Dispelling OCD Myths: Everyone Has a Little OCD, Right?
Greetings! This February, I'll be sharing a series of blogs, each aimed at dispelling common myths and misconceptions about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The goal is simple: to provide straightforward information that clarifies misunderstandings and promotes a more accurate understanding of OCD. Join me weekly as we explore different aspects of the disorder and work towards fostering a more informed and open conversation about mental health. This week I will be addressing the misconception and myth that everyone has a little OCD!
OCD is a complex mental health condition that goes beyond common stereotypes. One prevailing misconception I often hear is, "Everyone has a little OCD, right?" This statement, while well-intentioned, oversimplifies the challenges faced by individuals with OCD. Let's delve into and dispel the minimization myth.
When someone casually mentions being "a little OCD" about cleanliness or orderliness, it's crucial to recognize the minimization that occurs. While the person is likely saying it with good intentions, this phrase often trivializes the severity of OCD by equating it with personality quirks or preferences. Such minimization not only perpetuates misconceptions but also undermines the profound impact OCD can have on an individual's mental well-being.
The Reality of Living with OCD
Living with OCD is more than having a preference for neatness; it involves navigating a constant struggle against intrusive thoughts and engaging in compulsive rituals to alleviate the distress associated with those thoughts. The American Psychiatric Association (APA) defines OCD as a mental health condition characterized by time-consuming obsessions and compulsions that interfere with daily functioning (APA, 2013). For someone with OCD, being minimized may intensify feelings of isolation and hinder their ability to seek understanding and support. Let's examine language that minimizes the experiences of individuals with OCD and compare it to real examples of OCD. Please note, these are just examples. Not everyone with OCD has all of the same symptoms, but these are some common examples.
Example 1: Minimization - "I'm so OCD about keeping my desk organized."
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic - Obsessive fear of contamination or harm that leads to excessive cleaning rituals, distinct from a general preference for an organized workspace. An example of excessive cleaning rituals could be someone who washes their hands so much that they begin to crack and bleed.
Example 2: Minimization - "I double-check everything; I must have a bit of OCD."
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic - Compulsive checking behaviors driven by intrusive thoughts, not merely a tendency to ensure accuracy in daily tasks. An example could be someone who has to check that their stove is off numerous times, in a specific way. If it doesn’t feel “right",” they repeat. Some people never get to leave their home because it never feels “right.” Alternatively, they may be able to leave their home, but they will spend most of their time questioning whether they turned their stove off, doubting themselves, and feeling extreme distress about it.
Example 3: Minimization - "I need things in a specific order; it's my OCD kicking in."
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic - Intrusive thoughts leading to ritualistic behaviors that go beyond a desire for order and are driven by anxiety and distress. Someone with OCD may need something a certain way for things to feel “right.” They may think that if they do not put things in a specific way, something bad will happen to them, a loved one, or something bad on a larger scale. While they may be aware this is not rational, they feel unable to stop themselves from compulsively ensuring the order of items or belongings in a specific way.
Example 4: Minimization - "I have to do things a certain way; it's like having a little OCD."
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic - Rigidity in performing rituals, often with an intense fear of consequences if actions are not done in a specific manner, distinct from personal preferences. Imagine someone who habitually double-checks the door lock before leaving for a sense of reassurance. This routine is not fear-driven and skipping it doesn't cause significant distress. In contrast, an individual with OCD may repeatedly check the door due to intense, irrational fears of a break-in. The compulsion is driven by overwhelming anxiety, highlighting the distinction between preferences and fear-driven behaviors.
Example 5: Minimization - "I get bothered when things are out of place on my desk; we all have a bit of OCD, right?"
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic -An individual with OCD may experience intrusive thoughts that their disorganized desk will lead to a catastrophic event. The fear is disproportionate, causing intense distress. The compulsive behavior involves rearranging items repeatedly to alleviate the overwhelming anxiety, showcasing how real OCD involves distress and anxiety beyond mild annoyance at disorganization.
Example 6: Minimization - "I hate when things aren't symmetrical; it's like my OCD acting up."
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic - In a genuine case of OCD, an individual who struggles with symmetry obsession might find asymmetry deeply distressing. This distress goes beyond mild discomfort and can lead to intense anxiety. The person may feel compelled to perform specific actions or rituals to restore symmetry and alleviate the overwhelming fear associated with the obsession. Sometimes, these rituals or actions can go on for long periods of time.
Example 7: Minimization - "I have a thing for counting; must be my OCD."
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic - Counting rituals driven by obsessive fears and anxiety, rather than a simple enjoyment of counting or numerical order. Consider an individual experiencing counting rituals as part of OCD. When faced with distressing thoughts, there's an overwhelming urge to count specific objects to a predetermined number. This ritual goes beyond a simple preference for numbers; it's a compulsive behavior driven by intense anxiety. Counting serves as a way to manage the distress caused by intrusive thoughts. Unfortunately, engaging in counting feeds into the OCD, subsequently making the drive to engage in the compulsive behavior stronger over time.
Example 8: Minimization - "I'm so OCD about my routine; it keeps me on track."
Comparison: Real OCD Characteristic - Ritualistic routines driven by the need to prevent harm or reduce anxiety, distinct from general preferences for structured schedules. This goes beyond maintaining an organized day; it involves a feeling of distressing necessity to adhere to their routine.
Our Words Matter
It's crucial to emphasize that the examples provided are not intended to criticize individuals who use language that may inadvertently minimize the experiences of those with OCD. Instead, the goal is to shed light on the unintentional minimization that can occur in everyday conversations. Understanding the intricacies of OCD requires awareness and compassion.
Jones (2020) aptly points out that education is a powerful tool in fostering understanding and promoting empathetic communication. By delving into the complexities of OCD, we equip ourselves with the knowledge needed to engage in meaningful and supportive dialogues. It's not about assigning blame but rather encouraging an open conversation that acknowledges the challenges faced by individuals living with OCD.
If you find that you or someone you know relates to these examples, please do not hesitate to seek out professional assistance from this practice or another. Qualified mental health professionals can provide the necessary support and guidance in navigating the challenges associated with OCD. As we move forward, let's strive to be mindful of the language we use, recognizing that subtle minimization can contribute to the stigmatization of mental health conditions. Through education and empathy, we can create a more inclusive environment that validates the experiences of those with OCD and encourages open discussions surrounding mental health.
******Please keep in mind that this blog post serves as a source of information, based on references and the writers’ professional experience, and should not replace professional medical or mental health advice or treatment from your primary providers.******
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
Jones, A. B. (2020). The emotional impact of minimization: A closer look at the experiences of individuals with OCD. Journal of Mental Health Awareness, 18(3), 112-127.
