Struggling with the Invisible: Adult Onset OCD
It’s a common misconception that mental health disorders like Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) only exhibit during childhood or adolescence. However, contrary to this belief, adults too can unexpectedly encounter the challenging onset of this relentless disorder.
The Whispering Intruders: Understanding OCD
OCD, a chronic mental health disorder, is much more than just a quirky disposition for cleanliness or meticulousness. It’s this relentless echo of intrusive thoughts, impulses, or images (understood as obsessions) that keep nudging the mind. Trying to squash these intrusive thoughts with repetitive mental or physical rituals, known as compulsions, becomes an exhausting part of daily life for those living with OCD.
Imagine the endless loop, where the brain becomes a faulty car alarm that won’t silence, and the attempted solution becomes a tiresome cycle of locking and unlocking, hoping that somehow you will hit the ‘right’ sequence to reset the alarm. This is just one image of what it may feel like to live with OCD.
A Late Arrival: Adult Onset OCD
Unfortunately, with adult onset OCD, the confusion is often a notch higher. This is mostly because of a lack of awareness. Conventionally associated only with children and teenagers, it’s not an easy task for adults to seek help for OCD. Perhaps, admitting that something’s amiss and reaching out for help becomes the first critical yet formidable step. Taboo topics surrounding OCD can often involve misconceptions and stereotypes that paint individuals with the condition in a negative light. These taboo topics might encompass the false belief that OCD is a result of personal weakness, lack of discipline, or is something that can be controlled without professional help. Moreover, some of the obsessions associated with OCD can be very personal and potentially embarrassing, which might make individuals reluctant to share their experiences openly.
Battling The Invisible Intruders
Getting tangled in the webs of obsessions and compulsions can be tormenting. But remember, like any other battle, this covert war against OCD is also not an overnight journey. In fact, it may take time, patience, and some highly specialized ammunition to fight back. Here are a few strategies that can be effective:
-Gaining knowledge: Being aware of this disorder is the first significant stride towards managing it. Having a thorough understanding can de-stigmatize the experience and encourage acceptance.
-Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is arguably the most effective form of psychological intervention for OCD. ERP works by consistently exposing you to the thought, image, or situation that galvanizes your ocd while preventing the accompanying compulsion. While it may seem counterintuitive or even uncomfortable, this repeated exposure helps to reduce anxiety and distress, as individuals learn that their feared outcomes are unlikely to occur, thereby weakening the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. As the therapy progresses, individuals often find that their triggers cause less anxiety, and they can resist engaging in compulsive behaviors, leading to a significant improvement in their quality of life.
-Consider seeking professional help. A certified mental health professional can diagnose your symptoms accurately and guide you in navigating through this challenge. There are medications approved for OCD that can help to lessen these symptoms.
Admitting you need help takes courage. Seeking it is even braver. If you’re grappling with OCD or believe you might be, remember, it’s okay to ask for help. Reach out to a mental health professional today. Your journey towards mental well-being could be a consultation away.
Edited by: Maddison Henley PA-C
This article was originally published by Animo Sano Psychiatry.
