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.
Get Therapist Recommended OCD Workbooks for Children and AdultsOther 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.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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