Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is not being a neat freak or having one way of thinking. It is an everyday battle that can interfere with the schedules, relations, and psychological well-being of the concerned people. OCD manifests itself in different forms, and one always gets the feeling that one is living according to some unseen rules that must be followed, or there will be some repercussions. Although it is difficult to control OCD but it is manageable enough to make your life easier.
What OCD Can Look Like in Daily Life
OCD is likely to develop obsessive thoughts or impulses, which seem hard to resist. These obsessions usually come along with compulsions or activities performed to lessen anxiety. You will be aware of the fact that they are acting in a manner that is not sensible, but the feeling to act on their behavior could be so strong.
In daily life, it may be that an individual washes their hands 20-30 times a day to avert germs. Some people will always be sure that the stove is turned off, or they need to have things in a particular arrangement, so that they can feel good. These practices can be time-consuming, and people have little time to do normal things. It almost becomes impossible to go to work, to have some time with the people you love, or even to relax.
How Relationships are Affected
OCD is not only a problem for the individual who is afflicted by it, but it can also cause problems for those who surround the individual. Friends and family might not see the necessity of a person to repeat some actions or not go to some places. This may cause misunderstanding, conflicts, or isolation.
At times, the rituals involve the loved ones being dragged into them.
Work and School Problems
The OCD may also impact productivity and performance. It is hard to concentrate when one is constantly interrupted by obsessive thoughts. Doing assignments or projects can also be very time-consuming due to the necessity to recheck or redo something.
In other instances, individuals can shun away from some places or activities. The infected individual will not go to the shared toilets, and the student, afraid to do some wrong, will not work on the assignments. These actions may result in losing an opportunity, fear, failure, or humiliation.
The Emotional Cost
Being under pressure to do it right all the time is tiresome. Most individuals living with OCD are embarrassed by their actions despite the fact that they are aware that they are not to blame. It could be a feeling of frustration as a person wants to quit, but he cannot. In the long term, it may cause depression, despair, or anger.
It should be mentioned that the attempts to suppress or conceal the manifestations of OCD do not bear fruit. Trigger avoidance can provide temporary relief, but in the long term, the avoidance can give the disorder a stronger sense.
The Way to Control OCD
Although OCD is a complicated disorder, it is also manageable. The initial one is to identify the patterns and find support. It can help a lot to speak to someone familiar with OCD.
A typical solution is therapy, which is aimed at overcoming fears gradually and minimizing the necessity of rituals. This will create a tolerance to discomfort and will lessen the hold that OCD has on life. Alternative therapies can be aimed at altering the way of thinking or enhancing coping abilities. Medication may be useful in combination with therapy for some. Treatment is, however, very personal, and what is right for one person may not be suitable for another. In case you live in the area, the collaboration with an OCD therapist in Chicago that residents trust can provide you with local support that would suit your routine and way of life.
Conclusion
Fear and rituals do not have to be the life of OCD. Change might not be an easy path, but it can become easier. With proper guidance and the determination to make baby steps, individuals can develop better habits and regain some control over some aspects of their lives previously controlled by OCD.
The first step is the knowledge of the condition. And then, there is progress, patience, and the measurable tools that can help step by step.