Beyond Tidy: The Reality of OCD

Did You Know?

Many people hear “OCD” in casual conversation. People may say, “I’m so OCD about my desk”. This is a common phrase. It is typically in relation to being neat. But this is not OCD. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an actual mental illness. It is not doing organization. It is a very serious mental illness, and it can consume their life. Also, it creates a significant amount of stress and fear. Let’s consider the reality of it.

What OCD Seriously Is

OCD has two parts, and the first part is obsessions. Obsessions are thoughts. They can be images. They can be urges. Also, they are thoughts that come into your mind over and over again. They create severe distress. They create a lot of anxiety. The thoughts are not your fault. For example, someone may be fearful of germs. Another person may fear that their loved one will get hurt. Sometimes people fear that they will say something horrible.

The second part is compulsions. Compulsions are behaviours. They are repeated behaviours. They are performed to calm the obsessions. You feel driven to do them. They are rituals. For example, someone washes their hands multiple times to get rid of the fear of germs. Someone else may check the stove to make sure the house is safe. Compulsions do relieve anxiety temporarily. However, they make the cycle worse over time.

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The Vicious Cycle: A Psychological Perspective

OCD typically follows a predictable path. It is a vicious cycle. First, an obsessive thought emerges. This thought is extremely distressing. It causes a substantial amount of anxiety. You then have a pressing need to take action. You complete a compulsion. The compulsion reduces the anxiety. You feel a little relief. You believe that the compulsion was effective. The relief does not last long. The thought will come back. Additionally, it will come back even stronger. You are then obligated to do the compulsion again.

The Brain’s Role: Another Psychological Perspective

OCD is connected to the brain. The problem may be with the brain circuits. The brain has an alarm system. This alarm system is to protect us. In people with OCD, the alarm system malfunctions. The alarm is false or overactive. It tells the user that they are in danger. They start to spin their wheels. They are stuck on a thought. Their brain won’t allow it to let go. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) retrains the brain. It helps to “rewire” the circuits. It helps to improve the brain’s ability to process alarms. This is how therapy operates. It helps to break the cycle.

Common Myths vs. Reality

There are many myths related to OCD. It is time to set the record straight.

• Myth #1 – OCD is about being a “neat freak.”
• Reality – OCD can be about many different things. It can be about some type of fear of harm. It can be about numbers. Also, it can be about symmetry. It is not about being organized.

• Myth #2 – Everyone has a “little OCD.”
• Reality – OCD is a mental health diagnosis. It is not a personality trait. It also involves a distress component and can take more than one hour a day.

• Myth #3 – You can just “stop” the compulsions.
• Reality – This is like saying someone with a broken leg can just “walk normally.” It is not that easy. The urge can be tremendous. This is a very real medical condition.

What the Numbers Indicate: Recent Statistics

OCD is more prevalent than you may realize. Approximately 1 in 100 individuals globally suffer from OCD. That translates to millions of people and equally affects both men and women. On a positive note, treatment works. In 2024, a study published in The American Journal of Psychiatry studied a particular therapy that is referred to as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Their study demonstrated it to be extremely effective. Furthermore, treatment helps alleviate symptoms for the majority of individuals.

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An Islamic Perspective on Waswas

Islam teaches us about waswas, which means whispers or subtle cues. Waswas includes whispers from the Shaytan, and these whispers can sometimes lead to unwanted thoughts. Waswas experiences are common for many Muslims. In fact, the waswas can be directed toward one’s faith. It is important to remember that OCD is a medical disorder from thoughts or anxiety and not a sign of weak faith. The good news is that you are not responsible for your thoughts; however, you are responsible for your actions.

You are also encouraged to seek a cure and treatment. We are taught to seek treatment. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) taught that, “[t]here is no disease that Allah has created, except that He also has created its treatment.” This includes mental health. Therefore, treating OCD is a good deed, an act of trust in Allah, and not a weakness.

Getting Help and Finding Hope

If you or someone close to you has OCD, there is help out there. You are not alone out there. Do not be ashamed. Here are some suggestions.

1. Speak to a physician: They can set you on the right path with the proper diagnosis.
2. Analyze a decent therapist: Ideally, someone who specializes in OCD.
3. Join a support group: Talking to someone with OCD can benefit you; you will not feel so alone.
4. Be kind to yourself; give yourself time to heal; it is a process.

The Bottom Line: You Are Not Your Thoughts

OCD is a very hard disorder. You can feel hopeless at times. You can feel as if you are lost. However, there is a way out. Therapy works. Symptoms can be managed. You can get your life back. Your thoughts are not you. Your fears are not you. You are more than your OCD. You are courageous. Also, you are strong. You deserve to heal.