There is a high possibility that you have heard of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which is a mental illness that affects so many people, both young and old. Obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors characterize it, and you might have seen it impersonated in films and on TV. However, how much do you know about this unique condition? Despite its prevalence, OCD in New York remains to be one of the most misunderstood health conditions. It could be due to the stereotypical characters that we see on TV that mislead so many people into believing ideas about the disorder that is not true. We look at some of the myths and misconceptions about OCD that you should know.
Table of Contents
Everyone is a little OCD.
Many people believe that we are all a little OCD in one way or another, but the truth is you can never be a little OCD. This disorder is quite complicated and debilitating and affects approximately 1-2% of the world’s population. In most cases, it starts during early adulthood and can make it quite challenging for the patient to go with their daily life comfortably.
OCD is not a big deal and should not get people worried too much
Having OCD is not just about an overreaction to the stresses of life. Stressful situations can indeed increase OCD in people living with it, but they do not cause it. People that believe that OCD is not a big deal could not be any more mistaken since people living with the condition face severe, often debilitating anxiety over obsessions. They get to a level of extreme worry or fear, which can get quite overwhelming and prevents them from functioning correctly.
OCD is all about cleanliness
Keeping things clean is a common compulsion associated with OCD, but it is not the only thing to conclude that someone has the disorder. Likewise, not everyone with OCD has it. Other compulsions include hoarding items, being overly cautious about making a mistake, or repeating some routines like going in and out of the door for no apparent reason.
People with OCD are easily noticeable.
You may not believe it, but you may have encountered many people with OCD and never noticed. People with OCD are very good at hiding and suppressing their symptoms when in public, especially if things are working out for them. Likewise, some individuals have OCD but do not demonstrate visible compulsions, and everything takes place in their heads. There will not be any symptoms to give them away, and the patient might not know they have the condition.
People with OCD cannot live a normal life.
While there has not been a 100% cure for OCD, many people can live without showing the symptoms for a long time, mostly when working with an OCD specialist. With the right expert, you can reduce up to 90-95% of your symptoms. Occasional obsessions will pop up from time to time, but they will be less frequent and severe. With an OCD specialist, you will get the knowledge and tools to fight OCD and live a better life.
If you or someone you care about is suffering from OCD, it will help to separate the facts from the myths. It is a mental illness, yes, but it should not determine the rest of your life. Likewise, with proper help from an OCD specialist, you are guaranteed invaluable support throughout your care.