Obsessive-Compulsive

By: Riddhi Patel 

"I couldn't touch any doors or counter tops in public areas. I knew it didn't make any sense, but I was terrified of getting germs that could kill me. I almost couldn't go out in public, I was so afraid. If I thought I touched anything, I would have to wash myself for hours. Sometimes I washed so much that my skin would get red and raw and I would start to bleed."

One of the most commonly misused words in today's society would have to be the word obsessed. Phrases such as, "I am so obsessed with your shoes!" and "My current obsession is Greek yogurt" completely distort the actual meaning of the word. More often than not, this word is thrown into conversations when someone describes something they simply like. However, it has a much deeper meaning than that. According to Merriam-Webster Dictionary, it means "to have a persistent disturbing preoccupation with an often unreasonable idea or feeling."

When a person is obsessed with an idea or feeling it can indicate the presence of a mental illness known as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). If you have OCD, you have repeated, upsetting thoughts. You may do the same thing over and over again to make the thoughts go away. You feel like you are not in control of either your thoughts or your actions. The disturbing thoughts and images are called "obsessions" and the actions you repeatedly take to relieve your anxiety are called "compulsions".

"At first I was too embarrassed to get help, but a friend told me to call the doctor. I'm so glad I did."

Talking to psychiatrist, psychologist or psychotherapist helps many people with OCD. A type of psychotherapy known as cognitive behavioral therapy is particularly useful for treating OCD. It teaches different ways of thinking and reacting to certain situations that help you feel less anxious. A psychiatrist or a nurse practitioner could also prescribe medication that help you get rid of these symptoms.

"I took medicine my doctor gave me. I also worked very hard in therapy with a psychologist. I learned to cope with my fear of germs and to stop washing so much."