Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

What is OCD?

Here’s a brief description…

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a mental health disorder that occurs when a person gets caught in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are typically unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, urges and that trigger intensely distressing feelings. Compulsions are the way we try to neutralize these thoughts and feelings or make them go away. Compulsions can be public (external behaviors such as confessing, reassurance seeking, googling, washing), or private (internal/mental behaviors such as replaying past scenarios, ritualistic counting, checking your body for feelings/sensations). Avoidance is another common way that people use to neutralize or get rid of uncomfortable internal experiences.

People often picture hand washing when they hear “OCD”, however, it can focus on basically anything. Some examples include religion, morality, relationships, sexuality, contamination, harming yourself or harming others. You may be experiencing a constant internal battle or intolerable doubt related to any of these topics. OCD is commonly referred to as the doubting disease, as it can cause endless loops in the mind and the need for certainty. A particular area of focus in my work has been scrupulosity. I have a lot of experience working with clients who are member of the LDS church and experience OCD that targets their spirituality and religious practice.

If any of this resonates with you, and you’re looking for answers and support, reach out, I’d love to hear from you.

For more info:

https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/