Can You Spot a Real OCD Monster?
- Melanie Sivley, LCSW
- Nov 2
- 3 min read
Did you know that OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) is one of the most commonly misrepresented mental disorders in our society? We see photos of clean and organized rooms and belongings, depictions of anxious, introverted, rigid individuals, and hear of catastrophic thought patterns and repetitive behaviors.
Unfortunately, due to this frequent misrepresentation and stigmatization, those struggling with OCD find it hard to identify their mental health disorder or seek professional help. Here’s what you can do to help spot ‘Real OCD Monsters” and continue to spread informed awareness.
1. What is an Obsession?
Obsessions are intrusive thoughts or images that come into a person’s mind that are difficult to just “STOP!”
2. Why can’t people with OCD just “Stop” their thoughts?
Issues with serotonin levels, in addition to brain structures such as the amygdala, are responsible for regulating emotions and reactions to stimuli, resulting in lower distress tolerance and higher “fight/flight/freeze” reactions.
Additionally, OCD brains release dopamine when the person engages in a compulsion, allowing them to feel momentary relief from their distressing thoughts, but are stuck in a constant feedback loop regarding pleasure and reward.
3. What is a compulsion?
It can be a behavior or a thought that a person engages in repetitively in response to an obsession.
4. How are depictions of “organization, ridged behaviors and routines misrepresentations of the OCD cycle?
What common media fails to convey is the “Fear of the Unknown”- That is the true OCD Monster. These individuals are not actually afraid of disorganization, contamination, getting off their routines, or stopping their repetitive behaviors. They are actually living in fear of what their OCD Monster paints in their minds about what “MIGHT” happen if they stop doing their compulsions.
5. Okay, so, I’m afraid that if I don’t clean my kitchen, other people aren’t going to eat at my house anymore. Does that mean I have OCD if I keep it super clean?
No. In fact, statements like this are very destructive and dismissive to those actually living with an OCD Monster. OCD thoughts are different from general anxiety. OCD thoughts are more likely to be characterized by:
i. Irrational fears that are sometimes unrelated to their compulsion. (If I don’t
stop washing my hands on a positive thought, I might get cancer.)
ii. Reinforcement of those irrational fears. (Today, my house didn’t catch on fire.
I’m glad I checked the stove fifty times before I left.)
iii. Fear of speaking up and increased self-criticism. (I'd better not tell anyone about these thoughts, they’d think I’m crazy! Why can’t I just do what I want? I must be a failure.)
iv. Misinformed decisions. (This can’t possibly be OCD, because the media tells me I’m doing it just to be ‘neat’ or that I like living this way.)
v. Excessive hopelessness. (These thoughts are disrupting my daily acts of living. I do not feel like I’m living my life.)
WAYS TO HELP!
Educate Yourself. NO ONE chooses OCD.
Recognize OCD misinformation and speak up when you feel it’s appropriate.
Listen empathetically when someone confides in you about their OCD.
Have compassion for yourself and others if you decide to talk about your OCD.
Reach out if you or someone you love may be battling an OCD monster.
If you are looking for a therapist to work through issues regarding OCD through the use of CBT and Exposure Therapy, consider reaching out for a free consultation today.
FOR MORE INFO ABOUT OCD:
International OCD Foundation
More Myths and Facts about OCD
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