There are many myths and misconceptions about OCD. And while we do see a more active effort by the OCD community and media, in general, to help us better understand obsessive-compulsive disorder, the term still tends to get thrown around a lot in everyday conversation.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a very serious disease and causes a lot of anxiety and distress to anyone suffering from it. Both the obsessions and the compulsions feed into each other in a vicious cycle, and if left untreated, can really wear a person down in the long run, often causing a host of other secondary mood disorders, tics, or even depression.
The Crippling Anxiety
The obsessions and compulsions that come with OCD are one thing, and the anxiety that builds up over time is totally something else.
Partly it’s because the person suffering from OCD has no control over the intrusive thoughts or the subsequent ritual behaviors that follow. They can’t be “switched off”, “willed away”, or ignored.
We now know that the OCD brain is wired a little differently so the sufferer loses the ability to move on from these unwanted thoughts and repetitive acts. The feeling that your brain is somehow stuck, and that you are hyperaware of your condition only adds fuel to the fire.
The anxiety spills into your everyday life, so that you are constantly haunted by your dark thoughts, and that you need to carry out your ritual behaviors even as it eats into your daily routine, your regular activities, and your relationships.
The Feeling of Helplessness
Having OCD can be extremely frustrating. For starters, sufferers of OCD get no joy nor fulfillment from their obsessions and compulsions.
It’s not knowing when your dark thoughts will come creeping back to consume you that’s also the issue. For many sufferers, they can go through episodes when they aren’t doing so well, and then there are days when everything just falls apart.
In short, OCD is something you are going to have to live with once you start having it. It is difficult to manage, and in the long run, it can wear down even the best of us.
Constantly feeling distressed, anxious, and guilty over your horrible thoughts and trying to repress takes a toll on many OCD sufferers that, if left untreated, can lead to other mood disorders.
Studies show that about 3 out of 4 people with OCD ends up with depression as well, mainly because it is such an emotional and psychological burden to deal with a chronic issue like OCD for years.
The worst part is that for many OCD sufferers, they already know that their feelings of guilt or distress are completely irrational, or that their ritual behaviors make no sense, but try as they might, they just can’t switch off those obsessions and compulsions and just move on.
Treating OCD
You might be able to confirm your suspicions on whether or not you or loved one might have OCD– there is OCD Test you can take to give you a better idea of what you might be dealing with.
However, as with any mental illness, only a trained clinician can offer a reliable diagnosis. Getting the help you need as soon as you can means you have access to treatment that will help you better deal with your obsessions, your compulsions, and all the anxiety that comes with it.