What is OCD?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that affects people of all ages and all walks of life. OCD is composed of two parts: Obsessions and Compulsions.
Obsessions
Are unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, and impulses that trigger intense distressing feelings. Emotions such as fear, anxiety, shame, guilt, disgust, and anger typically emerge. These thoughts are repetitive and are not voluntarily produced. Many OCD sufferers recognize their thoughts do not align with who they are as individuals and seem irrational; however, they feel very real which leads to them performing compulsive behaviors.
Compulsions
Are the behaviors the individual engages in to eliminate these distressing thoughts, images, and impulses (the obsessions cause). OCD sufferers carry out compulsive behaviors to prevent harm from happening. Often, the OCD sufferer knows the compulsive behavior is only providing temporary relief; however, they are looped in an OCD cycle making it challenging to stop.