When I realized that I had Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the compulsive person that I am wanted information ASAP! That is why I created some OCD frequent questions and answers. These are the questions that I would have like to have on hand to use to get quick answers about my disorder. I hope these questions and answers help in understanding OCD a little better. -- Brittney

Q. So I think I have Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). What is next?
A. First, take a deep breath! Finding out that you have OCD can be overwhelming at first, but is something that can be dealt with. Although learning to accept you as a person with OCD can be difficult, it is an amazing journey nonetheless. Sometimes I am thankful that OCD has lead me in a cretin direction, because I would not have been the person I am today without it. So overall, an amazing, but hard journey of self-discovery is awaiting you.

Q. Who should be the first person I tell that I have OCD?
A. This is a hard question to answer honestly. You must find someone that you know will support you, and be behind your journey 100%. Unfortunately, sometimes these people (your family) can be caught off guard and not know what to do. This can be as much of a journey for them as you. When I first told my mom that I thought I had OCD, she did everything to disprove that I did not have OCD. It took her a while to understand that this is who I was, and was only one part of who I was.

Q. How should I go about telling them?
A. For me, the way that I told my mom, was to just blurt it out. For me it was one of the hardest things that I have ever had to say, but fortunately once it was out, it was be BIGGEST weight lifted off of my shoulders. Other ways that I suggest telling your person you choose is in a letter, simple note, or even an e-mail.

Q. What if my family members/ boyfriend or girlfriend acts differently?
A. It is only NORMAL for them to act differently for a while. Remember that it is just as big or bigger of a shock for them too. Remind them that you need their strength and support at this time. If your boyfriend and girlfriend acts differently and decides to breakup with you, (which can be even more of a blow) it means that you do not need that person around you. You need a partner that will support your every need at this difficult time in your life.

Q. How long should I wait to tell my boyfriend/girlfriend?
A. This can only be answer by you. Some prefer to just get it out in the open right away, while some may choose to wait. It depends on you personal choice. I personally, waited about 10 months into the relationship, and wrote it out in a letter. This I would definitely change. I would not have waited this long to get an important part of who I am out in the open in our relationship. Plus, personally, I would have wanted to see if I really had someone that supported me, or if I was just wasting my time.

Q. What should I say or do if someone says something rude?
A. Always be prepared to walk away. This world is filled with ignorant, rude people. Don’t forget, what people do not know or understand will most likely be label as bad or evil. Ignore them, and focus on perfecting the good person that you are.


Q. Should I tell my employer about my OCD?
A. So, you are about to embark in a new job. Weather it be you first job or a major career, there are some governmental or ethical policies that you should be aware of. It is very important for every individual with a mental illness to know their rights.

When I first started to look for jobs, I knew that there was absolutely no way that I was going to tell that individual that I had OCD. Although we live in a world with great opportunities, reality is that there are people or employers out there that discriminate against individuals. That is why I am going to provide some beneficial links for people suffering with OCD, other mental illness, and for friends/family members to read.

Q. Does Obsessive Compulsive Disorder have a cure?
A. No. After reading this answer along time ago, I can recall this was very hard to digest and understand. It is very important to realize that just because it does not have a cure, does not mean that you can not lead a normal life.

Q. What are some of the hidden signs of OCD?
A. Many individuals suffering form OCD at one point or another in their life hid it from the outside world. There are endless amounts of reasons as to why these individuals did not want to share it to the world—embarrassment, stigma, ridicule. Now I am not here to say that these are absolutely signs of OCD, because I am in no way shape or form a doctor. However, these are the signs that I tried to keep hidden from those in my world.

Not talking as much as usual
-This was a sign that I displayed because I was too busy thinking about how people were going to think of me if they knew I had OCD. I was also going over different stressful obsessions in my head. I was taken back, and not who I was normally.

Hands Chapped or Red
- This could be a sign because of an individual’s ability to wash their hands over and over again because they feel that they were not clean.

Crying without explanation
-This is obviously a sign that something is wrong because if the individuals are crying there has to be something wrong. In my case, I was overwhelmed, had no one to go to, and did not know what the future held for me.

Aggression, meanness, or snapping
-This was one of my symptoms because I become tired of people asking me over and over again what was wrong. I became agitated and snapped at family and friends.

Missing many days of school
-Weather if it was because I was depressed or dealing with my OCD, I missed a total of 40 days in school. This is a HUGE sign to many individuals around you that something is wrong. The sad this about this is school administrator did not care enough and I got away with it.

Declining Grades
-Because I missed so many days of school, I could not always catch up with my assignments. My grades started to fall, causing more anxiety.

Q. Can depression and anxiety, be linked all together?
A. Unfortunately, in my journey, I have experienced a little of each. Each of these problems can be linked together to create one painful cycle. Knowing that you have OCD can cause depression, and in my case major depression for a while. OCD is classified as an anxiety disorder; therefore it is only normal to feel different levels of anxiety while learning to keep your OCD under control.

Q. Can I have obsessions and not compulsions or compulsions and not obsessions?
A. Yes! I tend to have more obsessive problems than compulsions.

Q. How should I get help?
A. I recommend having someone without throughout your journey. The best way to get help is to call up the better business bureau, or go through recommendations. Don’t forget, you are never stuck at a doctor you pick. You have many different doctor options.

Q. What if I do not like my doctor or feel uncomfortable?
A. You do not have to return. Just simply choose another doctor that you think could possibly suit you better. It is very important to remember that honesty is 100% important in getting better. If you cannot talk openly to these people then you will not progress forward but backwards. You need to feel 110% comfortable.

Q. Is there anything that I can do at home?
A. Yes, tons! You can do everything from eating better to exercising. I talk about this more in my self-help section. Check it out!

Q. Is there any other route besides medication?
A. Yes, although I know medications have their benefits, their side effects can be horrible. That is why some choose homeopathic and holistic methods (herbs, minerals, etc). Check in your local phone book for more information.

Q. Is it normal to feel tired of trying to fight your OCD to feel normal?
A. Heck yes, but it does not mean that you are progressing backwards or getting worse. Everyone gets overwhelmed struggling with just life. Always remember to give yourself a little credit, after all you are struggling with something that is far more difficult than most people will ever experience or understand. Something that I always say to myelf when I am feeling upset is, “God only gives you what he thinks you are able to handle.”

Q. What should I do when I hit a low point?
A. To remember that you are not alone first. Get someone that you can call up when you feel bad. Write in a journal, read, take a drive, exercise, paint, do a sport, and always remember that this horrible felling and situation will always get better!

Q. I am afraid that my OCD will come back while I am in college. What can I do?
A. Most colleges have an office that deals with personal issues like these. Unfortunately, many of these offices label OCD as a “disability” which I HATE and despise! Many of them are totally understanding, very helpful. They can recommend free on campus counseling, and support groups. On my campus, they also are able to write formal letters being sent out to each of your professors in cause your OCD disrupts your studies.