Challenging Stereotypes: Breaking Down Some Common OCD Myths

Obsessive-Compulsive disorder is a chronic, and often debilitating, mental health condition. While there is some awareness about the severity of OCD, myths still prevail. Knowing the facts about this condition can not only help you educate others but also help you empathise better with others.

Today, we're helping you learn more about what OCD can be like, by debunking some common myths.

Also read: How to Support Someone With OCD

Myth #1: OCD is just about being neat and clean.

Most commonly, OCD is portrayed as a mental health condition where individuals are concerned with things being arranged 'just right' or clean. However, this is only one type of OCD obsession that individuals may deal with. OCD symptoms manifest in various ways, they may be related to hoarding, counting, or repeating certain phrases. Specific types of OCD, such as relationship OCD, are centred around the fear of hurting their partner, or not being loved enough.

Understanding that OCD can go beyond cleaning or contamination fears helps individuals know when to seek mental health professional help.

Also read: When Should OCD Symptoms Not Be Ignored?

Myth #2: OCD is not a treatable condition.

Dealing with OCD symptoms can be an isolating experience. Moreover, the belief that no one and nothing can help with their mental health condition can often prevent people from seeking help.

While there is no cure-all for this disorder, the right OCD treatment can help individuals cope better. Most commonly, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is used in the treatment of OCD. Besides psychological therapy, however, individuals can also incorporate self-help strategies such as practising mindfulness meditation to relieve certain OCD symptoms.

Myth #3: You can always tell when people have OCD

As compulsive behaviours can be a characteristic OCD symptom, people often believe that it is easy to figure out whether someone has OCD. Traits such as keeping one's surrounding neat and clean, rearranging objects till they align perfectly, or even tapping continuously are considered characteristics of people with OCD.

In reality, however, people with OCD are often good at controlling their symptoms in public settings, especially if they are receiving the care they need.

Myth #4: Everyone can be a 'little OCD' sometimes.

For some people, keeping things tidy is just a personality trait. They may appreciate their things being in order but it is not a compulsion. Yet, for people struggling with OCD symptoms, there is no way to turn 'off' these obsessive thoughts.

When people with OCD refrain from performing compulsive acts, symptoms such as anxiety, distress, and panic, worsen. Hence, even if some people like their things to be orderly, it does not imply that they have OCD.

Myth #5: Those with OCD need to realise their actions are irrational. 

Chances are that people with OCD know their actions are irrational. However, this still cannot stop them from performing certain compulsive acts as they help in relieving symptoms such as fear or anxiety. Thus, people with OCD find it easier to act on their compulsions rather than endure distress from their obsessive thoughts.

Hence, while calling their behaviour illogical may be tempting, it will do little to help them in the long run.

Also read: How Does Exposure And Response Prevention (ERP) Help With OCD Symptoms?

Myths about OCD paints a false picture of what living with this condition can be like. Often, these myths can prevent people from seeking the help they need. So, it is important to separate the facts from the fiction to help spread awareness and make individuals more comfortable in talking about their mental health struggles.

Sources:

1.  https://www.tmsbrainhealth.com/debunking-common-myths-about-ocd/

2. https://www.goodtherapy.org/blog/top-ten-myths-a-guide-to-everything-ocd-is-not-0513187

3.  https://www.nystromcounseling.com/ocd/5-common-myths-about-ocd/

4. https://health.uark.edu/mental-health/resources/caps-resources-ocd-myths-handout.pdf