You may be feeling like you're constantly worrying about everything. Or, you may have trouble focusing on anything, because your mind is always racing. Perhaps, you even have physical symptoms like a tight chest or stomach pain. You may wonder if you’re struggling with anxiety.
However, your worries could be focused on one particular thing. Something that really bothers you and doesn't make a lot of sense. For example, you may constantly worry about germs and contamination. Or, you may be fixated on the idea that something bad will happen to you or your loved ones. If this is the case, you may be dealing with OCD.
OCD and anxiety can feel very similar. Both can cause a lot of distress and make it hard to function in your day-to-day life. However, there are some key differences. And with support from a therapist, it is possible to manage both.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder. It usually starts in the teen or young adult years, but it can start in childhood as well. The symptoms you are faced with can change over time and can vary from person to person too.
OCD is characterized by unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that lead to repetitive behaviors (compulsions). You may try to ignore these unwanted thoughts or stop your compulsions, but this can lead to more anxiety. And unfortunately, the symptoms can worsen when you’re in distress.
You can’t let go of your worries & Spend time actively calming those worries
It may be hard to control your unwanted thoughts. And sometimes, you feel the need to do things or internally say things to reduce anxiety or quiet those thoughts. And, as a result, OCD can take up a lot of time and energy.
For example, you may be obsessing over worries that you will get sick. Because of this, you may spend a lot of time washing your hands, avoiding places where you could get sick, or finding ways to make sure you are safe. Or, you may worry that you’ll say something rude without meaning to, so you’re constantly replaying conversations in your head or asking for reassurance from others that you weren’t rude. The bottom line is that these intrusive thoughts or the actions you take to calm the anxiety (rituals or compulsions) are taking up a lot of your time and energy.
As an OCD therapist, I often see people who are struggling with OCD, and it can be very difficult to manage. But with support and treatment, it is possible to reduce the symptoms of OCD and live a fulfilling life.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD
When it comes to OCD, there are a few key signs to look out for: obsessions and compulsions. These two signs of OCD can look different for everyone. It is more common to have both obsessions and compulsions, but sometimes, you can just have one or the other.
What are Obsessions?
Obsessions due to OCD are made up of repeated, persistent, unwanted thoughts or images that are intrusive and cause you discomfort. These obsessions are often about things that you are afraid of or that make you anxious. For example, you may be afraid of certain animals and have intrusive thoughts or images about them. Or, it may distress you if your things are not symmetrical or in order, so you have compulsions around straightening or organizing.
Obsessions often have themes of:
Worry that you might hurt someone or yourself
Fear of contamination or germs
Excessive focus on order or symmetry
Unwanted thoughts
Having difficulty with uncertainty
However, these “themes” can look different for everyone.
What are Compulsions?
Compulsions related to OCD are repetitive, intentional behaviors that you feel like you have to do. These compulsions are often done to reduce your anxiety or make you feel as if you’re preventing something bad from happening. For example, if you have an obsession with germs, you may wear latex gloves when you leave the house or wash your hands excessively.
Or, you may have rules or rituals you follow to help control your anxiety when you’re having obsessive thoughts. For example, you may touch the doorknob a certain number of times before you leave the house or have to sit in the same spot every time you eat.
As a therapist, I understand how rituals or rules can bring relief to those with OCD. However, it is important to note that compulsions often provide only temporary relief from anxiety. And, over time, they can get in the way of your everyday life, because they take up a lot of time and energy. But, with support from a therapist, you can learn how to manage your compulsions in a way that works for you.
What is Anxiety?
Now, let's talk about anxiety. Anxiety is a normal emotion that we can all feel at times. It is our body's way of responding to stress or danger. However, when anxiety is ongoing and severe, it can be hard to control and can interfere with your daily life. This is when it becomes a problem.
Anxiety can develop due to a variety of things:
Stressful life events
Trauma
Genetics
Health problems
For example, you may have anxiety due to stressful life events, such as starting a new job, moving, or going through a divorce. Or, you may have anxiety that is related to a trauma, such as being in a car accident. Anxiety can also be caused by genetics. This means if your parents or grandparents struggle with anxiety, you may be more likely to experience it as well. Lastly, anxiety can be caused by health problems. For example, you may have anxiety due to an underlying medical condition, such as thyroid problems or heart disease.
Struggling with anxiety can be extremely difficult. But, with support and treatment, you can learn how to manage your anxiety and live a life that is full and meaningful.
Symptoms of Anxiety
Anxiety can look different for everyone, but some common symptoms of anxiety include:
Feelings of worry, stress, or fear
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Avoiding things that make you anxious
Physical symptoms such as a racing heart, sweating, or shaking.
These are just a few examples of how anxiety can feel and look to you. Just remember that signs and symptoms of anxiety vary from person to person.
How are OCD and Anxiety Different?
Now that we have talked about OCD and anxiety, let's talk about how they are different.
As we discussed earlier, both OCD and anxiety can cause feelings of worry, stress, and fear. As an OCD and anxiety therapist, I know it can be difficult to tell these two conditions apart, because they share so many similarities.
However, there are some key ways that anxiety and OCD are different.
OCD, as we talked about, is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Often you are obsessing about one thing in particular, such as contamination or symmetry. And, you will have compulsions that are repetitive and intentional behaviors that you feel like you need to do to ease your anxiety. For example, as we talked about earlier, you may wash your hands excessively or lock your door a certain number of times.
Anxiety, on the other hand, is characterized by intense feelings of worry, fear, or stress. Your feelings of anxiety may be about anything or nothing at all. It can also occur around specific events, such as public speaking or taking a test. And, unlike OCD, there are no compulsions with anxiety.
Another difference is that your anxiety may go away after the stressful event is over. For example, if you have test anxiety, once the test is done, your anxiety will likely go away. However, with OCD, your obsessions and compulsions will likely continue even after the thing you are obsessing about is gone.
You can also consult a therapist to help you identify and manage your symptoms.
If after reading this blog you’re still uncertain of whether you’re struggling with anxiety or OCD, that’s okay! Often it takes a mental health professional to identify your symptoms as OCD or anxiety. A therapist who specializes in OCD and anxiety can help you identify your symptoms and learn to manage them too.
Regardless of what you’re experiencing, remember that you’re deserving of support.
Begin working with an ocd therapist in Brentwood, tn
If you need support in managing your symptoms of OCD, I can help. I am here to support you and help you gain control over your thoughts and actions.
It may feel challenging to manage your OCD or anxiety, but it is possible. I offer counseling for OCD and anxiety at my counseling office located in Brentwood, TN. I also offer online therapy to anyone living in the state of Tennessee.
If you’re ready to begin counseling, follow these steps:
Submit a contact form through my website or reach out by emailing stucook@vituscounseling.com or calling (615)-709-5779.
Start managing your symptoms through counseling
OTHER counseling services offered AT VITUS COUNSELING
As a therapist, I know OCD and anxiety may not be the only challenges in your life. You may be struggling with depression or trauma. Or, perhaps your faith is struggling and you want support from a Christian counselor. I offer a range of counseling services at Vitus Counseling to help my clients through the various challenges they may be experiencing. I’m here to support you on your journey to healing and better mental health.
