I still recall the day my thoughts turned against me, leading me to question what OCD is. I am Shubhangi Halande, and this is my tale. It is one of dread, struggle, and finally, hope.
I still recall the day my thoughts turned against me. I am Shubhangi Halande, and this is my tale. It is one of dread, struggle, and finally, hope.
For years, I thought my continual need to check locks, wash my hands over and again, and arrange things “just right” were merely odd habits. But when these behaviors began to consume hours of my day, I realized that something more significant was happening. That’s when I learned that OCD isn’t simply a need for cleanliness; it’s a constant mental fight.
You’re not the only one who has ever asked, “What is OCD?” Many people misunderstand OCD and believe it is solely about being too neat. But OCD is so much more than that. Today, I want to share my experience with this disorder, explain its reality, and describe how I learned to fight back.
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What is OCD? What the disorder is really about
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental illness in which a person becomes stuck in a loop of obsessions (thoughts that are unwelcome and intrusive) and compulsions (behaviors that are done again and again to relieve anxiety).
It began with little things for me, like “Did I turn off the stove?” that would play over and over in my head until I checked it 10 times. As a result, I became afraid of germs, leading me to scrub my hands until they were sore. What was the worst part? No matter how much I gave in to these feelings, the anxiousness never went away completely.
OCD is not a personality attribute; it is a serious condition that affects millions of people and may make life very difficult. And the first step toward liberation was learning what OCD is.
When OCD took over, I reached my breaking point.
After spending hours “perfectly” organizing my bookcase one night, I broke down in tears. I said, “I need help,” with my hands hurting and my mind exhausted.
I wasn’t simply “particular.” I found myself ensnared in a maze of rituals, fearing dire consequences if I neglected them. What was the worst part? I felt embarrassed. People would say things like, “Oh, I’m so OCD about my desk!” But they didn’t know what actual OCD was like.
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Obsessions and compulsions: the never-ending loop
Obsessions: The Unwanted Guests, These are the ideas that won’t go away:
“What if I hurt someone by accident?”
“I’ll die if I don’t count to 20.”
“Everything has to be even, or I’ll lose it.”
Compulsions: The Wrong Way to Feel Better
I made up routines to silence these thoughts:
The obsessions include repeatedly washing hands until they bleed.
repeatedly is one such obsession. reYou find yourself counting is one such obsession However, OCD is cruel because it leads you to believe that these compulsions are helpful, when in reality, they only worsen the cycle.
Lessons are helpful; I feared judgment. End the cycle.
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How I Fought Back: My Path to Healing – What Is OCD
1. Accepting the Issue
It was challenging for me to admit that I had OCD. I feared judgment. But keeping it a secret just made things worse.
2. Therapy: Learning to Say No
I began cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). My therapist consistently guided me to confront my fears, such as touching.
My therapist consistently guided me to confront my fear of touching a doorknob and helped me resist the urge to wash my hands afterward. It was scary, but it worked.
3. Medicine: A Helping Hand
For some people, SSRIs (antidepressants) can bring brain chemistry back into equilibrium. They didn’t “cure” me, but they did help treatment work better.
4. Self-Compassion: The Key to Change
I used to despise myself because of my OCD. However, I came to understand that the condition is not my fault. Being kind to myself makes it simpler to get well.
Myth: “OCD is only about cleaning.”
The truth is that OCD themes are different. Some individuals fear harm, while others demand symmetry or assurances of safety.
Myth: “People with OCD like their rituals.”
Truth: They wear you out. We dislike these behaviors, yet we struggle to stop them.
“Only weak people get OCD” is a myth.
Truth: OCD is not a choice; it’s a neurological illness. If you’re struggling, keep in mind that you can receive treatment for OCD.
Keep in mind that you can receive treatment for OCD. This is what helped me:
Therapy: Look for a therapist who specializes in OCD treatment, as this is the most effective option.
Support Groups: Discussing your problems makes you feel less ashamed.
Mindfulness: Meditation helped me deal with my anxiety instead of acting on it.
In the end, there is hope. My OCD doesn’t rule me anymore. Some days are still challenging, but I now know what OCD is and wha Most importantly, there is a way to overcome it. I am. Most importantly, there is a way to overcome it.
Please get in touch if you find yourself in my tale. You can take back your life. Do you think we can win this fight? Now you know. We can win this fight.
With love and optimism,
Shubhangi Halande
Need help? – What Is OCD
International OCD Foundation: iocdf.org
Crisis helpline Avoid suffering all around This blog discusses real-life events and experiences.
G discusses real-life events and experiences. If you can relate, talk to a mental health expert about getting specialized help.
