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Living with OCD
Living with OCD
Understanding the Struggles and Finding Solutions
Understanding the Struggles and Finding Solutions
by Aigerim
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The Endless Cycle of Fear and Rituals
Hello! My name is Aigerim and this article is my first piece of writing on this platform. It’s not just a piece of writing—it’s a topic that feels personal to me. I’ve taken the time to understand what obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is, where it comes from, what its symptoms are, and most importantly, how to manage it.
Note: I don’t have an OCD diagnosis, but I do have some personal traits close to it. In other words, I don’t have the disorder, but I do experience some of its symptoms. The higher my anxiety levels, the more pronounced they become. So everything I write about here is something I understand firsthand.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition in which a person experiences intrusive, anxiety-inducing thoughts and feels compelled to perform repetitive actions to ease their distress. The problem is that these rituals don’t eliminate fear—they only reinforce it, creating a vicious cycle. Even though the person understands that their actions are irrational, they feel powerless to stop because anxiety forces them to repeat the behaviors over and over again.
How OCD Manifests: Key Symptoms
OCD has two main types of manifestations: compulsions (ritualistic behaviors) and obsessions (intrusive thoughts).
Compulsions: The Rituals of OCD
These behaviors are performed to reduce anxiety, but they only provide temporary relief. Common compulsions include:
• Turning the key in the lock exactly 11 times.
• Arranging objects perfectly or sorting them by color.
• Wiping a smartphone an odd number of times because otherwise, it still feels dirty.
• Counting crosswalk stripes or people wearing orange.
Obsessions: The Persistent Thoughts of OCD
Intrusive thoughts are repetitive, distressing, and difficult to ignore. Examples include:
• "I’m sure I forgot to turn off the stove. There will be a fire, and I’ll lose my home."
• "If I step on a crack, something bad will happen."
• "If I don’t count all the light bulbs and electrical outlets before bed, a loved one will get sick."
• "If I don’t wash my hands exactly eight times, I’ll catch a deadly virus."
What Causes OCD?
OCD can develop due to several factors:
• Biological factors: Genetics may play a role in passing down OCD tendencies.
• Anxiety sensitivity: People with high levels of anxiety may develop repetitive behaviors as a coping mechanism.
• Perfectionism: Those with extreme perfectionist tendencies may turn their need for order into an uncontrollable disorder.
• Chronic stress and trauma: Prolonged stress or traumatic experiences can trigger obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
How to Treat OCD?
1. Seek professional help. The best approach is to consult a therapist or psychiatrist. OCD does not go away on its own.
2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This therapy helps individuals develop coping strategies to reduce the significance of their rituals.
3. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). One of the most effective OCD treatments, ERP helps individuals gradually face their fears without engaging in compulsions.
4. Medication. Antidepressants prescribed by a doctor can reduce anxiety and obsessive thoughts, though they do not cure OCD—only manage symptoms.
What Not to Do When Dealing with OCD
• Waiting for it to go away on its own. Without treatment, OCD usually worsens over time.
• Avoiding triggers. Triggers should be confronted with professional help, not avoided.
• Reinforcing rituals. They provide only temporary relief, but ultimately, anxiety returns even stronger.
• Seeking a ‘magic cure.’ OCD is treated through evidence-based therapy, and medications must be prescribed by a doctor for each individual case.
• Relying solely on medication. Therapy is essential for long-term improvement—medication alone is not enough.
Conclusion
Living with OCD means battling intrusive thoughts and compulsive actions daily. However, with therapy and the right treatment, it is possible to reduce symptoms or even regain a sense of normalcy. It’s crucial not to be afraid to ask for help, to acknowledge that support is needed, and to start treatment as early as possible. The sooner you take action, the sooner you can return to a calmer, more balanced life.
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