Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often uncharacteristically described in film and other various media as involving the uncontrollable repetition of actions, such as needing to shut and lock a door several times before being able to walk away. It is rumored that we all have OCD tendencies, but many people can control them better than others. These false impressions do have some truth to them, but the truth regarding OCD is much more complicated and intensive.
OCD is a fear-based mental disorder that may begin to negatively impact your life due to the uncontrollable obsessive thoughts and accompanied compulsive behaviors. If you are suddenly afraid that you will destroy the lives of your children if you do not spend an hour detailing the floorboards in their bathroom, you may be experiencing an obsessive thought or compulsive behavior. Familiarity to these types of behaviors and thoughts may indicate tendencies within you, but that does not necessarily mean you have the disorder. Before you seek out a diagnosis or further treatment, it is important to know how exactly OCD can impact you and your life. Here are a few ways OCD may affect overall health.
1) OCD may force you to put everything else on the backburner. If you know that you are strapped for cash, but you keep obsessing about that one pair of expensive shoes until you compulsively buy them anyway, it may mean you are struggling with OCD. This financial burden may be overcompensation for a deeper fear within you. Consulting with a professional is sure to benefit you.
2) If you struggle with a fear that germs will damage you or your family, you may wash your hands or your home to the point of exhaustion. This can damage your health by eliminating the good germs that are necessary to combat certain types of contagious illnesses.
3) OCD may impact your emotional and mental health, causing you to feel alone and depressed. You likely recognize that your behaviors and thoughts are not healthy, beneficial, or normal to experience, but you have not been quite sure what to do about it just yet.
The good news is OCD is highly treatable with the right tools and techniques. Get in touch with us at Montana Psychiatry & Brain Health Center in Billings to learn more. Contact us today to book your consultation!
