OCD is a condition where overwhelming irrational and compulsive thoughts cloud all other thoughts. Heightened anxieties can be a consequence of having OCD. Under the correct individual medication, therapy and reflections OCD is a condition where people, including myself, can live a normal life. It affects about 2% of the population- of which there is no specific gender difference however I think this statistic may be higher if more people understood the real OCD, past all the cleaning and checking light switches- although these are valid thoughts for some.
When I was first diagnosed as having OCD I was told that there were five types: checking, contamination or mental contamination, symmetry and ordering, intrusive thoughts and hoarding. Some, like myself, may find themselves having more than one type of OCD and everyone is different in treating them. My OCD comes under checking, ordering and intrusive thoughts. I find some easier to live with than others, now that I know I have OCD that is. I can’t paint a picture for the other types but I hope to now give a more realistic outline of what my OCD is like living with and to be honest, it’s really not that bad.
The element of checking in my OCD is the most prevalent of them all for me. It’s the part that I’ve just indulged somewhat and potentially has become worse over the years. I struggle to feel safe, comfortable if I’m not sure something is done, such as locking the door. There is no reason for why I feel the need to check all the time and feel terrified of the consequences or visions of which pass my mind. I have never forgot anything before but these thoughts that I have devour my mind. I will check and check and check but I will still question it. To help reassure myself on this I take a picture and clap (or memorable action).
Ordering was my earliest memory of OCD. Now I know I have it and I take my medication every day, this really doesn’t have too much effects day to day, well in comparison to a child. I may now, for example feel I have to get into work at 7am, there are different levels to this:
Crazy little headspace 