Obsessive-compulsive disorder, more commonly referred to as OCD, is far beyond the stigma of someone who washes their hands consistently or color codes their notes. OCD is not a preference of organization and cleanliness but rather, an uncontrollable cycle of thoughts and behaviors stemming from a theme of fear. An individual's genetic background, brain structure, and environment can lead to the effects of OCD.
The effects of OCD can be troubling and difficult to acknowledge, let alone to understand. I know, because I have it.
OCD can be broken down into several different areas. In my case, I suffer from the aspects of OCD that involve checking, symmetry and order, rumination and intrusive thoughts, as well as contamination. Although these forms of OCD may be very different on the surface, the process of one's repetitional behaviors and thoughts remains the same — obsession, anxiety, compulsion, and relief. The most frustrating part of dealing with OCD from my own experiences is the basic fact that I can acknowledge my obsessions, how I deal with them, and their irrationality, but I can't stop the thoughts or the way I relieve them.
I suffer from irrational fears that I'm aware of, but I can't control. These self-inflicted fears that consume my mind lead to the relief stage. The relief stage of OCD can have physically and emotionally damaging effects. The effects of my own have been a long and painful struggle of mine. Therefore, as someone who has struggled with OCD since middle school, I think it is important to be a voice in one of the most stigmatized mental health communities. Additionally, I would like to let other people know that they are not alone.
We have good days and we have bad days, but as long as we get through the day, we have won the battle.
Although OCD has no cure, it can be treated individually or with a combination of medication and therapy. As someone who is a supporter of the holistic medicinal route, I will admit there may or may not be a time in your own personal journey with mental health when medication is the healthiest choice for yourself. Therapy was also something I snuffed at until I did it. When you have an unbiased outlet you can confide in and not feel "crazy," it does help your progress flourish.
With all this being said, remember when you use an actual disease, illness, or disorder as an adjective, you are mocking a community who actually suffers. It is important to make people with all sorts of mental illnesses feel accepted for who they are and how their disease impacts them.
