Everyone experiences stress and anxiety that may be brought upon by many different circumstances. These feelings of stress and anxiety come and go for any average individual. However, for someone who experiences OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), these feelings don’t just go away over time. They can grow worse and could develop worse symptoms that may or may not interfere with your daily life.
Nonetheless, being diagnosed with OCD does not, in any way, limit or endanger someone’s potential. So, whether you or someone you love has it, here are some things you should know.
Anyone Can Be Diagnosed with OCD
No matter your age and gender, you can get diagnosed with OCD. Although there are a few risk factors that increase your likelihood of getting diagnosed with it. Genetics may significantly increase your risk. The closer you are to that family member, the higher the risk it puts you in. A traumatizing life event, such as a death in the family, divorce, unemployment, and many more can also increase your risk.
OCD Can Cause Extreme Stress and Anxiety But You Don’t Develop OCD Due To Everyday Stressors.
OCD is a life-threatening condition and a mental health disorder. Although stress might increase OCD symptoms, it does not cause the condition to develop. As a result, it is frequently linked to stress and extreme anxiety. Obsessions and compulsions are common OCD symptoms, but how they manifest varies greatly.
Patients with it cannot just avoid being agitated in particular situations to eliminate their symptoms. You can’t just tell them to “calm down.” Obsessive thoughts are generally the effect, not the cause, of stress and worry.
OCD Isn’t Just “Overly Cleaning”
You might believe that having OCD is just being a “germaphobe,” but there’s a lot more to it. The compulsive need to wash one’s hands or clean objects constantly and frequently is a compulsion for those with it.
You can’t simply just tell people with it to stop with their compulsions, unlike average individuals. This is because individuals with it have this belief that in order to avoid extreme anxiety and disaster, they must rid themselves of germs.
Each individual with it possesses obsessive behaviors that are distinct to them. Moreover, just because someone appears to be concerned about keeping their homes tidy does not indicate that they suffer from it.
Can it Be Treated? Yes It Can!
OCD can have a big influence on people’s lives and their relatives’ lives, but treatment is available. While these techniques may not give a long-term solution, they can assist regulate symptoms such that they do not interfere with individual’s ability to go about their everyday lives.
The two major treatment options for it are therapy and medication, with a combination of the two being the most successful. You can try exposure-response prevention (ERP) therapy and medication.
You Can Still Lead a Happy Life with OCD
Despite having OCD, with treatment and support from your loved ones, you can still lead a happy life. Don’t let it hinder you from becoming the best version of yourself!
Bottomline
Do not hesitate to seek medical care if you suspect you are suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder.
