An Introduction to Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder
The week of October 9-15th
has been established as the International OCD Awareness Week for 2016!
What is OCD?
According to the International OCD Foundation:
“Obsessive Compulsive
Disorder (OCD) causes severe anxiety in those affected. OCD involves both obsessions and compulsions that take a lot of time and get in the way of
important activities the person values.”
Research shows that OCD affects 2.3% of people ages 18-54.
In the United States
about 3.3 million people struggle with this disorder.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) may show itself in many
different ways with varying degrees of intensity. It is important to be
educated on the different types of OCD and what actually constitutes as having a
disorder from having a mere tendency for neatness and organization. Have you
ever heard someone say something like this: “I’m just really OCD about my
laundry”? Being educated about OCD means not applying terms meant for a serious
disorder to a simple preference in lifestyle. It is easy to use such language
when talking about someone’s character, such as: “Oh, he/she is so OCD about
that kind of stuff”, but the first step in raising awareness about mental
illness, is to refrain from throwing around labels and doing some research on
the matter first, by doing this we can decrease stigmas and biased opinions
about mental disorders! The more educated we are, the more capable we are to be
understanding, compassionate and empathetic to our fellow humans!
Obsessions and Compulsions
Obsessions
are characterized by frequently occurring thoughts, urges, or mental images.
These obsessions can be incredibly disturbing to the individual, and may take
up a considerable amount of mental energy.
Compulsions
become a way for the individual to neutralize, or control these obsessions, by
partaking in repetitive rituals. While carrying out rituals may reduce the
anxiety and distress for the time being, often time the sufferer feels trapped
by these compulsions, which can lead to increased obsessions and thus increased
compulsions.
This
unfortunately becomes a vicious cycle.
OCD
can be very time consuming and extremely frustrating, here are some examples of
what it might feel like to struggle with this disorder:
OCD Types
OCD commonly presents itself in at least one of five
different types, however many people struggle with more than one type of OCD.
1. Experiencing a contamination obsession and
feeling the compulsion to clean constantly.
2. Dealing with anxiety over possible harm and
feeling a compulsion to check for the potential
source of harm. Such as being
constantly worried about leaving the garage door open and
repeatedly driving
past your house to check.
3. Having intrusive thoughts and mental compulsions. Experiencing unwanted thoughts may cause
the individual to feel extreme guilt, and thus causing him/her to indulge in mental rituals for
banishing such thoughts.
4. Organization and order compulsions. This type of OCD causes the individual to spend
considerable time and mental energy on rearranging things around the house (or elsewhere) in
order for them to be “perfect.” For example, constantly organizing the food pantry by food
groups in perfect symmetry, and feeling unwell when it is not organized. Sometimes these
compulsions are done because the individual feels if he/she does not do them, something
harmful will happen to them or loved ones.
5. Hoarding. This type of OCD is characterized by feeling the need to collect things, even though
they are no longer useful, and refraining from throwing away old, seemingly unnecessary, things
away.
It is important to note that these obsessions and
compulsions may prevent an individual from partaking in day to day activities
such as going to work or school.
Support
Support groups cannot
replace personal therapy, but they are an important step in personal recovery
and can truly make a difference. Feeling community support and compassion is a
great motivator and reminder to keep going forward with your recovery! Our goal
is to eliminate isolation and stigmas surrounding mental health illness.
Meeting others who are struggling with similar problems can help eliminate the
feelings of loneliness, isolation, and shame, and is also a great reminder that
you are NOT alone. Please use these
resources to help yourself, or others who are in need of support.
With
understanding, kindness, and support. We stand together to promote healthy
recovery, mental health awareness, and being stigma free!
Resources for Support:
Madison OCD Support Group
Contact:
Holly or Ruth Ann
Madison, Wisconsin 53562
Meeting
day and time: Second Monday of every month, 7:00-9:00 pm
Open
To: Adults with OCD
Fee:
Free
Professionally-led
Additional
Information: This group is professionally facilitated and follows
the G.O.A.L. model. It is not a substitute for therapy but is based on
behavioral therapy principles. The facilitator will screen interested potential
members for appropriateness for this group.
Waukesha OCD Support Group
Contact:
Arthur Collins
121 Wisconsin Avenue
Waukesha, Wisconsin 53186
Venue:
First United Methodist Church,-Waukesha
Meeting
day and time: 2nd Wednesday and 4th Thursday of the month
Open
To: Those with OCD, families and friends ages 15 and above
Fee:
Free
Additional
Information: Group is sponsored by First United Methodist Church,
Waukesha, as an outreach service to all in the community. The address given is
the address for the church. There are two facilitators, one an RN and the
second and OCD sufferer. There are no psychological professionals supporting
the group. The group has been in existence for more than 15 years and has
helped/guided many group members to seek professional care and be successfully
treated.
