Need Help with OCD? How to Recognize the Signs

The term OCD is often used inappropriately and too casually these days. We adopt the label if we happen to crave order in our daily surroundings or are a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to how our books are arranged. But this is the wrong way to talk about OCD. In fact, OCD can be quite serious. It’s important to understand the extent of this disorder and to know when it’s time to seek professional help with OCD.

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious mental health disorder that affects approximately 1-2% of the population.

It’s characterized by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) that can negatively impact daily life.

OCD can cause significant distress, anxiety, and interfere with daily life functioning both at home and at work.

It’s important we realize when a tendency towards control has morphed into something much more serious, because there are treatments and counseling approaches that have been proven effective to address this condition.

When to Seek Help with OCD

Compulsive behaviors are a hallmark symptom of OCD. Examples include repetitive handwashing, checking appliances multiple times before leaving the house, or arranging items in a particular way.

If you find yourself engaging in repetitive behaviors to the point where it negatively impacts daily life, it’s time to seek help.

Other OCD related behaviors that may signal it’s time for help include:

  • Obsessive thoughts can become persistent, disruptive, and cause significant distress. These thoughts can be related to fear of contamination, fear of harm to oneself or others, or overthinking about the need to have everything perfectly organized. If you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts that cause distress, seeking help with OCD treatment can provide relief.
  • People with OCD often have excessive concern for details, orderliness, and control. This preoccupation can lead to significant distress when things are out of place or not in the correct order. If your concern for orderliness is causing distress to the point where it interferes with daily life, seeking help is necessary.
  • Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can lead those with OCD to avoid certain situations or places. For instance, someone may avoid public restrooms or shaking hands with others as they fear contamination. Avoiding situations leads to social isolation and negatively impacts daily life.
  • OCD can interfere with daily life, such as causing delays in completing work-related tasks or causing interpersonal conflicts with loved ones. If your OCD is causing significant distress and negatively impacting your ability to function, seeking help is essential.
  • OCD can cause significant emotional distress, including depression, anxiety, and a sense of hopelessness. It can also cause feelings of shame, guilt, and frustration. If you’re experiencing any of these emotions related to your OCD symptoms, it’s time to seek help.

When to Seek Help with OCD

While OCD can be challenging, seeking professional help can provide relief. Recognizing the signs of OCD is essential.

If you’re experiencing any of the symptoms described above, it’s time to seek help.

Mental health professionals can work with you to develop an effective treatment plan that addresses the root causes of your OCD, provides coping strategies, and enables you to live a fulfilling life.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for help, because OCD is treatable – recovering can open up a whole of possibilities.

Thank you as always for reading.

If you haven’t yet subscribed, please visit KindCompassCoach and enter your email address so you never miss a post. 


Discover more from KINDCOMPASSCOACH LIFE COACHING

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Categories:

No Responses

Please share your thoughts!

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Are Your Experiencing a Mental Health Crisis? Know That You Need Never Be Alone.

Call or text 988

Did You Miss the FREE Self-Esteem Series? No worries! Start With the Link Below

Find What You Need Most Quickly by Clicking the Tags Below!

Sixty and Me Contributor Badge
Come Follow Us On Twitter, too!

Testimonials: Love for KindCompassCoach

"In a world that is becoming increasingly polarized, separating into ‘us’ and ‘them’ far too often, KindCompassCoach is a lighthouse for those seeking a port in the storm. Joan writes straight from her heart using her wealth of knowledge to inspire, encourage, and offer kindness to each and every reader. I love that each post challenges me to consider how I can take the wisdom offered and practice it with intention. Those of us seeking truth and guidance, find it in every single KindCompassCoach post. From how to incorporate mindfulness to accessing our bank of positive memories during times of grief or struggle, Joan encourages her readers with unconditional understanding and compassion. This blog is a gem to be enjoyed and shared!"

Cathy Tubb, This Little Light

We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. We also share information about your use of our site with our social media, advertising and analytics partners. View more
Cookies settings
Accept
Privacy & Cookie policy
Privacy & Cookies policy
Cookie name Active
Life Coaching Sunrise Logo and Kind Compass Coach

Who we are

Comments

Media

Cookies

Embedded content from other websites

Who we share your data with

How long we retain your data

This is so we can recognize and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue.

For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile.

All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username). Website administrators can also see and edit that information.

What rights you have over your data

Where your data is sent

Save settings
Cookies settings

Discover more from KINDCOMPASSCOACH LIFE COACHING

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading