Diagnosis not Decision: OCD
OCD is messy.
This probably goes against your beliefs on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. Usually we think of OCD as neat, tidy, organized, and a disorder that inflicts people to have their lives “too together.” For some people OCD presents with behaviors like excessive cleaning and sanitizing. Although it still wouldn’t be fair to call all their lives “neat and tidy” when for many those compulsions can cause a snowball of after affects such as cracked skin from harsh cleaning products or strained relationships because they’re seen as detached and only concerned with whatever compulsion they’re fighting.
That’s only one example of OCD though and it doesn’t fairly show the variety of paths OCD can take to wreak havoc and pain on the lives of those who manage it daily. That includes messy bedrooms and struggles to get out of bed because the depression from intrusive thoughts can be paralyzing. Or losing focus on work because you’re stuck in a loop of questioning your reality and experiences. It could be suddenly hearing a song that floods you with obsessive thoughts of a past relationship which sends you into an extended loop of over-analyzing while reliving the relationship in detail to find new ways to engage in self-blaming thoughts.
OCD is a thief.
OCD is an anxiety disorder that teams up with doubt and uncertainty to rob you of feeling trust and confidence within yourself. It can feel as if its only goal is to make you question logic or doubt your reality by overloading you with obsessive thoughts. Then convince you to act irrationally with the hope of relief from those thoughts.
This cycle could begin with any obsession or trigger.
The relief experienced isn’t authentic and long lasting, but just enough to give a false sense of comfort until the loop resets.
OCD is a trickster.
It’s like the Wizard of Oz when Toto pulls back the curtain to reveal that the “Wizard” wasn’t a wizard at all. OCD uses a curtain to hide behind while pulling levers and setting off alarms for threats that don’t exist. Its sorcery tries to convince you that it’s all-knowing and possesses the highest levels of logic to make you believe even the most irrational thought can be rational. OCD will try to use every distraction technique necessary to convince you to “pay no mind to the man behind the curtain.” Because it doesn’t want you to see what’s hiding behind that curtain isn’t all that powerful at all. It’s a small creature made of fear that’s hoping just one time to set off the right alarm or pull the right lever to make the whole scary world in your head go away.
OCD is not a decision.
If you don’t know how to support yourself or someone with OCD this is probably the most important place to start. Telling yourself, “I should know better” or other negative self-talk doesn’t give you more power over OCD. It’s also not helpful to tell someone with OCD;
“Just stop worrying so much.”
“Let it go.”
or
“It’s all in your head.”
Instead it’s important to try understanding as much as possible so you can respond more compassionately. Here are a few more thoughts to challenge on the diagnosis of OCD.
People with OCD enjoy order, patterns, etc . .
When someone has OCD they don’t experience joy from organization or happiness from acting on their compulsion. Simply put, if you enjoy it then it’s not OCD since it’s more likely to cause distress or despair when acting on compulsions.
OCD is obvious & easily diagnosed
OCD is actually misunderstood and misdiagnosed often which can lead to delays in receiving treatment. Because of this it can take 14-17 years for someone to receive the treatment they need which often contributes to a worsening of symptoms by the time a client is able to connect with an appropriately trained provider.
People with OCD can just avoid their triggers & be fine
Each person is unique and has a variety of situations that could trigger OCD symptoms. For some it could be the concept of contamination and germs while for others it could be a change in relationship, employment, or other adjustments. Even seeing one’s phone alert them to a message from certain people can be triggering especially if any of these situations are associated with traumatic experiences. Often it’s not the situation itself that’s the trigger, but the obsessions that can accompany it. Because they’re so nuanced and unpredictable, planning to avoid triggers is nearly impossible. Instead treatment would include working with an OCD specialist to process exposure to those triggers and how to manage symptoms as they arise.
If you struggle with OCD symptoms or have someone close to you who does there is no perfect formula for managing the challenges that accompany it. Unfortunately OCD is not only triggered at times by trauma - it can also be a traumatic experience itself due to feelings of powerlessness that accompany it. Regardless, it can be beneficial to take the time to learn more about the disorder and challenge your beliefs that OCD thoughts and behaviors are an active decision. There are many treatment routes for OCD and for each one adding in a dose of compassion and understanding for yourself and those around you could be one of the most important ingredients for recovery.
These post are not intended as a substitute for therapy. If you are in the state of Florida and in need of therapy services you can contact me for scheduling at the link below. Outside of the state of Florida, Psychology Today is a resource that can be used to locate a therapist in your state.
