Obsessive compulsive disorder or OCD is a term used very loosely these days for unnecessary repetition of behaviors but the disorder itself is much more than mindless repetition. People suffering from OCD have a hard time concentrating on anything else unless they live out their obsessions. Awareness about OCD is necessary for its management and also for avoiding insensitivity towards those who have it.
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What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is an anxiety based disorder which means that the actual reason for the behavior that comes with OCD is anxiety. In OCD, anxiety is translated into involuntary thoughts called obsessions. The obsessions are usually about some harm that may happen to the person itself or a loved one if a certain task is not performed by the obsessed. The obsessed then in order to avoid these thoughts, performs the required task or depicts the required behavior. The behaviors that results from avoidance of obsessions are known as compulsions thus giving the name ‘obsessive compulsive’ to this disorder.
What are some common obsessions?
There are numerous types of obsessions but generally people with OCD experience one or more of the following obsessions.
- Obsessions about physical or mental contamination: These obsessions usually translate into several repetitions of cleaning rituals such as washing hands again and again.
- Obsessions about symmetry: These obsessions translate into compulsions of ordering and arranging everything.
- Obsessions without visible compulsions: These are the obsessions that are mostly projected internally such as thoughts about pleasing God.
- Obsessions of hoarding: These obsessions translate into an inability of letting physical things go, leading to hoarding.
- Obsessions of harm: These obsessions translate into mindless checking of everything that can be potentially harmful such as checking the stove gas again and again after turning it off.
How to function better with OCD?
Not everyone’s obsessions are same but the experience of OCD for each sufferer is equally difficult. It heavily influences everyday life and disturbs normal functioning. A lot of the times it paralyzes people mentally and they are unable to perform routine tasks and are stuck in a dreadful cycle of compulsions. There is however, hope and with help one can function in a much better way. Here are some ways you can control your OCD rather than letting it control you.
- Knowledge: Knowledge is power. The more aware you are about the nature of your obsessions the more conscious and controlled reaction you will have to these thoughts. Starting with this article, read up as much as you can on your condition so that you have a better understanding of what is happening.
- Medicine: Medicine can help a lot in managing OCD. As it is an anxiety based disorder, anxiety suppressants are a great way to scale down the experience of it.
- Therapy: The importance of therapy cannot be emphasized enough. Cognitive Behavioral therapy is the best method to deal with this condition. An hour weekly with a psychologist can make a huge impact in your daily life.
- Courage: Practicing courage in OCD is very hard but it is definitely worth it. As a first step towards a better life, be brave and try to refrain from a compulsion just once every day. Skipping compulsions without consequences will gradually convince your mind that your obsessions are just thoughts and are not actually true and you will function better.
If you are experiencing OCD then contact a psychologist at your earliest. You can also book an appointment with top psychologists in Islamabad, Karachi and Multan through oladoc.com or call our helpline at 042-3890-0939 to get directed to the specialists suitable for your specific concerns.
