What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD or is a type of mental disorder which is generally related to frequently occurring intrusive thoughts and obsessive urges that produce repetitive and ritualistic behaviours or compulsions. Here one of the leading registered NDIS providers in Australia – ZedCare Ability Services bring in light some the important facts regarding OCD.
How OCD Affects Quality Of Life?
The compulsions and obsessions can often create distress in the people with OCD and negatively impact their normal functional ability and the overall quality of life. They usually feel urges to perform these rituals or mental acts in an attempt to alleviate their anxiety or prevent a potential outcome that they fear. Sometimes they even might feel these thoughts and behaviours are extreme or irrational.
OCD can be discovered in many forms, such as orderliness and symmetry, fear or contamination, aggressive or taboo thoughts, need for frequent confirmations or in some cases excessive and unnecessary doubts. In preliminary stages, OCD may not seem to be an issue of concern, but in later stages, it can be quite chronic and requires various treatments, including therapy and medication to manage.
How To Cordially Deal With Someone With OCD?
It is quite important to understand that working with someone with OCD needs understanding, sympathy, and complete knowledge over this disorder.
Here are some effective strategies that can help support and collaborate with someone with OCD:
- Learn About OCD
The very first thing you should do if you are about to take care of someone with OCD is to gather as much as information regarding the disorder. Try to know everything about its symptoms, and how it affects different persons. Also try to know about the common obsessions and compulsions. Find out more about the underlying anxiety and distress related to the disorder. It will certainly help you better understand the condition and make you able to empathise with the person’s experiences.
- Create A Supportive Environment
People with OCD always requires a nurturing and supportive space where they can feel comfortable and share their feelings, thoughts and experiences without being judged. Showing empathy, patience, and understanding are likely to help them open up and be more accepting of having you in their personal space.
- Respect Their Own Thresholds
Persons with OCD may have some specific sensitivities that can trigger the symptoms. That’s why it is important to respect their personal thresholds and avoid making them expose to any triggering situations or behaviours.
- Encourage Open Conversation
Always try to encourage the person with OCD to an open conversation where they can talk about the disorder and share their feelings. As a family member or a carer try to listen to their tells and validate their experiences. But at the same time – avoid dismissing or minimising their struggles. All these can help them feel heard and understood.
- Encourage Professional Help
OCD can be effectively managed through evidence-based treatments, including cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and medication, so it’s a good idea to gently and collaboratively encourage the person to seek appropriate treatment and offer support in finding a qualified therapist.
- Be Patient And Understanding
Recovery from OCD is a time-consuming process and it is quite common that drawbacks might occur when recovering. At this try to be patient and understanding, and avoid putting pressure on the person or expect them to “just stop” their behaviours. Instead, you can entertain small improvements and offer encouragements when more noticeable progress is achieved.
- Encourage Self-Care
Promote self-care practices that support overall well-being, such as maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in activities they enjoy, getting sufficient rest, and managing stress.
- Offer support for Exposure & Response Prevention
ERP is a common therapy approach for OCD that involves gradually exposing the person to feared situations or thoughts while resisting the urge to perform rituals. If appropriate and with their consent, offer to accompany them during exposures or support their efforts to resist compulsions.
- Collaborate On Coping Strategies
You can work together to identify and develop coping strategies that can help del with OCD symptoms. This may include relaxation techniques, mindfulness exercises, thought-stopping techniques, or engaging in activities that provide distraction or a sense of mastery.
How Can ZedCare Ability Services Help People with OCD?
If you have someone in your acquaintance having an issue with OCD and looking for professional therapists or carers, ZedCare Ability Services is here to dedicated to supporting individuals with OCD through our comprehensive disability support services, as part of the NDIS framework.
As a registered NDIS provider in Australia, our support providers are professionally trained to offer most effective interventions that helps NDIS participants to identify and mitigate their specific triggers under a controlled and supportive environment, and developing personalised coping strategies that promote independence and adaptation to changes.
Do remember – everyone’s experience with OCD is unique, so it is important to listen to them, understand their comfort levels, and be able to support with what they need.
