Obsessive-compulsive disorder affects an estimated 750,000 in the UK. However, has this been increasing?
OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is a mental health condition, where victims suffer from unwanted consistent thoughts or urges, causing many to fulfil these tasks. On social media, many stereotypes bloom. Some regard it as mainly obsessive cleaning, but this is very far from the truth. Although this can be a part of OCD, there is a messier reality for individuals, who suffer with it each day.
What are some misconceptions of OCD?
Many people think that OCD is solely being organised, although this is not always the circumstance. Every case is different, some are involved with: contamination fears, obsessions and doubts. One common misconception is that it is a personality trait and it is a light matter. The dark reality of OCD is that it is a lifelong mental condition. This can occur in public and someone might be physically fine, but could be suffering internally. Another misconception is that it can be ignored and this is far from the truth. Sometimes it can consume people's mind due to stress; high anxiety, and affects many routines. However, it can be treated through therapy, medication and awareness. It may be a lifelong condition, but it definitely can be managed with professional help.
Picture taken by Mart Production.
What are the most common types?
There are numerous types, although there are more common sorts.
- Ordering OCD is triggered when something is out of routine or the ordinary, which can cause lots of upset.
- Checking OCD is caused by fear, when someone continually checks a task has been done. For example, someone suffering from this may check that the window is closed five times, instead of trusting themselves the first time.
- Contamination OCD is an immense anxiety of illness and germs and an individual may take excessive measures to feel safe.
- Counting OCD is counting constantly to feel secure, this could be driven by irrational fears that they are not safe.
- Harm OCD is triggered by unwanted thoughts of inflicting harm to yourself or others, while having no intention of doing it. This may cause high distress to an individual, who is involuntarily suffering from these hurtful thoughts.
However, are the cases of OCD rising in the United Kingdom?
Overall, obsessive-compulsive disorder cases have risen drastically, but this not necessarily a negative statement. Awareness has spread across social media, which may have encouraged people to seek a diagnosis and reach help. More diagnosis may mean more help, for those who sincerely need it. Reportedly, cases in England have tripled in the last ten years. This is evident in the younger generation, as around 113,000 cases were recorded in 2013, to 370,000 in 2023. From the statistic, it highlights the drastic increase in cases. Yet, through understanding, awareness and empathy, many more can reach the assistance they deserve. OCD is a condition, where you do not need to suffer with it alone.
If yourself and someone has been suffering from related matters, below are helpful links.
The Hidden 'Halloweeny' Village in Yorkshire
Ominous Cases for October
Sienna Spiro Sensationalising UK Charts
Is There Still a North & South Divide?
Why Are Black Cats Facing Bias?
Inflation or Shrinkflation?
