Sometimes, we tend to lose sight of our goals when it comes to learning about our mental health. It’s all too easy to revert to old patterns and habits. This post serves as a reminder of what truly matters when it comes to coping with OCD or embarking on the journey of coping with it. It’s often the simplest things that we forget, but they hold great significance.
Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is challenging and can lead to feelings of isolation. The persistent intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and fears infiltrate every aspect of our daily lives, impacting our relationships, work, and overall well-being.
In this blog post, we delve into the importance of acknowledging OCD as the first step towards understanding and healing. By shedding light on this often misunderstood condition (“I’m so OCD”), let’s aim to provide support and guidance for us in navigating our journey with OCD.
- Understanding OCD:
We begin by exploring the fundamental aspects of OCD. From the intrusive thoughts that relentlessly intrude upon our minds to the compulsions we feel compelled to perform, we unravel the intricate nature of this disorder. By gaining a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms, we can develop empathy and self-compassion, recognizing that OCD is not a reflection of our character or weakness but a genuine mental health condition. Many of us try to hide our compulsions and act like nothing’s happening. But inside, we are hurting and don’t know what to do sometimes. It’s better to face our “demons”, observe them and learn how to tame them. Trust me, it took me so many years before I started coping with OCD. Sit with yourself and say “OK. I know I have intrusive thoughts. But they don’t make me a bad person. They are just thoughts. I don’t want them to have. But here we are. So let’s observe my feelings when I’m having intrusive thoughts. Where did the feeling occur? Did I feel that before? If yes, in what situations? Oh, I’m thinking about my problems and I realize it.” This means you are conscious about your thinking. That’s a way to start taming the beast – by realizing what’s going on.
- Breaking the Stigma:
OCD is still shrouded in stigma and misconceptions, leading to feelings of shame and embarrassment. By sharing our stories and experiences, we can highlight the importance of breaking this stigma and start fostering a culture of acceptance and empathy. We can challenge the misconceptions surrounding OCD, educate others, and create a supportive community.
I started sharing my OCD problems in comments on YouTube when watching a video about OCD by Nathan from the “OCD and Anxiety” channel. Then I saw another video by someone else. Hearing others cope with similar OCD problems felt like a completely new experience to me. Not only I realized that I was not alone, but I also realized that sharing helped. Sharing was my second step in coping with OCD. It helped diminish the significance of OCD in my life.
- Educating yourself on OCD:
Acknowledging that you have OCD also involves recognizing the need for professional guidance. I think it can be a little difficult to find a therapist or psychiatrist who specializes in treating OCD. It’s not a disorder that gets much attention in psychiatry. However, if you have the financial cushion and can find an experienced therapist who offers evidence-based therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP) that are tailored to the specific problems of people with OCD, that would be a big win for you. If you’re not so lucky, whether for financial reasons or because you can not find a therapist who understands your needs, there are ways to learn about your condition and possible treatments like CBT and ERP that you can do on your own, and find support, whether here or elsewhere. You are not alone!
- Finding Support:
Living with OCD can feel isolating. I know this firsthand. But it’s good to remember that we are not alone. We can explore the benefits of support from support groups, online communities, or loved ones who can provide understanding, encouragement, and a safe space to share experiences. Connecting with others who have similar struggles can be very encouraging and help us realize that our condition does not define us. Anyway, I felt very uncomfortable when I told my girlfriend face-to-face about my OCD. I was so nervous that I almost cried. But every time I shared, it was like a big boulder falling off my chest. Try it with your loved ones, your family, or your friends. It may change your coping mechanisms. You acknowledge the OCD, and it’s not so much of a taboo anymore. It will lose a little power over you every time you share. And as I think this is the hardest thing we can do for ourselves, I also know sharing is very powerful. Start by commenting on YouTube or in forum threads. You’ll get better at sharing.
- Self-Reflection and Coping Strategies:
Admitting to yourself that you suffer from OCD involves self-reflection. You delve into the process of introspection and encourage yourself to identify triggers, recognize patterns, and develop coping strategies tailored to your unique needs. From mindfulness practices to relaxation techniques, you explore various approaches that can assist in managing OCD symptoms and promote overall well-being.
My thing is breathing exercises finished with meditation. The breathwork helps me to center and concentrate. The meditation is there to let me flow, realize my feelings, observe why they are there, and find ways to cope with whatever I need to cope with. I also incorporate affirmations into the meditation. You wouldn’t believe the power affirmations if you hadn’t tried them yourself. I never believed in this “hocus-pocus” stuff. Until I tried it.
Conclusion:
Acknowledging OCD is a transformative step in understanding, healing, and reclaiming our lives. By shedding light on the complexities of OCD, breaking through the stigma, educating ourselves, finding support, and developing coping strategies—and by observing our fears—we embark on a journey of resilience and empowerment.
Let yourself embrace your experiences, support each other, and foster a compassionate and enlightened society that welcomes and uplifts those with OCD.
Remember that the path to healing begins with recognition/acknowledgement, whatever you want to call it. Together, we can overcome the challenges of OCD and find hope, strength, and a new sense of self.
Feel free to contact me and share your story.
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I consider this blog a calling. I never realized that before. But now I know what my calling is, and I want to continue to improve and help us better manage our OCD. I know how limiting OCD is. I’ve lived with it for more than 24 years. It’s time to learn as much as we can about this disorder to not only cope with it, but to actually get better.
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