My Journey Of Living with OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, commonly known as OCD, is a psychological condition that forces people into a pattern of repeated thoughts and behaviors. These obsessions, or compulsive actions, can be highly distressing, often interfering with a person's daily life.
Today, I wanted to share my personal story about living with a mild form of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD.
In my case, this involves a sensation as if there's something between my fingers. The only way I can make it go away (In my mind) is by touching in between each finger. Stressful times amplify these feelings and my need to respond to them.
This challenge stems from childhood trauma, a nugget of my past that has followed me into the present. But it's not something I'm ashamed of; I see it as a stepping stone in understanding the diverse challenges we all face.
Living with OCD is a unique and challenging experience I've never talked about publicly. Still, one of my goals as a writer and life coach is to share my wins and struggles, hoping that in doing so, it will "Help You Make Life Better," which is the motto of Waypoints Coaching.
Addressing our issues, no matter how daunting they may seem, is a crucial step to "Making Life Better."
If we let these struggles go unaddressed, they can act like heavy anchors, keeping us from moving forward and living life to the fullest. All the more reason why it's important to confront and manage them.
If you're dealing with OCD or a similar situation, here are some tips that have helped me on my journey:
Acknowledge Your Feelings: Recognize that your feelings and compulsions are real, even if they may seem irrational to others. Validation is an important first step toward managing your condition.
Seek Professional Help: If your compulsions are causing significant distress or interfering with your life, reach out to mental health professionals. They can provide you with therapies and strategies tailored to your needs. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), in particular, is widely used and effective in treating OCD.
Mindfulness and Stress Management: Techniques like prayer, meditation, deep breathing, and yoga can help reduce stress, which in turn, can lessen OCD symptoms. Regular physical exercise can also be beneficial; this is one of the main reasons I love to run because it helps me deal with stress.
Connect with Others: Joining support groups, a church, or connecting with others who are facing similar challenges can make you feel less alone. This also provides an opportunity to share experiences and coping strategies.
Make Healthy Choices: A balanced diet and regular sleep can contribute to overall mental health and help manage OCD symptoms.
Remember, overcoming challenges isn't about quick fixes or sweeping our problems under the rug. It's about facing them, understanding them, and learning strategies to manage them, so we can continue moving forward in our journey.
I hope that sharing my story can help someone feel less alone, less misunderstood and inspire them to seek the help they might need.
Remember, "Making Life Better" isn't just about reaching your career or personal goals. It's also about caring for your mental health, facing your challenges, and becoming stronger.
You're not alone in this journey, and there's always help available for those who seek it.
