Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental anxiety disorder that produces repeated thoughts or images that are unwanted. Those who suffer from obsessive thoughts are often aware that they are irrational but they can’t shake them, or resist their presence.
OCD can be crippling to those who suffer from it. It can affect their job, their family life, and their relationships both with loved ones and their community. Depending on the severity of the disorder, some OCD sufferers can become shut-ins, refusing to leave their home for fear of facing triggers that can force them to see or feel anxious or scared.
In the United States, 1 in 40 Adults Suffers from OCD
OCD has been displayed on the big screen a few times, showing individuals who obsessively locked and unlocked their front door, refused to step over cracks in the sidewalk, or kept their home organized so meticulously they did not let outsiders into their lives.
OCD is often used as a toss around term for those that are very organized or are referred to as “neat freaks,” but OCD is not a simple personality trait. Wanting to keep a clean home is not the same as what a person with OCD would feel if they have a fear of contamination from germs from being unclean.
How Can You Get Help for OCD?
Most of those who suffer from OCD try to avoid situations that may cause them to suffer painful thoughts, but this can make them even more severe. Resisting the urges when the thoughts expose themselves can provide some relief.
One way that a lot of OCD victims find comfort is in communicating their feelings with a psychologist, support group, and loved one. Rather than trying to keep their emotions bottled up inside, this can help bring out what may trigger these thoughts, identify trends, and even pinpoint what could have started this obsession in the first place.
Having obsessive compulsive disorder does not have to be a life sentence of unhappy, painful, and anxious thoughts. With behavioral therapy and a strong support system, those who suffer from this disorder can live healthy and normal lives.
Contact Advantage Mental Health Center for information on getting the help you or your loved one needs.