Understanding OCD: What It Is and How to Cope

Jessica Bell

Jul 09, 2024

Welcome back to our blog at Mosaic Minds Counseling. Today, we're exploring a mental health topic that is often misunderstood: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This condition is more than just about being overly tidy or organized; it involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the sufferer feels the urge to repeat over and over. Through this post, we aim to shed light on what OCD is, debunk common myths, and offer practical advice on how to cope with it.

Understanding OCD: What It Is and How to Cope


What is OCD?


OCD is a chronic mental health disorder that is characterized by uncontrollable, reoccurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the individual feels compelled to repeat. These obsessions and compulsions can significantly interfere with a person’s daily activities and social interactions.

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Common symptoms include fears of germs or contamination, unwanted forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm, and aggressive thoughts towards others or self.

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought. Common compulsions include excessive cleaning or handwashing, ordering and arranging things in a particular, precise way, repeatedly checking on things, such as repeatedly checking to see if the door is locked or that the oven is off.

Recognizing OCD Symptoms


Understanding the symptoms of OCD is crucial for early intervention and management. Symptoms typically begin gradually and vary throughout life. Recognizing these signs can prompt individuals to seek professional help:

  • - Excessive double-checking of things, such as locks, appliances, and switches.
  • - Repeatedly checking in on loved ones to make sure they’re safe.
  • - Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety.
  • - Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning.
  • - Ordering or arranging things “just so”.
  • - Accumulating “junk” such as old newspapers or empty food containers.

Practical Strategies to Cope with OCD


Managing OCD involves more than just trying to avoid compulsions. Here are some effective strategies that can help:

Practical Strategies: Exposure Response Prevention (ERP): A type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), ERP involves exposing yourself to fear and anxiety-related objects or ideas (exposure) and learning healthy ways to cope with anxiety (response prevention).

Medication: Certain psychiatric medications can help control the obsessions and compulsions of OCD. The most common are antidepressants that are approved by the FDA specifically for OCD.

Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help increase your ability to tolerate anxiety and reduce the urge to perform compulsive behaviors.

Stay Connected: Support from family and friends is crucial, as isolation can worsen symptoms. Consider joining an OCD support group to share experiences and strategies.

When Professional Help is Needed


While personal strategies for managing OCD are valuable, professional intervention is often crucial. If your symptoms persist or worsen, causing significant distress and hindrance to daily functioning, it's important to seek professional help. Treatment for OCD is highly individual, and a mental health professional can provide tailored therapy and medication plans.

Success Stories in Managing OCD


In my practice, I have witnessed profound transformations. We’ve seen clients with, for example, severe contamination fears that consumed hours of their day. Through a combination of ERP, medication, and support, they learned to manage their compulsions and now lead fulfilling lives, doing what they actually want to be doing instead of spending time on compulsions! It’s a powerful reminder of the possibilities of recovery with the right support and treatment.

OCD is a complex disorder, but with the right understanding and support, it can be managed effectively. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. At Mosaic Minds Counseling, we are dedicated to providing support and tailored treatment to help our clients lead healthier, happier lives.

References

  • - International OCD Foundation. (2021). What is OCD?
  • - National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

We hope this post has been enlightening and supportive. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help. Together, we can navigate the path to better mental health.