OCD is More Than Being “Clean” or a “Perfectionist”
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is almost as commonly known as depression and anxiety disorders, however, the general knowledge of OCD is pretty surface level and dare I say… stereotyped and misconstrued. You will sometimes hear people nonchalantly say that they are “so OCD” when talking about how they like to be organized or enjoy cleaning. You may have even seen mugs or t-shirts of “obsessive cat disorder” or other “humorous” or stigmatized ways of portraying OCD for profit or laughs. On the popular app TikTok, acting out having “intrusive thoughts” is a trend misused to actually show impulsive thoughts, such as a random act of violence or doing something silly. So, this begs the question: why is OCD so commonly used, yet misused, compared to depression and anxiety? This may never have an answer, but we can start to educate ourselves and others so that we can break the stigma involved.
So, what exactly is OCD? OCD is made up of obsessions and/or compulsions that can cause mental distress and a decrease in functioning in one or more areas of one’s life. “Obsessions” are recurring, unwanted and distressing thoughts, images or urges. “Compulsions” are rituals or behaviors that are deemed necessary to repeat in order to relieve or neutralize the anxiety caused by the obsession(s). An individual may just experience obsessions, often referred to as “Pure O” OCD, or experience both obsessions and compulsions. Someone with OCD can either experience one/a few obsessions or compulsions at a time or many. The severity is based on the amount of anxiety one would experience if unable to complete the ritual or how long the obsessions and rituals last. OCD can also make the individual involve friends and family members in their rituals. Different types of OCD include the most well-known type, contamination, but also include harm, hoarding, and symmetry/order OCD. OCD can also come and go during one’s life depending on the severity and if one seeks appropriate treatment, but OCD is usually long-term.
What if I think I have OCD? If you think you have OCD, reach out to your doctor, call a psychologist to set up an appointment for psychological testing, or work with a counselor at Peninsula Child and Family Services for outpatient services! OCD can bring about strong feelings of guilt, shame, or embarrassment and lead to general anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts so seek help today. OCD can be managed through medication, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and/or exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) done by trained mental health professionals. Many people with OCD can lead happy and healthy lives! For more information, please click the links below.
www.peninsulachildandfamily.com/ocd-treatment
- Ciera Canaday, LCSW
Clinical Director and Psychotherapist