OCD: The Internal Battle

The nature of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is very complex, to say the least. A large number of people around the world still have misconceptions and an inaccurate understanding of this condition and how it can impact the lives of those who have it and those around them. As a person who was diagnosed in my adolescence, and has been dealing with the struggle ever since, I'd like to take a moment to give people who don't have this illness an idea of what it is like.

I'm a guy who likes to use metaphor because I think that it is a way to help make complicated ideas easier to relate to and understand. So, here are a few that might help you get a basic understanding of this ailment.

Imagine you are in high school and are the outcast or the nerd. Or maybe you're just introverted and shy. Either way, you are a prime target for bullies. OCD is basically the ultimate bully. While some people might tell you to ignore the bully, they will get bored with you and move on, that usually isn't the case in reality. And it certainly does not work with OCD either. Some might say you should fight back. But with OCD it would be like fighting against a bully, only to have him or her become even more aggressive toward you or to bring friends along for the next time you meet.

If you are a sports fan you may relate to this one a little more. Imagine you are the batter in a baseball game going up against an intimidating pitcher. He or she continuously throws you a wicked slider that you just can't catch up to. And when you finally get the hang of it, and start hitting the pitch well, the pitcher changes things up and hits you with a devastating fastball that you cannot hit. Each time you catch on to his or her pitches, he or she changes to another "weapon" in their arsenal, that is different, but equally as tough as the last.

Basically, this illness does one thing and one thing only. It attacks you in the areas of your life in which you are either most vulnerable or care about greatly. As a writer, I have frequently found myself struggling with the process of choosing the correct words, what to write, when to write, and more. It is an infection that tires relentlessly to strike you at the core.

So, what can we as the diagnosed and you as the friends, family, coworkers, classmates... do about it?

First, you have to come to grips with the fact that it is a part of you and will always be a part of you. However, you do not have to allow it to dictate how you live.

Second, have a support system and, by all means, see a therapist. There is no shame or stigma of weakness; rather, it should be looked at as an act of courage.

Third, work toward a treatment that works for you. Some benefit from medications, others from things like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and others from any combination of approaches. It's a big experiment to figure out what works and what doesn't, but it has to be done.

Fourth, don't assume it's all about cleaning or being a germaphobe. This is not a quirk and can take many many forms and have many levels of severity. In fact, it has been called one of the most debilitating diseases in the world.

While those with this ailment will always have it looming over them, it can be sort of like Lyme disease, something that will be there, but can be treated in order to allow the person to handle it in some way.