Do you ever feel like you’re constantly checking to make sure the door is locked or that the oven is turned off? If so, you may be experiencing symptoms of OCD. OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and it is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide. In this blog post, we will discuss what OCD feels like and some of the common symptoms associated with it.
Contents
What OCD Feels Like?
There are many ways to describe what OCD feels like. Some say it’s like having a constant battle going on in your head. Others say it feels like you’re constantly living in fear or anxiety.
For me, OCD felt like my mind was constantly racing. I was never able to relax or focus on anything for more than a few seconds. I was always worrying about something or fixated on some tiny detail that didn’t seem important to anyone else. It was exhausting and frustrating and made me feel completely out of control of my own life.
People across the globe have shared their stories about what OCD feels like to them. Here are just a few:
- “It’s like my brain is stuck on repeat.”
- “I can’t focus on anything else because I’m so focused on whatever it is that’s making me anxious.”
- “It feels like I’m walking around with this dark cloud over my head all the time.”
- “I’m always waiting for the other shoe to drop.”
- “It’s like living in constant fear.”
If you’re struggling with OCD, know that you’re not alone. There are millions of people across the globe who understand what you’re going through and who want to help you get better. Reach out to a friend, family member, therapist, or any other support system you have and start getting the help you deserve.
Common Symptoms Of OCD
There are many different types of OCD, and each person experiences the condition in their own unique way. However, there are some common symptoms that many people with OCD experience.
Intrusive Thoughts
This is the most common and very defining symptom of OCD. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, persistent, and often disturbing thoughts or images that pop into your head against your will. These intrusive thoughts can be about anything that causes you anxiety or fear. For example, if you have a fear of germs, you may constantly have intrusive thoughts about becoming sick or contaminated.
Compulsions
A compulsion is a repetitive behavior that you feel the need to do in order to ease your anxiety or prevent something bad from happening. For example, someone with OCD might feel the need to wash their hands over and over again to prevent themselves from becoming sick. Other common compulsions include:
- Checking things (doors, appliances, etc.) multiple times to make sure they are safe
- Counting, tapping or repeating certain words or phrases
- Organizing and rearranging things
- Excessive hand-washing, showering, or grooming
- Hoarding objects
Avoidance
People with OCD may avoid certain activities or places because they fear triggering their obsessive thoughts. For example, someone with a fear of contamination may avoid touching doorknobs or shaking hands. Or someone with a fear of harm may avoid driving or using power tools.
OCD can be a very debilitating condition, but there is hope. With proper treatment, many people with OCD are able to live happy and productive lives.
When To Get Help?
More often than not, people with OCD will try to avoid or hide their symptoms. This is because the compulsions can be time-consuming, embarrassing, or even painful. Avoidance can make the symptoms worse. If you think you might have OCD, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide you with a diagnosis and create a treatment plan that includes therapy and medication.
- There are some situations that indicate red flags for OCD. For example, if you are spending more than an hour a day on compulsions.
- If your symptoms are interfering with work, school, or your social life, it’s time to seek help.
- Also, if you have thoughts of harming yourself or others, this is also a sign that you need professional help. If you’re not sure whether your symptoms are due to OCD or something else, talking to a mental health professional can help clarify the diagnosis.
It is important to recognize the red flags for OCD and to seek professional help if you are experiencing any of them. Early intervention can make a big difference in the course of the disorder. If you think you might have OCD, don’t hesitate to reach out for help.
What Are The Ways To Treat OCD?
When it comes to OCD, there are a number of different treatment options available. However, it is important to note that not all treatments will work for everyone. It is important to work with a mental health professional to figure out what the best course of action is for you. Some common treatment options for OCD include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This is considered the foremost and prominent choice when it comes to treating OCD. It is a type of psychotherapy that helps patients change their thinking patterns and behaviors. CBT works to help patients recognize and change the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to their OCD.
Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy
This is another type of CBT that works by helping patients confront their fears. Patients work with a therapist to gradually expose themselves to the things they are afraid of. They then learn how to control their response to these fears. In fact, this type of therapy works to retrain the brain to not have the same fear response.
Medication
There are a number of different types of medication that can be used to treat OCD. The most common type of medication is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain, which can help reduce symptoms of OCD. Other medications include;
- tricyclic antidepressants,
- antipsychotics,
- mood stabilizers.
It is important to work with a mental health professional to figure out what the best course of action is for you. There is no one-size-fits-all approach when it comes to treating OCD. The most important thing is to find what works best for you and stick with it. With the right treatment, you can live a happy and fulfilling life despite your OCD.
Self-Care Tips
Most people with OCD know what works for them to reduce their anxiety. But in case you don’t know so here are a few tips to improve your OCD symptoms and change what OCD feels like.
- Exercise- helps to improve your mood and reduces anxiety.
- Deep breathing- calms you down and focuses on something other than your intrusive thoughts.
- Challenge your negative thoughts- this can help you to see that your thoughts are not necessarily true.
- Spend time with friends and family- socializing can help take your mind off of your OCD.
- Find a hobby- this can help give you a sense of accomplishment and pride.
These self-care tips are just a starting point. If you want to learn more about how to reduce your OCD symptoms, please consult with a mental health professional. Living with OCD can be difficult, but there are ways to make it easier. With the right treatment and support, you can live a happy and fulfilling life despite your OCD.
Conclusion
To conclude, in order to deal with OCD, it is the primary thing to know what OCD feels like at first. Also, you should be able to identify your symptoms and consequently get the proper treatment. Remember that you are not alone in this and that many people have dealt with, and are dealing with OCD. You can get help!
However, there are some commonalities that people with OCD tend to experience that are discussed in this. I hope this has helped to provide some insight into what OCD feels like. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, please do not hesitate to reach out for help. There is one website Mantra Care that assists you with a complete guide. Thank you for reading!
If you have any queries regarding Online OCD Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
