Michael A. Singer says in The Untethered Soul that
"The sun does not shine differently on different people."
So I believe it's time to shine some light on the 3 most-common myths I hear regarding OCD.
Myth #1: Everyone has a little OCD.
Sounds like an ignorant statement. There's no way EVERYONE has a little bit of 1 'disorder'. Statistically it's impossible. But more on stats later.
Why though has this statement become so common?
Obsessions and compulsions are anxiety-based coping mechanisms caused by trauma and come with feeling a loss of control.
So when people say "everyone has a little OCD" they're saying 1 of 2 things:
They are projecting their OCD & Limiting Belief Systems on to everyone else
Or,
They are acknowledging how the general population ALSO suffers from trauma/loss of control leading to anxiety-based coping mechanisms.
A sad reality of reading between the lines. But understand, many others are battling the same issue. The biggest difference between us is how we articulate (or don't articulate) our needs.
Myth #2: OCD is a personality trait.
This myth lingers because of ignorance.
Being clean, neat and organized can be personality traits. But here's the difference between a personality trait and having OCD.
OCD behaviors are not based on logic.
And (healthy) personality traits do not stem from anxiety.
A "clean and organized" person can engage these behaviors without feeling anxiety or worry.
And it is possible for someone with OCD to clean and organize without giving into their OCD.
It depends on the real reason behind the action.
Myth #3: OCD is rare.
Alright, so most people know the prevalence of OCD. The US population of adults with OCD is between 1.2-2.5%. On the lower end, that's almost 2.5 million people.
And 1 in every 200 children, as early as 4, has OCD. Equal to around 368,000 children.
Almost everyone knows someone with OCD.
But this is where this myth comes to life.
1 out of every 200 US children has diabetes.
The same number of individuals are affected between these important issues, however each has a different relevance in the public eye.
Some disorders and diseases, often the ones induced from big corps, seem to have larger awareness.
But the numbers don't lie.
Final thought for this email:
Literally millions of people need help with their OCD and Anxiety.
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