When people think about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) a few things spring to mind: clean, neat, tidy and organised perhaps? Of course some of these traits accompany OCD but the disorder is so much more than that. Although those behaviors are often seen in a positive light, for someone with OCD they can be utterly debilitating.
From the 13th- 19th October it’s OCD Awareness Week, seven days of trying to help others understand what exactly OCD is and remove the stigma that surrounds it. The condition effects over three quarters of a million people in the UK. It isn’t just the individual that has to deal with the disorder so do their families and friends.
OCD is an anxiety-related condition that causes unwanted thoughts, sensations or ideas that drive a person to do something repetitively. The cause of OCD is not clear but there are several factors that could contribute to it’s development, some of these are:
A family member already having the disorder can mean another member of that family is more likely to develop the same or similar behaviours
Certain shattering life events and experiences such as losing a loved one or being bullied or neglected
Having a neat, meticulous or fastidious personality with a strong sense of responsibility or developing anxiety problems
The disorder does not tend to get better by itself. It’s very important that the right professional support is sought out to treat it and reduce the impact it has on a person’s life. Many people with OCD fear stigma at work, at home or in their relationships. They don’t want to be mistreated because of the label that can be attached to them because of their behaviours.
Living with OCD though, is not a life only filled with negatives. Several well-documented studies have found that with the increased brain activity associated with it leads to a ton of creativity. When the brain is aimed at the right task the person can produce exciting and innovative ideas at great speed. Another positive to take from the condition is the ability to have exceptional attention to detail, if something within a project feels ‘off’, the person will seek out the imperfections until they are fully resolved, creating a valuable asset to any company they are employed by.
Each person living with OCD is affected differently, there is no ‘one size fits all’ approach. People living with OCD need to be treated with compassion and dignity along with reasonable adjustments being made to ensure they can live their life to the fullest.
ubu ensures that everyone we work with and support is treated with fairness, kindness, respect and dignity. ubu champions inclusivity and breaking the barriers that cause difficulty in the lives of people. Our Well-Being Health Champions are always ready to listen to people, especially when they are facing a crisis or a problem that might seem unsurmountable. They are trained to give signposting support to ensure that anyone struggling with their mental health can find the right professional help and care they need.
No mental health problem should stop you from speaking up, help is at hand, when you’re ready to ask for it. It’s time to be open about OCD! If you are living with OCD there are easy ways to get help: contact one of the on-line information groups such as OCDUK, refer yourself to a Psychological Therapies Service or make an appointment with your GP and talk to them about the issues you face.
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