The Unwelcome Guest that Won't Leave (And Wasn't Invited): Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Olivia Bonanno
- Dec 27, 2023
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 28, 2023
Have you ever felt like your mind is playing tricks on you, like you're stuck in a loop of unwanted thoughts or like your trapped doing behaviors that "have" to get done? (Again... and again?)
If so, you might be dealing with OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. But fret not, because identifying the symptoms is the first step toward regaining control of your life (and mind).
Let's dive in.
1. The Sneaky Intruder: Unwanted Thoughts (AKA Obsessions)
Ever had thoughts that pop into your head uninvited, like a surprise guest who just won't leave the party? These could be obsessions—persistent, distressing, and often irrational. These thoughts might center around fears of contamination, accidentally harming others or your baby, or that something terrible may happen. These unwanted thoughts show up repeatedly and relentlessly- they cause a large amount of anxiety.
Examples: getting sick from contaminated meat, accidentally dropping a knife on your child, not turning the stove off and your house burns down
2. The Tricky Tenant: Repetitive Behaviors (AKA Compulsions)
Now let's talk about those behaviors you find yourself doing over and over again, like checking, counting, or repeating certain actions. These could be compulsions, your mind's attempt to soothe the anxiety triggered by those pesky obsessions. While they might provide temporary relief, it's doesn't last, and this leads to repeating the cycle over and over.
Examples: checking you turned the stove off, touching doorknobs, cleaning dishes in a certain order
3. The Silent Sufferer: Mental Rituals and Avoidance
Not all compulsions are visible. Some happen inside your head, like mental rituals or avoidance behaviors. You might replay thoughts or scenarios to prevent something bad from happening, or you might avoid certain situations altogether to dodge potential triggers.
Examples: repeating specific phrases, counting steps, avoiding cooking certain foods, not allowing others to care for your baby
4. The Emotional Rollercoaster: Anxiety and Guilt
Living with OCD can be an emotional rollercoaster. Anxiety, guilt, and shame often accompany obsessions and compulsions- especially when you recognize the obsessions and compulsions are not logical. It's crucial to recognize that the obsessions and compulsions do not define you- they are not a reflection of who you are. They are a symptom of a disease, like a fever when you have the flu.
5. The Puzzle Pieces: Patterns and Duration
Spotting OCD is like putting together a puzzle. Look for patterns in your thoughts and behaviors. How often do they occur, and for how long? Do they cause you to run late to work? Do you get in arguments with your partner over having to rewash the dishes they just washed? If you notice the patterns are consistent, time-consuming and interfere with your day to day life, it's time to consider that OCD might be at play.
Remember, identifying OCD symptoms is the first step toward feeling like yourself again. Reach out to a mental health professional to get more clarity and guidance on this journey of understanding and healing!
Additional OCD Resources:
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About the Author:
Olivia is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and is Perinatal Mental Health Certified through Postpartum Support International. She has a huge passion for maternal mental health. She has experience working as a mother infant nurse and providing psychiatric treatment to those in all stages of the perinatal journey. Olivia believes every mother should be educated on how to care for their mental health before, during and after pregnancy. She believes "Mommy's Mental Health" is a movement; one that calls attention to the physical and emotional struggles mothers go through and one that opens the door to conversations with families and friends.
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