Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a condition in which unreasonable thoughts and fears lead to repetitive behaviors, and there are things only people with OCD will understand! While you might have heard people say they are “OCD” about something, there’s a lot more to it than preferring things a certain way. While it’s possible to have only obsessions or just compulsions, touch, sound, and visceral reactions and feelings are the most common areas where OCD shows up.
Overchecking is one of those things only people with OCD will understand!
Everyone checks the doors or stove to make sure they are locked and off. But a person with OCD doesn’t trust that they checked, so you check over and over again. They tend to overcheck because they don’t want themselves or someone else to get hurt, due to their irresponsibility.
Everything has to be perfect
Symmetry is important, and so is order. Papers on a desk, pictures on a wall, clothes in the closet – everything has to be just right. People with OCD can spend hours getting dressed, choosing outfits, or fixing their hair. It takes forever to brush their teeth or wash their face. Taking a shower is quite time-consuming as well. Obsessive hand washing has become the poster child for OCD. Yes, good hygiene is important. But, people with OCD are so worried that germs may get sick, that they wash their hands after touching almost anything. On the same note, they tend to overclean the house, and carefully examine their food before actually taking a bite.
Living with OCD can be challenging
People with OCD constantly dissect their relationship with their family, friends, and significant other. Doubt and uncertainty are definitely among the things only people with OCD will understand! These individuals are very critical of themselves, and they need a lot more reassuring than most people. It’s also important that they learn how to deal with social anxiety and socially awkward situations.