We’ve all heard someone casually say, “I’m so OCD-coded about keeping my desk clean!” But Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD is much more than rearranging your desk or tidying it. It’s a complex mental health condition that can disrupt daily life in many ways.
For example - You’re about to leave your house, but a nagging thought keeps returning. “Did I put off the gas stove?” You go and check it, then again and again. The doubt remains in your head and creates an endless pattern. This is just one of the examples of how OCD can take control of your life and time.
So come along.. because, in this blog, we will debunk the stereotypes and explore more about OCD, how it manifests, and how it can be tackled.
It’s obvious OCD doesn’t appear overnight; it develops gradually, often rooted in biological, psychological or environmental factors. In some instances, it could be a combination of any two. But first, let us understand what exactly is OCD?
Well, in simple terms, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder that involves obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviour/ compulsion that could go to extreme ends and disrupt your way of living.
It’s not just an occasional obsession or thought but much more than that. OCD is just a term and is further divided into four types. 1. Obsessive thoughts - This could also include harm, death or abnormal sex thoughts.
2. Compulsion - Frequently checking if the email has any errors after hitting send.
3. Contamination or mental contamination - Mental contamination is a sense of shame and guilt.
4. Symmetry and Orderliness - Walking in a predetermined pattern.
At first, obsessive thoughts may seem harmless, with an occasional worry of germs after public transport or an urge to check if the door is locked.
However, when these thoughts start to overpower you and lead to compulsive behaviour, and you get a tiny relief for a few seconds, the brain begins to mimic it over time as a coping mechanism. It becomes a ritual, challenging to break from.
If you or your loved one suffers, you must address it. Leaving it unattended can cause more harm to your personal or professional life.
Brain chemistry
At its core, OCD is linked to how the brain processes fear, doubt and habits. Research suggests that certain areas of the brain, like the orbitofrontal cortex and anterior cortex, show hyperactivity in individuals with OCD.
These areas are responsible for making decisions, detecting dangers and so on. Therefore, it makes sense why people with OCD feel an overwhelming need to repeat things or seek assurance.
Low serotonin
Everybody knows serotonin is the “happy hormone”, and lacking that could obviously make you lose your sanity or at least close to it. Serotonin helps regulate mood and anxiety, which is commonly associated with OCD.
Genetics
Apparently, OCD runs in families, so certain genes may increase the risk. Yeah, that’s one more thing you can blame your parents for.
Trauma
Your risk may improve if you’ve gone through a stressful event at any point in your life.
For example, if you’ve watched the series “Desperate Housewives”(2004), Bree develops OCD after she witnessed her mother’s accident and had to scrub the floor filled with blood, which caused a reaction in her brain that led towards her intrusive cleaning rituals.
Changes in life
A sudden change, such as a new job, moving to a new city or a loved one’s death, can disrupt your flow of harmony and make you stressed about the unknown waiting for you.
Illness
If you’ve had an infection or sepsis, you know how you felt and would never want to go through it again, so you develop a habit of cleaning and being careful of sharp, rusty objects that can cause it.
In some cases, children are said to develop OCD after streptococcal infections. It is also known as Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).
Social activity
It is often referred to as social OCD; it is when your obsession and compulsions revolve around the fear of being judged, rejected or humiliated by people in social activities, often making you avoid such events.
1. Everyone with OCD is a neat freak!
Fact - Not everyone wants their personal space to be extra neat.
They indeed want things organised, but sometimes, this cleanliness is more of a ritualistic behaviour they do not like but are conditioned to do.
It can even lead to hoarding as they don’t want to part away with items, making their space more clustered.
2. OCD makes you a Godfather of cleaning
Fact - OCD is actually all about obsession and compulsion. Cleanliness is just one of the symptoms. OCD isn’t restricted to cleaning; instead, it is about repetitive habits or intrusive thoughts that occur to reduce stress.
Some examples of compulsion are washing hands till it's sore and chapped, checking the doorknob regularly, counting, hoarding, or even having violent thoughts, which are often not discussed in the open. Hence, the myth is not accurate enough for all.
3. OCD is unavoidable and open
Fact - Most of the time, it is difficult to catch if a person struggles with OCD.
As a person coming from a brown family, I know how important cleanliness is to our parents, but have you ever thought that “hey, it could be a sign of OCD”? And when brought to light, our parents just brush off the matter (get the pun?).
Most people are good at hiding it often due to fear of judgement or the existing stigma hence, it remains undiagnosed.
4. People with OCD are rude and uptight
Fact - They are actually like normal human beings with extra boundaries for mental peace.
It is not a choice for them to behave in a certain manner but rather a compulsion.
The way they handle things could make them perceive a little cold but they do realise the way they cope could be irrational and sometimes unrealistic.
5. OCD is caused by childhood trauma
Fact - False because it does not have a single cause to blame.
OCD can develop anytime; it could be during your late 60’s, too. Many factors contribute to it such as brain health, genetics or social environment. But that doesn’t mean childhood trauma isn’t included in it.
6. People with OCD need to take a chill pill
Fact - OCD is a genre of mental disorder that they did not pick.
Please do not ever tell them to take a chill pill because you will have a broom coming towards you at lightning speed. Mental illness will never be simple, and therefore, OCD can also be tricky. It can tamper with the way you converse with the world.
7. OCD cannot be cured
Fact - There is no magic pill to cure OCD, but treatments are available to manage the symptoms.
But again, remember, not everyone can use the same approach; what is suitable for the other person may not be good for you.
Let’s get one thing straight is that OCD isn’t curable but is manageable or treatable. Depending on the severity of the OCD, the treatments can be taken.
Medications
Therapy
Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) has been considered sufficient and most rooted for.
Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) is another way. In simple terms, you face your fears; if you want to learn more about this therapy, you can watch the TED TALK of Julia Cook and her journey of overcoming OCD.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) - You take away the power and treat your thoughts as simple.
Support groups
Always remember the proper treatment will depend upon the person, their history and mental health. Do not jump into any straight away.
Living with OCD can be challenging, but it isn’t the end of the world. I know OCD can grab hold of what we enjoy and love, but we can at least try to prevent it by taking away its authority over us.
For example, living like Bree Van De Kamp was aesthetically cottagecore to me, but again, at what cost? So, if you or someone you know is experiencing OCD, help is always available, and recovery is possible.
Take a step towards awareness and another towards action!
What are the common signs of OCD?
Washing hands frequently due to fear of contamination, checking things repeatedly, intrusive thoughts that include harming yourself or others, and a need for symmetry are a few common signs.
What causes OCD?
There are various factors contributing to OCD, such as genetic, neurological, environmental or psychological.
Can OCD be cured?
Sadly, no, but it is manageable with medications and therapy, depending on the severity of your OCD condition and your mental health history.
How can I support someone with OCD?
Be patient with them, try to educate yourself about OCD, encourage professional help and avoid participating in their compulsive rituals.
When should you seek help for OCD?
If your OCD starts to tamper with your day-to-day tasks and life overall, causing major distress, we advise you to seek professional help. Meeting a therapist and discussing it could benefit you.
