I don’t have OCD
And neither do you.
I’m pissed off.
I’m pissed off that OCD, and mental illness overall, is so misunderstood and trivialised in this county.
Being organised means you have OCD.
Being nervous means you have anxiety.
Being sad means you’re depressed.
No. No. No.
If you truly had OCD, you might get caught for hours in a loop of washing your hands, checking the oven is off, checking all of the windows are closed and making sure the doors are locked. All before finally, maybe leaving the house.
If you truly had anxiety, even so much as getting out of bed might be a struggle some days.
If you truly had depression, you might lose interest in everything that previously made you happy — sports, friends, watching films.
I’m organised. I’m a frequent receiver of oh my gosh you’re so OCD whenever I arrange things in a certain way, or stick to a routine I know works.
I just smile politely and nod whenever someone suggests I’m a bit OCD. I don’t blame that person for misunderstanding mental illness.
It’s a problem with society, not that individual.
Which means we need to educate. Those of us with an understanding — however small — of how serious and debilitating mental illnesses such as OCD, depression and anxiety can be need to stand up and teach that message to others.
It will take time, but this is our job. We have a responsibility to those who live every day of their lives surrounded by people who simply don’t understand.
Speak up. Educate.
