Blueroomcare
How often have you heard someone say, “I’m so OCD” for keeping their desks neat and orderly or their homes clean? Our society tends to joke about and trivialize OCD as being nothing more than a need to keep things organized.
On the contrary, OCD is an arduous and oftentimes undetected cycle of intrusive thoughts and behaviors that take up most of one’s time and prevent the individual from functioning normally.
Therefore, when trying to understand OCD, especially in the context of Nigeria, we cannot base our understanding on how the disease is commonly portrayed on television. We must move past the stereotypes of “clean freaks” and dig deeper into what goes on under the surface.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
There are two primary components of OCD: Obsessions and Compulsions.
Obsessions refer to the intrusive thoughts, images, and impulses that result in significant distress, while compulsions refer to the repetitive behavior or mental acts used to reduce the anxiety resulting from obsessions.
The individual recognizes the nature of their obsessions as irrational; however, they are unable to ignore or dismiss them.They don’t indulge in the compulsions because they want to, but rather due to the unbearable nature of the anxiety when not indulged. This is not an issue of preference; rather, it is an experience of feeling trapped and helpless within oneself.
Common OCD Symptoms That Are Not Related to Cleanliness
While obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is often associated with contamination fears and excessive washing, it can be exhibited in various other ways which may have nothing to do with cleanliness. The majority of individuals with OCD may have violent thoughts, which make them feel very scared. They could also have sexual or religious thoughts which go against what they believe. Other common symptoms include fear of causing harm to loved ones without the intention of doing so, need for perfectionism, need to check locks, stoves, or emails repeatedly, or mental acts of counting, praying, or reviewing to negate “bad” thoughts.
In Nigeria, most OCD symptoms are perceived within the context of culture and religion. If someone is experiencing blasphemous thoughts, he/she would be said to lack faith. On the other hand, if someone has harm obsessions, he/she will be accused of having bad intentions.This misunderstanding prevents people from recognizing they have a treatable mental health condition.
The Effects of Untreated OCD
There is no natural recovery process for OCD. If left untreated, OCD tends to worsen, requiring more time and causing increased levels of distress. Individuals spend hours each day performing ritualistic behaviors, stay away from situations that may cause their obsessions, suffer extreme anxiety and depression, and find it difficult to carry out everyday responsibilities.
Individuals usually feel ashamed of their OCD behaviors, especially those involving taboo subjects. Thus, they often delay seeking professional help because of feelings of being the worst or most dangerous individual ever. On the contrary, it is a treatable condition with proven therapeutic interventions.
Effective OCD Treatments
Luckily, OCD is very responsive to treatment. It involves exposure therapy, known as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Here, individuals slowly confront fearful situations without engaging in compulsions, as well as taking drugs that lower the severity of their symptoms (SSRIs).
In Nigeria, obtaining professional treatment is quite difficult because most therapists are not trained in ERP techniques. However, online platforms such as Blueroomcare provide access to therapists familiar with OCD treatment methods, making specialized care more accessible regardless of location.
Take Away
Should any of the above signs of OCD manifest within yourself, then remember that your experiences carry a name, and that there is nothing wrong with you. You are neither “mad,” nor “evil,” nor “defective,” but rather someone struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, which is a treatable condition.
Do not allow the stigma surrounding OCD, in terms of it being considered an issue with hygiene, to stand in your way of seeking professional care. The repetitive actions, the incessant doubts, the anxiety, and the intrusive thoughts you experience do not define you but are symptoms of your disorder. Professional treatment can help you reclaim your life from OCD’s grip.
- Need support? Start your care journey by booking a confidential therapy session and accessing daily journaling and wellness check-ins through the Blueroomcare App.
- Looking for more guidance? Explore our blog for more mental health tips.
Found this helpful?
Share this article with others who might benefit