I am a specialist with lived experience. To learn more about the topics I specialize in, read below.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
you are not alone—here are some common themes of obsessions found in OCD:
Contamination: Fear of germs, dirt, or contamination leading to illness or harm.
Harm: Intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or others, often loved ones, even though there is no intention to do so.
Symmetry and Order: A need for things to be arranged or organized in a specific way to prevent discomfort or harm.
Forbidden Thoughts or Taboos: Disturbing or taboo thoughts that go against personal values or beliefs, causing distress.
Checking: Repeatedly checking things, such as locks or appliances, to prevent potential harm or negative consequences.
Counting and Numbers: A compulsion to count things or perform actions a certain number of times to ward off anxiety.
Religious or Moral Obsessions: Obsessions related to religious beliefs or morality, often involving fears of committing sinful or morally wrong acts.
Sexual Intrusive thoughts: Involuntary and distressing sexual thoughts or images that are inconsistent with one's values.
Health Anxiety: Excessive fears of having a serious illness or medical condition, often leading to frequent medical checking or seeking reassurance.
Perfectionism: A need for things to be perfect or exact, often causing excessive anxiety when expectations are not met.
If you do not see your theme above, don’t worry— these are just some examples!
Perinatal & Postpartum OCD
Postpartum OCD is a specific type of OCD that occurs in some women after giving birth. It is characterized by intrusive and distressing thoughts, images, or urges that revolve around the newborn or infant. These obsessions can include fears of harming the baby, fears of contamination or illness transmission, concerns about accidentally causing harm, or worries about neglecting the baby's needs. Unlike the obsessions seen in general OCD, postpartum OCD is focused specifically on concerns related to the baby's well-being.
What sets postpartum OCD apart is the intense anxiety and distress these intrusive thoughts generate. Mothers with postpartum OCD often experience overwhelming guilt, shame, and fear, despite the fact that they typically have no desire to act on these distressing thoughts. To alleviate their anxiety, individuals with postpartum OCD might engage in compulsive behaviors, such as excessive cleaning, checking on the baby repeatedly, seeking reassurance from others, or avoiding certain situations.
It's important to note that postpartum OCD is distinct from the "baby blues" or postpartum depression. While many new mothers might experience mild mood fluctuations and anxiety after childbirth, postpartum OCD involves more intense and persistent distressing thoughts and behaviors that can significantly impact a woman's daily functioning and well-being. This condition can be distressing for the new mother and can also interfere with the mother-child bond and the overall adjustment to motherhood.
OC-Related Disorders
Social Anxiety
Individuals with social anxiety often experience extreme anxiety and self-consciousness in situations where they believe they might be scrutinized or judged by others. This can include situations like public speaking, meeting new people, or even engaging in everyday conversations. The fear of embarrassment or humiliation can lead to avoidance behaviors, which in turn limits one's ability to fully participate in social, academic, or occupational activities.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about a wide range of everyday situations and events. Unlike specific phobias or anxieties tied to particular triggers, people with GAD often find themselves worrying about various aspects of their lives, such as health, work, family, and relationships. The worry experienced in GAD is disproportionate to the actual circumstances and can be difficult to control.
Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are intense and irrational fears of particular objects, situations, or activities. These fears can lead to significant distress and avoidance behaviors, impacting an individual's daily life and well-being. Common examples of specific phobias include fears of heights, animals, flying, needles, throwing up, and confined spaces. The fear experienced in specific phobias is often out of proportion to the actual threat posed by the feared object or situation.