Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition that can cause a great deal of distress and disruption in a person’s life. Let’s take a closer look at what OCD is all about.

Obsessions

People with OCD have obsessions. These are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that keep popping into their minds. For example, they might constantly worry about germs and dirt. They can’t stop thinking about whether they’ve touched something dirty and might get sick. Another common obsession is the fear of harming others. They might have a disturbing thought of accidentally hurting a loved one, even though they have no intention of doing so. These obsessions are not easy to control and can be extremely distressing. They often go against a person’s values and beliefs, which makes them even more difficult to deal with.

Compulsions

To try to relieve the anxiety caused by these obsessions, people with OCD perform compulsions. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to do. For instance, if someone is obsessed with germs, they may wash their hands over and over again, sometimes for hours. They might use a lot of soap and scrub their hands until they’re red and raw. Another example is checking. A person might check if the door is locked multiple times before leaving the house. They know it’s probably locked, but the anxiety from the obsession makes them do it again and again. Some people also have mental compulsions, like counting in a certain way or repeating a phrase in their minds to ward off bad things they think might happen.

The Cycle and Impact

The cycle of obsession and compulsion can take over a person’s life. It can consume a large amount of their time and energy. For example, a person with OCD might spend so much time on their compulsions that they’re late for work or school. It can also affect their relationships. Their family and friends might not understand why they have to do these things and might get frustrated. In addition, the person with OCD themselves feels trapped in this cycle and often experiences a lot of shame and guilt. They know their behaviors are excessive, but they can’t seem to stop.

Treatment and Hope

Fortunately, OCD is treatable. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often very effective. In CBT, a therapist helps the person with OCD identify and challenge their obsessive thoughts and gradually reduce their compulsive behaviors. Medication can also be helpful in some cases. With proper treatment, people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms and break free from the cycle of obsession and compulsion. It’s important to raise awareness about OCD so that people who have it can get the help they need and so that society can be more understanding and supportive.