What is OCD?
It has been some time since I have done a blog on health issues that affect many people throughout the world. Hopefully this will give us a better understanding of people who suffer from the various disorders that affect their lives.
We never truly know what someone is going through unless we experience it ourselves. But maybe if we have a better understanding of the disorder, maybe we will also have a better understanding of what someone may be going through. As a reminder, I am not a doctor or an expert, just an ordinary Pagan trying to get a better understanding of this world and the things that affect us.
What is OCD? OCD stands for Obsessive-compulsive disorder. OCD features a pattern of unwanted thoughts and fears known as obsessions. This leads someone to do repetitive behaviors called compulsions. These obsessions and compulsions affect your daily activities and result in a lot of distress.
You often will feel that you have to do compulsive acts to ease the distress you are in. OCD can become a vicious cycle of continued obsessions and compulsions.
An example of this would be you have an obsessive fear of getting germs. To ease your fear you will wash your hands over and over again causing them to become chapped and sore.
Often people who have OCD will feel ashamed, embarrassed and frustrated by these obsessions and compulsions.
There are many types of obsessions that can affect people who suffer from OCD. Some of these may be fear of dirt contamination, doubting or feeling uncertain, needing things to be orderly and balanced, aggressive or horrific thoughts of losing control and harming others, and unwanted thoughts.
You may suffer from OCD if you have any of these obsessive symptoms: fear of becoming contaminated after touching objects others have touched, doubts that you have locked the door or turned off the stove, intense stress when objects are not orderly or facing a certain way, thoughts about not acting right in public, and staying away from situations that can cause obsessions such as shaking hands.
Just like obsessions, compulsions have certain themes too, such as: washing and cleaning, checking, counting, ordering, following a strict routine, and demanding reassurance.
Some of the symptoms of compulsions are: hand-washing until your skin becomes raw, checking doors over and over again to make sure they are locked, counting in certain patterns, silently repeating a word or phrase, and arranging your canned goods to face a certain way.
There is a big difference between being a perfectionist and having OCD. OCD thoughts aren't simply excessive worries about real issues in your life. If your obsessions or compulsions start affecting your quality of life you need to see your doctor.
Just like with most other mental illnesses, the causes of OCD have not been completely determined. Many experts believe that biology, genetics and learnings are all possible causes.
If you are diagnosed with OCD you will learn that there is no guaranteed cure. The two main types of treatment for OCD are psychotherapy and medicines.
This is some basic information to help you understand more about OCD. More than likely you either suffer from some sort of OCD or know someone who does.
If you suffer from OCD, we stand with you and support you, if you know someone who does then be sure to stand by them and support them.
Hopefully this will help you understand others who may be impacted by these symptoms. Having a better understanding of them can help you improve your interaction with them.
OCD, another mental illness that we know little about, nor do we truly know how to effectively help someone who suffers from it. Another reason that more attention and research needs to be given to mental health. Another reason that we need mental health reform.
Blessings!
By Michael Walters
The Ancestor's Fire
Writing the voices of the unheard
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