OCD ( What is it)

What is OCD

One step, two steps, three steps, four steps NO NO NO!!!! The trip from my room to the bathroom has to be completed in 5 steps! I need to start again……

On! Off! On! Off! The light switch is made to go up and down innumerable times before it matches my satisfaction….

These are just two of the daily rituals people suffering from Obsessive Compulsive disorder have to perform to prevent themselves from going into complete hysteria. ” Oh my God! I can’t take it if my room is messy either! I think i have OCD too!” Many people in this whole wide world make the same exact claim without actually realizing the severity of the situation at hand. They fail to comprehend and understand what actually puts the D in “OCD”. It is called a disorder for a reason.

People with OCD don’t organize because it brings them joy. They don’t clean because it’s one of their hobbies. And sometimes, people with OCD don’t clean or organize at all. OCD manifests itself in so many different ways, and likening it to a quirk can be hurtful for those who live with it every day.

“It’s like a broken machine. Thoughts go in your head, get stuck and keep going around and around.”  as best described by Megan Flynn

Like every other problem that has taken root nowadays, this specific one also has its solutions and if not solutions there are numerous ways to reduce its onslaught. OCD is typically treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two but unfortunately a full recovery can not be guaranteed.

Most important though, is not the search for a CURE but mere acceptance of the disorder by the general public. All of us must act as a helping hand in the road to recovery for a person suffering from OCD. Patience and endurance is key!! Be cooperative! Let them complete their tasks to their satisfaction without a hint of annoyance or vexation made prominent on your face. Avoid making personal criticisms. Remember, your loved one’s OCD behaviors are symptoms, not character flaws!

Similarly a person suffering from this disorder should also be encouraged to work to reduce the symptoms. Exercising regularly and getting the right amount of sleep plays a crucial role on balancing our emotional levels and thus helps lower the anxiety built up in our bodies. Refraining from the uptake of excess stress reduces symptoms and urges too to some extent!  

No one has all the answers to the issues we are facing in today’s world!! All we can do is provide our complete support to whoever may need it.