My OCD journey

According to many google search engines and websites, OCD can be described as “a type of anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive and frequent obsessions and repetitive and ritualistic behaviours.” To what extent do I agree with this though? I think OCD is such a misunderstood disorder and that there is such a key focus on this romanticised idea of constantly wanting to be clean and the misconceptions of things such as needing to touch the light switch a set number of times before a person leaves a certain room, or having things set out or organised in a particular way. Do I agree with these ideas? To a degree yes. However, OCD is so much more than these stereotypical ideas that every day people have pictured in their head.

Why is it important for me to talk about OCD?

The main one for me is to spread awareness and reduce the stigma around it, as well as trying to reduce the stereotypical ideas of what OCD is and how it affects people in their day to day lives. Many people have these specific visions and ideas of what OCD is and these are not always right. Many people may not understand the full extent of what OCD is. By talking and being open about OCD, I feel that the open conversations that arise can provide support for people who feel “different.”

It can reduce the feelings of isolation that people face, which can go on to make them feel more understood. This will give people senses of feeling like they are not alone as they will begin to realise that there are others who face similar struggles to them. It’s a relief knowing you are NOT alone! Also, the encouragement of talking about OCD can make it easier in a way for people to reach out and gain the support that they may need.

My OCD presents in many ways.

I struggle with the feelings of things being “dirty” and unclean and my fear of germs. This can cause me to shower several times a day and constantly wash my hands/ use hand gel. As well as this, I struggle with intrusive thoughts and compulsions. These are like rituals, and I feel that I must do them otherwise I do not feel right. It’s a hard feeling to describe. I feel on edge and not like myself and something feels off inside my head.

How I manage my OCD

To manage my OCD, I take medication (Sertraline) which I find very beneficial, although this might not work for everyone, it enables the reduction of my intrusive thoughts and makes my obsessive compulsions easier to manage. I use other coping strategies as well such as bringing hand gel around with me, seeking reassurance from family and friends. I have found CBT very helpful in reducing my rituals and learning to manage them better as well as distraction being a key factor for when I feel intrusive thoughts. I enjoy colouring, baking, having a bath or doing my puzzle books.

I think there is a stigma surrounding OCD due to the misunderstanding and the use of people using OCD as an adjective for how they feel for being tidy or clean. This, however, is not always the case and OCD is so much more in depth and harder to deal with than people assume.

My top tips with having and coping with OCD would be… accepting that you have OCD, and these thoughts are going to be around for awhile and not to dwell on this, but to find coping strategies to help you manage your OCD.

Always remember you are not alone and your feelings are valid and there is lots of support available if you reach out!

To find support in Leeds go to Getting Help on MindMate.