OCD

What is OCD?

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent, intrusive thoughts or obsessions and repetitive behaviors or compulsions. People with OCD often experience intense and intrusive worries or fears. These are thoughts they would never dream of acting on. In fact, it is because they are so disturbing, sometimes, that all a person wants to do is get. rid. of. them. It is here, in these attempts that a person may develop compulsions, or a cycle of repetitive actions performed to alleviate anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. In OCD, often the thoughts are disturbing causing emotional distress, but it is the compulsions that interfere with a persons, and oftentime their loved ones, day-to-day life.

A Pervasive Intruder!

The thing about obsessions is that they are UNWANTED. Period. No one wants them. A person with OCD often thinks that there is something "wrong" with them for even thinking such a thought or having such an impulse or even urge. Of course, the first thing a person wants to do is get rid of the thought, images, or urges that occur over and over. In fact, it feels like the more you try not to think of it, the more you are having them. One of the characteristics of obsessions is that they are--irrational. You know you would not partake or actually act out these thoughts--they may even repulse you. You may actually desire the complete opposite. Some of the themes of obsessions are contamination of illness or filth, symmetry and order, forbidden/sexual thoughts or impulses, and even "just right" thinking.

Getting Caught in the Cycle

On the other hand, compulsions are repetitive behaviors or mental acts. Mental acts are behaviors--yes, I know, confusing. If we ritualize our thoughts to help stave off the unwanted thoughts, impulses, or urges, then they have just become a behavior. A compulsion is the drive has to perform in response to alleviate their obsessions. A person may feel these actions make-up or keep away the unwanted thoughts. A person may not know they are compulsing because it may appear like everyday behavior. Some people are suprized to know that praying or reassuring themselves can be a compulsion. They can show up as physical rituals, such as excessive washing, counting, checking locks or the internet, seeking multiple opinions, arranging objects and even NOT thinking about something.

What is tricky about OCD is that compulsions trip our feel good hormones like dopamine. We get relief--but just for the moment. Natrually, because it worked once, a person may feel like doing it again to get that same relief. It may become time comsuing as a person has to spend more and more time working on the compulsion that alleviates the obsession. It may interfere with our functioning at home, work, or impact our health.

OCD can be treated with a combination of therapy, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication, typically selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These treatments aim to help individuals manage their obsessions and compulsions, reduce anxiety, and improve their overall quality of life.

If you feel like this hits close to home, please call us at Invictus Counseling, LLC: 850-970-7222.

In case of a mental health crisis, please call 988 or if you are experiencing a medical emergency please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.