I'm sooo OCD.

The term ‘OCD’ is in our common vernacular. Perhaps you’ve heard it from a coworker straightening the items on their desk and laughing, “I’m OCD about my workspace!” Maybe you’ve admitted you are “a little bit OCD” as an explanation for your colour-coordinated bookshelf or alphabetised spice rack. And then there is always the classic festive T-shirt or tea towel plastered with “OCD: Obsessive Christmas Disorder”.

All seemingly innocent, right? Bairnsdale-based psychologist Carol-Ann Opperman shares why that might not be the case.

What is OCD?

“Obsessional Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a debilitating disorder in which a person experiences uncontrollable thoughts (obsessions), engages in repetitive behaviours (compulsions), or both,” Carol-Ann explains.

“...it all started with my pa, who used to hand-milk a cow every morning.”

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Although people commonly associate OCD with a need for cleanliness and order, Carol-Ann notes this is just one of many different obsessions those with OCD can have. The International OCD Foundation lists a range of categories obsessions can fall into:

• Contamination obsession (e.g. fear of germs, environmental contaminants or disease)
• Perfectionism obsession (e.g. excessive concern with symmetry)
• Responsibility obsession (e.g. fear of causing harm because of not being careful)
• Sexual obsession (e.g. fear of acting on sex-related impulses)
• Violent obsession (e.g. fear of acting on self-harm impulses)
• Religious obsession (e.g. fear of committing acts that are considered bad)
• Identity obsession (e.g. excessive concern with sexual orientation).

The compulsions that can result from these obsessions can be hard to understand as an outsider, but Carol-Ann explains that these repetitive behaviours are an attempt to “reduce the anxiety or try to prevent something bad from happening”.

In other words, these compulsions are not activities a person with OCD does because they want to, but rather they feel they have to ease their fears.

“These may include rituals (such as washing and cleaning), checking, counting and ordering, following a strict routine or repeating a word or phrase.”

What is not OCD?

Addressing common myths and stigma around OCD, the International OCD

Foundation highlights, “OCD is not a personality quirk or a character trait.”

“It’s common for people to say that they’re ‘a little OCD’ when it comes to cleaning or organising. But this act can be dismissive of the suffering of those diagnosed with the mental health condition.”

Carol-Ann notes, “There is a difference between a perfectionist or an organised person and a person with OCD. Having OCD can be time-consuming, cause significant distress and interfere with daily life. It can limit a person’s ability to engage socially, maintain meaningful employment and participate in activities they enjoy. Even if you try to get rid of these thoughts or behaviours, they keep coming back.”

Why is it important to get it right?

“Stigma is one of the biggest problems faced by people with OCD, but oftentimes people don’t realise that their words or actions are stigmatising or trivialising the suffering of those with OCD,” the International OCD Foundation explains.

“Social stigma can make not just OCD, but also other mental health problems, worse… and can lead to numerous harmful consequences, such as feelings of isolation and self-doubt, which can prevent [people] from seeking help.”

Familiar with the benefits that can result from seeking help, Carol-Ann shares, “Having a diagnosis gives a name and explanation to the cluster of symptoms you are experiencing. This gives people hope, reduces anxiety of the unknown and eases shame. A diagnosis informs treatment to ensure you receive the best assistance available. It also allows you to connect with others who have similar problems – further reducing feelings of shame and building a support system.”

By addressing the myths and misconceptions around OCD, we can all build a more accurate understanding of the disorder and create a more accommodating and supportive community.

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Carol-Ann shares: OCD is usually a lifelong disorder and can have mild to moderate symptoms, or be so severe and time-consuming that it becomes disabling. If your OCD symptoms affect your quality of life, it is time to seek help. Your doctor will help assess your condition and decide on the best course of treatment. Treatment can include medication and/or a referral to a psychologist.

For helpful information about the process of seeking help, visit soocd.com.au/finding-help.

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Gippslandia - Issue No. 32

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