OCTOBER 13-19, 2024 – OCD Awareness Week

OCD Awareness Week aims to shed light on the realities of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a condition often trivialized and misunderstood. You may have heard the phrase “Sorry, that’s my OCD” in casual conversation, but such comments reflect widespread myths and misconceptions about the disorder. Launched by the International OCD Foundation, OCD Awareness Week seeks to educate the public and foster a deeper understanding of how this anxiety disorder profoundly impacts the lives of those who suffer from it.

OCD is an anxiety disorder that is frequently underestimated. To grasp its severity, consider Georgina’s story, as highlighted by Rethink Mental Illness (2023): “At the height of my crisis, I was spending up to ten hours each day in a continuous cleaning ritual. I couldn’t break my rituals to eat or drink, so I lost weight and became unwell.” Georgina’s experience underscores the debilitating nature of OCD.

According to Golden Steps ABA (2024), OCD affects approximately 70 million people worldwide, yet many struggle to seek help. Feelings of shame or an inability to recognize their symptoms as a mental health condition often prevent individuals from receiving a diagnosis.

Understanding OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions—persistent, intrusive thoughts or fears—and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors performed to temporarily alleviate anxiety. The interplay between obsessions and compulsions can severely disrupt daily life, turning routine tasks into overwhelming challenges (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

The National Institute of Mental Health (2022) lists some common obsessions experienced by individuals with OCD:

• Fear of contamination or germs
• Fear of forgetting, misplacing, or losing an item
• Fear of losing control over one’s behavior
• Desire for symmetry and exact organization

These obsessions often lead to compulsions such as:

• Compulsive counting
• Repeatedly checking if appliances or lights are turned off
• Excessive hand washing or cleaning, sometimes consuming hours of the day
• Arranging items with extreme attention to detail

It is important to note that while some of these behaviors may sound familiar, they are far more intense for those living with OCD. The anxiety stemming from obsessive thoughts can become overwhelming, leading individuals to engage in compulsive behaviors as a temporary escape. For instance, excessive hand washing—though it may seem harmless—often results in skin conditions such as dermatitis, as individuals continue washing despite raw or damaged skin (Healthline, 2019).

Symptoms and Impact of OCD

OCD often leads to the development of other serious conditions. According to the NHS (2021), depression is common among people with OCD, as the continuous cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can lead to feelings of hopelessness. In severe cases, this can also result in suicidal thoughts. OCD may also trigger eating disorders due to compulsive behaviors related to food, and generalized anxiety disorder, where anxiety extends to multiple aspects of daily life.

Common Myths and Misconceptions About OCD

Given the frequent misuse of terms related to OCD, it’s important to dispel the following myths (Miller, 2024):

1. “Everyone has a little OCD”: OCD is not about being neat or detail-oriented. It involves distressing, repetitive thoughts and behaviors that disrupt daily life.
2. “OCD is just being anxious and neurotic”: While OCD is an anxiety disorder, its impact goes beyond general anxiety. The compulsions and obsessive thoughts can dominate a person’s life, affecting relationships, work, and overall well-being.
3. “OCD is just an obsession with cleanliness”: While cleanliness can be a focus for some, OCD encompasses a wide range of obsessions, including violent or sexual thoughts, which cause severe distress.

Raising Awareness

OCD is far more complex than it is often portrayed. By listening to the stories of those who live with the disorder, we can better understand its true impact. Educating ourselves about OCD and mental health fosters compassion and creates a more supportive environment for everyone. Let’s use this OCD Awareness Week to challenge misconceptions, raise awareness, and support those affected by this life-altering condition.

Dorotheos Charalambous, Psychologist