OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER; HOW TO GET BACK CONTROL OF YOUR LIFE

Do you feel driven to complete compulsive acts to ease your stress? Are you handwashing until your skin is irritated? Checking door locks over and over again, counting in patterns, silently repeating words and/or phrases, trying to replace bad thoughts with good thoughts or meticulously organizing items such as canned goods? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder characterized by uncontrollable and unwanted recurring thoughts,’obsessions,’ and/or urges, images and repetitive behaviours, ‘compulsions’ performed to relieve anxiety. It can become a vicious cycle of intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviours in order to reduce the anxiety or prevent a feared event. One may or may not realize their obsessions and compulsions are unreasonable. But there’s a big difference between a perfectionist and someone with OCD. It’s not a matter of having high standards or being a neat freak but rather fulfilling compulsions. These often have themes such as washing and cleaning, checking, counting, ordering, and following a strict routine. Further, OCD thoughts aren’t excessive worry about certain situations but lasting and unwanted thoughts that keep coming back, often intruding when attempting to do other things. Common themes include contamination from germs, doubt, uncertainty, thoughts about losing control and harming oneself or others, and aggressive thoughts of a sexual or religious nature. Another form of the disorder is called Medical OCD and is often mistaken for hypochondria. OCD is a lifelong disorder and symptoms, ranging from mild to moderate to severely disabling, can be time-consuming, distressful and interfere with the everyday. As well, the shame that comes with OCD can further limit one’s life by restricting social engagement and activities.

The cause of OCD isn’t completely understood but it’s generally considered a mix of biology, (one’s body’s natural chemistry), genetics, and sociology, (learning from watching family members). OCD usually surfaces in teens or young adults and symptoms vary in severity throughout life, changing over time in response to stressful situations especially times of transition and change. Risk factors include family history, having a parent or other family member with OCD, stressful or traumatic life events and other mental health disorders such as anxiety or depression. Complications include excessive time spent repeating ritualistic behaviours like frequent handwashing or organizing particular items, challenges going to work or school or participating in social activities, troubled relationships, poor quality of life and even suicidal thoughts. Diagnosing OCD typically involves a psychological evaluation as well as a physical exam to rule out other conditions that could be causing one’s symptoms such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia or other mental health disorders.

Treatment, including psychotherapy and medication, can help improve symptoms of OCD. A mix of both remedies is often most effective and, failing that, there are intensive outpatient and residential treatment programs. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of psychotherapy often used to treat OCD and anxiety disorders. It involves exposing the client over time to a feared object or obsession with the goal of learning how to not do compulsive acts. A client practises confronting the thoughts, images, objects and situations that make them anxious or provoke obsessions. They then make a choice not to do a compulsive behaviour once the anxiety or obsession has been ‘triggered’ under the guidance of a mental heath professional. ERP exercises ‘retrain your brain' to no longer see the object of the obsession as a threat. A trained counsellor will work with a client to develop a plan for exposure and coach them through confronting the situation, leaning into their feelings, and resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviour all while in a safe environment. There is a natural drop in anxiety when you stay ‘exposed’ but do not commit the compulsive response; a process known as ‘habituation.’

OCD is a chronic condition and may always be part of your life but there are things you can do to improve your wellbeing. Seek help from a doctor or mental health professional such as a registered clinical counsellor. Educate yourself about OCD and put into practice what you learn, take your medication, pay attention to the warning signs and stick with your treatment plan. It’s also important to stay focused on one’s goals and recognize that recovery is an ongoing process. Joining a support group and talking to other people with similar challenges can be helpful. Keep up with regular activities including work or school. Spend time with family or friends. Finding new hobbies or recreational activities like yoga or tai chi can also help ease stress. Once you learn to manage your OCD, you will become better at dealing with everyday levels of risk and uncertainty and improve your happiness and quality of life.