OCD

OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is a term that’s often thrown around casually, with many people claiming to be affected. Unfortunately that tends to minimize the very real, negative effects experienced by those who actually are.

OCD can take many forms; but, as the name would imply, it primarily manifests as obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviors. It becomes a self-reinforcing loop over time: engaging in these compulsive behaviors may feel soothing in the moment, but over time it actually winds up making things worse by reinforcing the need to engage in them in the first place.

There’s a world of difference between actual OCD and just wanting to maintain a tidy home, having routines, or having some negative thoughts. When these thoughts or behaviors cause intense mental or emotional distress – especially if they are interfering with your daily life, you may be experiencing symptoms of OCD.

Some signs that you may want to seek OCD treatment:

• Having persistent negative thoughts – especially about causing, either intentionally or accidentally, harm to yourself or others
• Disturbing or repulsive thoughts of a violent or sexual nature
• Thinking “counter” thoughts to chase away negative ones
• Going beyond a reasonable desire for your environment to be neat and tidy with things in their proper places.
• Fearing abandonment which cause you to constantly and compulsively seek reassurance from those around you.
• Engaging in behaviors to excess in order to soothe yourself, for example: handwashing, hoarding, counting numbers / repeating words in your head, or checking and rechecking things repeatedly.