What It's Actually Like Living With OCD

Summary

In this video, Rachel, a Video Producer and self-proclaimed 'imperfect environmentalist,' candidly shares her experience with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). She clarifies misconceptions about OCD, detailing its various forms beyond cleanliness and organization. Rachel's journey with OCD began in childhood with fears for loved ones' safety, leading to compulsive behaviors like reassurance-seeking and number assignments. She discusses the impact of OCD on her education and career, the challenges of therapy and medication, and her current coping strategies including ERP therapy, medication, and meditation. Rachel's story aims to encourage others with OCD, emphasizing the importance of support and the potential for managing the condition.

Takeaways

• 🌿 Rachel identifies as an 'imperfect environmentalist' with a love for animals and cooking.
• 🤯 Rachel suffers from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), which she describes as exhausting.
• 🧠 OCD is often misunderstood; it's not just about cleanliness and organization but can include intrusive thoughts and various compulsions.
• 🚗 Rachel's OCD began in childhood with fears for the safety of loved ones, leading to compulsive behaviors.
• 🔢 She used to assign significance to numbers, which is a form of compulsion.
• 💊 Rachel was diagnosed with OCD at a young age and was prescribed Luvox, but therapy was not taken seriously initially.
• 🔄 OCD manifests in various compulsions for Rachel, such as rereading, touching objects, and checking.
• 📚 OCD has been a significant challenge in her education and career, particularly with time-consuming behaviors.
• 🌐 The pandemic worsened Rachel's OCD due to fear and isolation, prompting her to seek help.
• 🔄 Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, combined with medication, has been beneficial in managing her OCD.
• 📈 Rachel has made progress with therapy and medication but acknowledges the possibility of setbacks.
• 📚 Despite OCD, Rachel managed to read six books in 2020, showcasing her resilience.
• 🤝 She encourages those with OCD to seek support and not to be ashamed of their condition.

Q & A

What is Rachel's profession?

Rachel is a Video Producer.

How does Rachel describe herself in terms of environmentalism?

Rachel describes herself as an 'imperfect environmentalist'.

What mental health condition does Rachel have?

Rachel has Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

How does Rachel characterize her experience with OCD?

Rachel describes OCD as 'exhausting' and something that can be very different for different people.

What was the initial manifestation of Rachel's OCD?

Rachel's OCD started with a fear of bad things happening to the people she loved, manifesting in the need to touch objects until it felt right.

What was Rachel's compulsion related to cooking?

Rachel had to ask her mom for reassurance after accidentally touching a piece of food while cooking, fearing she could poison her family.

How did Rachel's OCD affect her academic life?

Rachel's OCD caused her to take longer to read and reread texts, especially during tests, which increased anxiety.

What is one of the most time-consuming compulsions Rachel experiences?

One of the most time-consuming compulsions Rachel experiences is the need to touch objects repeatedly.

How did Rachel's OCD impact her social life?

Rachel was terrified of friends finding out about her OCD and medication, fearing they would think something was wrong with her.

What is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) and how does it relate to treating OCD?

Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy used to treat OCD by setting up situations that trigger compulsions and resisting the urge to act on them, allowing anxiety to decrease naturally.

How has the pandemic affected Rachel's OCD?

The pandemic caused Rachel's OCD to spiral out of control due to increased fear and isolation, leading her to seek help and return to therapy.

What coping mechanisms has Rachel found helpful in managing her OCD?

Rachel has found medication, therapy, and meditation to be helpful in managing her OCD.