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.
Does it bother anyone else when "normal" people use the term "OCD" as an adjective....like, "Ugh I'm so OCD." ?
Further, when people say things like that, implying that they have OCD because they like to be organized, or something's out of line and they have to fix it, or something stupid like that.
When are people going to realize that OCD is a real, painfully difficult anxiety disorder, rather than a stupid urge they get to clean? These people don't seem to recognize that when a person with true OCD doesn't carry out his/her compulsions, we have mental obsessions that are terribly intrusive, unpleasant, and impossible to shake off. I just hate when people use the term "OCD" so loosely.
Can anyone relate? This drives me nuts.
Further, when people say things like that, implying that they have OCD because they like to be organized, or something's out of line and they have to fix it, or something stupid like that.
When are people going to realize that OCD is a real, painfully difficult anxiety disorder, rather than a stupid urge they get to clean? These people don't seem to recognize that when a person with true OCD doesn't carry out his/her compulsions, we have mental obsessions that are terribly intrusive, unpleasant, and impossible to shake off. I just hate when people use the term "OCD" so loosely.
Can anyone relate? This drives me nuts.
I know how U feel. I have had OCD for a long time but luckily, have only heard people say that a few times. I agree with you that for people with moderate, severe and extreme cases of OCD, it is a very painful, crippling, misunderstood and life changing experience (having OCD). I guess my biggest complaint, outside of OCD itself, is the negative reactions I have gotten from people over the years when I got the courage up and told them I have OCD. I find that even more frustrating than people saying "I am OCDing" or "that just my OCD acting up".
Because I have OCD this may sound weird but what ticks me off more these days is when people say "I was acting so schizophrenic today" or something to that affect. I had a friend with schizophrenia and it is one of the worst illnesses one can have. Nothing to make light of or use as some supposed quaint phrase that one was acting or feeling a little unstable or weird that day. Plus, they have no clue what it is or how terrible an illness it is because if they did, they would never say that.
As many have written and said, one really must have THAT illness or go thru THAT experience to truly understand it.
What you really need and want is to have your anxiety lessen and have your OCD get better and then what people say will affect you alot less. So, I hope you get the best help there is out there and start feeling better real soon.
Just because you are organized or anal retentive does not mean you have OCD. I have noticed other women are particularly guilty of saying this, like when they are apologizing for being overly concerned or nitpick-y. I don't think these people could handle having intrusive thought since they were 9 years old like I have.
Okay, I am done venting! But, thank you for sharing these thoughts, it really helped me get this off my chest! :)