9 subtle signs that you have OCD
I won't deny it: I can lie awake at night and suddenly doubt whether I locked the front door properly, and then I usually go check downstairs anyway. And yes, the door is always locked properly. Where does that doubt and fear come from? It's called OCD. Or well, it's a mild form of it.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common mental health condition characterized by obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors. It falls under anxiety disorders: you are afraid of something, and therefore you exhibit this behavior. Although OCD is often associated with noticeable rituals and compulsions, there are also subtle signs that may indicate the presence of this disorder. Here are nine of these subtle signs that may point to OCD:
1. Repeated checking: constantly checking doors, windows, appliances, or other objects to ensure they are closed, turned off, or in the right place.
2. Symmetry and order: the urge to arrange or organize objects in a specific way, or the need for symmetry and perfection in daily life.
3. Unwanted thoughts: recurring thoughts, impulses, or images that are experienced as disturbing or unwanted, such as fears of contamination, aggressive thoughts, or sexual obsessions.
4. Mental counting: repeatedly counting objects, steps, or other things in your head, sometimes without a clear reason. For example, you always want your volume in your car to be an even number. Or tapping the light switch three times before turning it on.
5. Perfectionism: an obsession with perfection and the constant need to redo tasks or activities until they are perfect.
6. Fear of losing control: an intense fear of losing control over yourself, your thoughts, or your actions, and taking extreme measures to prevent this.
7. Fixation on details: a strong focus on small details or mistakes that others may not notice, and the urge to correct or avoid these mistakes.
8. Hidden rituals: Performing hidden rituals or compulsions in secret, out of shame or fear of judgment from others. So you do it secretly, like checking the gas. You don't tell your partner: ‘Honey, I'm going to check if the door is locked again,’ no, you do it secretly.
9. Avoiding triggers: avoiding situations, people, or places that may trigger the obsessions or compulsions to reduce anxiety or tension.
Although these subtle signs may not always be clearly visible to others, they can have a profound impact on the daily life and well-being of someone suffering from OCD. It is important to recognize that OCD is a serious mental health condition that requires treatment. If you recognize yourself or someone else in these subtle signs, seek professional help and support to get the right treatment and improve quality of life. You are not alone, really not. So don't be ashamed: step one in your victory.
Image: HBO, Don’t worry darling
