Written by Michelle Nguyen
Edited by Lesley Pham
The week of October 11th-17th is OCD Awareness Week, which is an effort that is led internationally with the purpose of raising awareness and fighting against the false beliefs that many associate OCD with.
Not only does this educate individuals on OCD’s effects and its importance, it also allows them to have access to evidence-based treatment and resources that can assist them throughout their everyday lives.
Graphic made by Lesley Pham, from Arts for Relief
OCD, short for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is medically defined as a disorder in which an individual experiences uncontrollable and compulsive obsessions and behaviors that tend to repeat themselves over time.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, OCD affects approximately 2.2 million adults in America of all different genders. There is a common misconception throughout society that individuals with OCD choose to be obsessively neat and that they can easily improve. However, these misconceptions are extremely harmful, as it undermines the everyday battles that many have to endure.
On the surface, some noticeable behavioral signs are fear of contamination, obsessing over order and symmetry, anxiety over losing control, and taboo urges.
As a result, the fear and anxiety that results from OCD can be overwhelming and can progressively become obstructive to one’s daily life. Oftentimes, this fear is relieved through repeating actions such as cleaning the dishes, organizing things in a specific order, or following a routine.
Despite what many believe to be true, it is vital to understand that OCD is not a choice and is indeed a real disorder that should not be invalidated.
The causes of OCD are rooted in one’s natural brain chemistry or inherited through genetics and the influence of one’s family and background can also cause many to develop it over time. Because OCD is considered to be a psychological disorder, there is no official cure for those who have been diagnosed with it. However, resources such as medication can help reduce physical symptoms and anxiety. Additionally, psychotherapy and cognitive therapy have been proven to help individuals with OCD learn how to combat and cope.
If you are an individual who does not struggle with OCD but knows a friend/family member who does, these are some small but necessary steps to take in order to help them.
First off, using the term “OCD” as a way to describe yourself/someone else as neat or careful is not acceptable. OCD is a real disorder that affects the lives of many; therefore, normalizing the use of the term as a description increases the stigma that OCD is simply a choice to be neat. Taking action such as encouraging someone to get diagnosed and receive professional care can help them realize that they are not alone and that they have the power to live life to their personal desire.
Despite how OCD can be life-changing in many aspects, always remember that a disorder does not define who an individual is and that by actively educating yourself and others, you are able to reduce the stigma and increase awareness of OCD.
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