareness.
Living with OCD can be a lifelong journey, but with patience, persistence, and the right support, those with OCD can absolutely thrive. Treatment is highly effective and many people with OCD who go through treatment experience significant symptom reduction. If you are facing OCD, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for guidance and support. We have included some resources if you have OCD, think you may have OCD, or love someone with OCD.
OCD Resources
OCDChallenge: A free online program offering interactive behavioral strategies to help individuals manage OCD.
TreatMyOCDBlog: A collection of personal stories, infographics, and insights from the OCD community.
OCD Stories on The Mighty: A platform where people share experiences related to OCD and other mental health conditions.
Beyond the Doubt: A Psychology Today blog by OCD advocate Jeff Bell, exploring life with OCD and the role of uncertainty.
HistoryofOCD: A brief historical account of OCD, highlighting past sufferers and efforts to understand and treat the disorder.
The OCD Stories: A podcast featuring expert interviews on OCD recovery and mental well-being.
Your Anxiety Toolkit: A podcast providing tools to manage anxiety, stress, and emotional challenges.
These, and other resources can be found at the International OCD Foundation website.
