Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support Group
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a psychiatric disorder, more specifically, an anxiety disorder. OCD is manifested in a variety of forms, but is most commonly characterized by a subject's obsessive (repetitive, distressing, intrusive) thoughts and related compulsions (tasks or rituals) which attempt to neutralize the obsessions.
I've had OCD symptoms ever since I was a kid, have been in recovery for about 14 years now, and wanted to run something by the community here and see what you think. The way I see it, compulsive behaviors can be broken down into three different categories:
(1) substance abuse (drugs/alcohol/caffeine/nicotine/etc.);
(2) pleasure-seeking (sex/gambling/shopping/video games/etc.); and
(3) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (counting/checking/phobias/etc.).
I think that virtually everybody today is compulsive and engages in various compulsions throughout the day from one or more of the above-mentioned categories. Although different people engage in different compulsions depending on their personality and upbringing, what we all have in common is that we're compulsive. That's why I dislike terms such as "alcoholic," "addict," and "OCD" so much. I think they're very misleading in that they have a tendency to put people in separate, isolated categories, as if we were all somehow different (i.e., "I'm alcoholic, you're OCD.") The truth of the matter, however, at least as far as I see it, is that we're all suffering from the same exact problem--a compulsive lifestyle. I also think that this compulsive lifestyle is the root cause for depression and anxiety, which, as I'm sure most of you know, is pretty much epidemic today. I think it would represent a huge step forward if, instead of having several different types of programs/treatment for alcoholics and addicts and cutters and people with bulemia and OCD there was just one program which addressed what it means to be compulsive and taught people how to move beyond the whole compulsive lifestyle. It would be nice to see that done on a grassroots level so that one day in the not-too-distant future we can maybe eliminate all the so-called mental health experts and professionals and finally make some real progress towards wellness and happiness. I worked in the mental health field for a number of years and, at least based on my personal experience, it seemed to me that, by and large, the so-called experts really don't have a clue as to what they're doing. I know that might sound cynical, but I've seen more than my fair share of patients/clients/residents mislead, misguided, misdiagnosed, and even ruined by well-paid professionals who had no idea what they were doing. Well, I suppose that's a lot for one post. Would love to know what you think.
(1) substance abuse (drugs/alcohol/caffeine/nicotine/etc.);
(2) pleasure-seeking (sex/gambling/shopping/video games/etc.); and
(3) Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (counting/checking/phobias/etc.).
I think that virtually everybody today is compulsive and engages in various compulsions throughout the day from one or more of the above-mentioned categories. Although different people engage in different compulsions depending on their personality and upbringing, what we all have in common is that we're compulsive. That's why I dislike terms such as "alcoholic," "addict," and "OCD" so much. I think they're very misleading in that they have a tendency to put people in separate, isolated categories, as if we were all somehow different (i.e., "I'm alcoholic, you're OCD.") The truth of the matter, however, at least as far as I see it, is that we're all suffering from the same exact problem--a compulsive lifestyle. I also think that this compulsive lifestyle is the root cause for depression and anxiety, which, as I'm sure most of you know, is pretty much epidemic today. I think it would represent a huge step forward if, instead of having several different types of programs/treatment for alcoholics and addicts and cutters and people with bulemia and OCD there was just one program which addressed what it means to be compulsive and taught people how to move beyond the whole compulsive lifestyle. It would be nice to see that done on a grassroots level so that one day in the not-too-distant future we can maybe eliminate all the so-called mental health experts and professionals and finally make some real progress towards wellness and happiness. I worked in the mental health field for a number of years and, at least based on my personal experience, it seemed to me that, by and large, the so-called experts really don't have a clue as to what they're doing. I know that might sound cynical, but I've seen more than my fair share of patients/clients/residents mislead, misguided, misdiagnosed, and even ruined by well-paid professionals who had no idea what they were doing. Well, I suppose that's a lot for one post. Would love to know what you think.
deleted_user
Dan, I am so with you on this, i myself saw my share of patients who were treated as outcasts because of their emotional "diagnoses" and was enraged at the treatment they received and also experienced so called therapists who really seemed as if they really had no clue and tried to point fingers on anything that might justify their need to make a living. I also, like you, think about these things and wonder if i am the only one who actually thinks that way. That depression and anxiety is indeed an epidemic these days, and everyones way of dealing with it is unique to their own personality type. I'm trying even further to understand which kind of personality traits do what. I am an ocd type and i myself am very sensitive , introspective, analytical, high morals and high expectations of myself among other things. I know addictive types , ex, alcohol and substance abuse, whose personality types are extroverted, dominating, controlling and hides problems on the inside. This is subjective as it pertains to my own outlook, so excuse me if i am wrong or over generalizing.
deleted_user
While labeling can hurt, I think there are positives too. OCD is really quite different from being an alcoholic or from being a compulsive gambler. Addictive behaviors have different roots from compulsive behaviors. OCD is a chemical imbalance and maybe that's thrown around too often as well, but I for one struggled and struggled with what was wrong with me, decided for a time that nothing at all was wrong with me and I should just get over it, then came back to the struggle weakened by the later perspective. I'm personally glad to find out that there is a cause behind what curses my waking hours and bends my dreams to fantastic horrors. Glad it isn't that I'm just stupid. Glad it isn't that I'm just weak. Many people think I am. I have an eating disorder (not bulimia but anorexia) and for years and years I was terrified to have anyone know because I thought I'd be viewed as weak and inept. I agree that there are very many mental health professionals who are, well, stupid. But there are thoe who really care too. How we view ourselves and how the world views us needs reform and I'm convinced a good 12 step program could help us all. But I'm also quite sure that I need something beyond that to feel whole. I still struggle with what that is.
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