Living with OCD: How to Recognise It and Get Help

We all have habits and daily activities that we go through. For a few individuals, their daily activities become overbearing rituals and create an overwhelming part of their lives. This is where Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) fits in. OCD is more than being neat or double-checking the locks. It is a mental health condition where intrusive thoughts and repetitive actions create a cycle that is difficult to break.

At Lifeline Clinic Dubai, we see how OCD can affect people from all walks of life. It can appear in subtle ways at first, then grow into patterns that interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being. The great thing to know is that there are effective treatment options for OCD, and many can recover with the right support.

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder involving two main parts: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that keep coming back. Compulsions are the behaviors or mental acts that a person feels compelled to engage in response to their obsessions. On occasion, many individuals undergo intrusive thoughts; however, in OCD, these persistent thoughts are troublesome and nearly impossible to dismiss.

Pervasive signs of OCD

The symptoms of OCD will typically differ amongst people; however, most include:

• Intrusive thoughts that evoke fears of contamination, harm, or loss of control.
• Compulsive actions such as repetitive cleaning, checking, or counting.
• Avoidance habits to keep from triggering anxiety
• Mental rituals, such as silently repeating words or prayers

These OCD symptoms can become time-consuming, often taking hours each day, and may cause significant distress.

Recognising the Signs of OCD Early

Recognizing the early symptoms of OCD can help speed up recovery. These signs could involve:

• Washing your hands or cleaning excessively when unnecessary
• Checking things, appliances, doors or locks repeatedly
• Needing for objects to be in a particular order
• Feeling very anxious when routines are disrupted
• Seeking out reassurance from people constantly

If you, or a person you know, are experiencing patterns like this, it may be time to pursue therapy for OCD.

What Causes OCD?

The exact cause of OCD is not entirely understood, but studies have indicated that it may be both a combination of genetic, neurological, and environmental causes. Brain chemical imbalances, such as serotonin, family history of anxiety disorders, and stressful life events, can all be contributors. Some people may develop or experience worse OCD after experiencing a trauma or major life event.

How OCD is Treated

The most effective way to treat OCD is frequently a combination of therapy and, in some situations, medication. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most effective form of OCD therapy, especially a method called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This helps people gradually face their fears without engaging in compulsive behaviours, reducing anxiety over time.

Medications such as SSRIs can change brain chemicals and improve the efficacy of therapy. In some situations, lifestyle changes such as stress reduction, exercise, and better sleep may assist with recovery.

Living with OCD

Living with OCD can feel very depleting, but it’s crucial to be aware that it does not make you who you are. The good news is that many individuals, with the right treatment plan, can regain control of their lives and significantly reduce OCD symptoms. Developing a habit of using coping strategies, creating a support system, and following through with therapy will help you achieve long-term improvements.

When to Seek Help

If your thoughts or behaviours are starting to interfere with daily life, cause distress, or take up large amounts of time, it is time to seek professional help. Our mental health professionals at Lifeline Clinic Dubai are familiar with diagnosing and treating OCD using an effective and proven way.

Take the First Step Today

OCD is not just a habit; it is a treatable condition. The sooner you seek out, the sooner you’ll be able to break free from the never-ending cycle of obsessions and compulsions. At Lifeline Clinic Dubai, we provide assessment and care tailored to you, supporting you every step of the way on your recovery journey.

Call us today to book in and start your journey toward a more relaxed, more balanced mind.