We all have worries. We worry about our jobs, our families, and our health. Worrying is a normal part of human behavior; however, believe it or not, it is possible to worry too much for our own good. Sometimes, these worries can build up into forms of anxiety and obsessions, which can only be relieved by completing a certain compulsion, or action.
According to the International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation, “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex disorder of the brain and behavior that causes severe anxiety in those affected by both obsessions and compulsions that take a lot of time and get in the way of important activities the person values.†People suffering from OCD can be obsessed with anything from cleanliness, to the weather, to sports teams, and beyond. Obsessions can range from washing your hands repeatedly, to fixating on a number and doing everything in that number.
A good example is the obsession with germs and getting sick. Someone with OCD might constantly worry about germs, and no matter what else they try to think of or do, they can’t stop thinking about the diseases that are lurking; therefore, this person might use a hand-sanitizing product several times in an hour and even go so far as to wash their hands until they bleed.
Another example is that of flying. Many people don’t like flying or get understandably nervous in the Post-9/11 world we live in; however, a person with OCD may use substances like painkillers or alcohol to get through a flight, or have a panic-attack and pass out during the flight.
OCD is characterized by a build-up of anxiety over irrational fears. Now if you are someone who enjoys being clean or does not enjoy flying, that does not mean that you have OCD. OCD is an overwhelming anxiety that gets in the way of your daily life. For example, I was having lunch with a friend at a nice café, when I noticed she sanitized her hand after each touch of the menu, tablecloth, and even straw wrapper. She ended up using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer 21 times in our hour-long meal. When I asked her what she was doing, she would say she needed to sanitize or else she would get sick.
At the first sign of an irrational fear of this magnitude, it is a clear sign to seek help. A trained therapist can only officially diagnose OCD. There are hundreds of trained professionals in all corners of the United States. The good news is that OCD does not have a stigma attached to it anymore. It is treatable with either therapy, or medication, or a combination of both. The first step is admitting that you need help.
I am proud to say that I overcame OCD through therapy and without the use of any medications. If you think you, or someone you know may be suffering from OCD, be sure to take the proper measures to get help. Life will get better!
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