The virtual support group on Thursday is canceled indefinitely.
FACT: OCD sufferers do not enjoy obsessions or performing compulsions. Most obsessions cause extreme distress becasue they are egodystonic, which means they conflict with the person's identity.
For example, a religious OCD sufferer may develop an obsession about being posessed, blaspheming, or being a "bad" person. These obsessions conflict with their true values.
FACT: A compulsion is an attempt to relieve anxiety. Not all compulsions can be observed by others. Many OCD sufferers deal with mental compulsions such as researching, mentally reviewing, repeating thoughts, using "good" thoughts to neutralize "bad" ones, and asking for reassurance.
Learn more about the "invisible" side of OCD in the video below:
FACT: OCD involves wanting to get a sense of certainty. Often suffers want to know whether or not a feared outcome is going to occur. Compulsions are performed to relieve the anxiety, but they only intensify the anxiety over time. OCD manifests differently in different people. Since nothing in life is certain, anything can become an obsession.
FACT: You cannot reason with or talk away an obsessional fear. Talk therapy or trying to disprove an obsessional fear is considered reassurance. Sufferers seek reassurance from family members or by researching. Seeking reassurance is a compulsion and strengthens the disorder. Thus, seeking reassurance is counterproductive.
FACT: Few therapists are trained in recognizing and treating OCD. It takes the average OCD sufferer 14-17 years to receive a diagnosis.