OCD: Understanding Its Symptoms and What Can Be Done to Overcome It

There are many people who are unaware of OCD, obsessive-compulsive disorder. Often, it is believed that a person with OCD is only concerned about being neat and organised. But in reality, OCD is considered a mental illness and is characterised by intrusive, obsessive thoughts, as well as repetitive behaviors. This behavioural pattern allows the individual to think that they are getting rid of their stress or anxiety. 

However, because of obsessive thoughts, alleviated anxiety, and much more, an individual faces a lot of problems carrying out their everyday life activities. This is why they are always in distress due to their thoughts and behaviour. Most people believe that OCD can be cured, but it can only be managed by adopting the best OCD treatment in India, or various other methods. This article will help guide you through OCD symptoms and what can be done to overcome them.

What are the major symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder? 

Here are the common OCD symptoms that you should be aware of: 

• Obsessions 

The re-emergence of unwanted and intrusive thoughts is a problematic situation. Also, this can be faced in case of images or perceptions that can be experienced by OCD patients. This can further result in anxiety and depression. 

• Compulsions 

These are considered specific behaviours which are carried out by an individual to handle their anxiety. However, this helps in getting relief for a short while. Later, their brain gets into an anxious state again, which leads to the restarting of the OCD cycle. 

• Obsessive thoughts 

As per the name, an individual experiences certain thoughts that are connected with obsession. It is termed as an obsessive thought and can be witnessed at any point in life. For instance, you forget to turn off the gas, which leads to the emergence of unwanted thoughts in the mind. These thoughts can be straining and can cause issues in understanding positive or negative thoughts. 

• Compulsive behaviour 

This symptom can lead a person to carry out compulsive behaviour to get rid of the anxiety. Thus, repetitive behaviour can allow an individual to get away from reality. For instance, if you are afraid of contamination, then repetitive hand washing or keeping an eye on cleanliness, etc., can be problematic. In various situations, people with OCD are unable to understand their obsessive behaviours. 

How to determine whether you have OCD symptoms or not? 

Here is a checklist that can help you determine whether you have OCD symptoms or not: 

Obsessions linked with contamination 

• The fear catching any infection
• The fear of being contaminated 
• Being concerned about animals 
• Being cautious about sticky substances 
• Being mad about cleaning the house 

Obsessions linked with constant checking 

• Constantly checking about windows, stoves, etc. 
• Looking for mistakes over and over again 
• Doing bodily self-analysis 

Obsessions about aggression 

• The fear of being injured by an object
• The fear of harming other people 
• The fear of indulging in any illegal activities 

Obsessions about everything being symmetrical 

• Constantly arranging things and keeping them in order.

Obsessions about religion

• Being cautious about blasphemy
• Serious concerns about moral values 

Obsessions linked with sexual activity

• Having sexual images in an individual’s mind 
• Fear of getting harassed
• Concerned about having homosexual traits 
• Fear of sexually misbehaving with a partner

Mental compulsions 

• List making mentally 
• Counting mentally 
• Reviewing oneself mentally 

Obsessions linked with hoarding things

• Having a fear of losing things 
• Keeping useless things for years

Miscellaneous obsessions 

• Getting conscious about sounds or voices 
• Fear of saying something wrong

Top strategies to handle OCD in the long run 

There are certain strategies that can be adopted by you to handle OCD in the long run, such as: 

• OCD is not curable but treatable 

OCD is considered to be a chronic illness and will stay with you for life. But to get some relief, diagnosis is the initial step. Also, it is essential to keep in mind that OCD is often diagnosed incorrectly. So, to treat it right, it is imperative to visit the best OCD doctor for comprehensive care. 

• Not all therapies are meant for you. 

The best treatment for OCD is considered to be ERP therapy. It is an exposure and responsive prevention therapy that allows you to live peacefully with unwanted thoughts. This therapy will help you guide and be exposed to your fears while practicing to resist compulsion. However, other therapies like talk therapy, etc., are not meant for OCD patients. Certain therapeutic approaches or therapies can worsen your condition. So, try to be aware of them.

• Try to confront your fears 

The distressing thoughts can be tough to handle in the long run. This is why it is essential to address the fears with bravery. It is essential that you understand that OCD is sending you wrong signals or messages with no proof. Confronting these fears with the help of ERP therapy can be helpful in the long run. 

• Be vocal when you are not ready for the ERP exercise. 

Just like any therapy, ERP therapy can be tough to handle for some patients. It has its own set of challenges. There can be situations where you are feeling uncomfortable about indulging in new exercise. This is the time when you need to be vocal about it and share your concerns. Thus, alternative exercises can be adopted to manage your pace with certain exposures. 

• Keep in mind that OCD is a cycle. 

It is essential to keep in mind that OCD comes in cycles involving obsession, distress, compulsion, as well as temporary relief. By indulging in compulsion, intrusive thoughts are gaining power, and giving you an idea about repetitive behaviour is beneficial. Thus, with the help of therapy, it is essential to be aware of your OCD cycle and work on it. 

• Try not to suppress intrusive thoughts. 

With the emergence of intrusive thoughts, you might end up suppressing them. During such situations, some people engage in mental compulsions and attempt to neutralise them. All of it only works in favor of OCD. Thus, it is highly essential to work on your existing thoughts and take the necessary measures to overcome it. Plus, try to move with the negative thoughts as they arise. 

• Be patient with the ongoing progress. 

Being realistic and patient can be helpful with the OCD treatment. ERP therapy can be beneficial in showing some positive results, but it will take some time. There are situations where people feel quick results will take others months to see the changes. No matter the time, be consistent with your therapy or treatment and be patient to see the results. 

Conclusion 

OCD  should not be taken lightly when it starts creating big mental problems in your life. The above-mentioned pointers will help you understand the symptoms of it and simple strategies to overcome it with ease. Also, getting in touch with the right psychiatrist in India at the right time can be helpful in managing OCD without any chaos. Ensure that you do not let the fear of OCD take over your state and fight back with the help of medical help and essential OCD therapies. With proper care and time, OCD can be managed.