The term “Obsessive Compulsive Disorder” (OCD) is quite commonly used among people to attribute a behaviour. The most common behaviour that people are aware of is washing of hands, excessively. However, OCD is more than just about washing hands (Baker, 2018). OCD is among one of the top three mental disorders in Singapore and it has been increasing over the years. Currently, 1 in 28 people have OCD (Chandra, 2019).
What is OCD?
OCD consists of obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions refer to a constant and repeating thought while compulsions refer to repeating a behaviour to get rid of the thought (Yufeng, 2018). The repeating thought increases anxiety. While continuously repeating a behaviour to get rid of the anxiety, the person creates a response loop. This response loop and anxiety increases over time where they begin to affect one other (Yufeng, 2018). When this behaviour begins to affect a person’s daily life where they are not able to focus on their tasks or take too much time to repeat their behaviour, they are diagnosed with OCD (Baker, 2018)
What causes it among young adults?
People between the ages of 18 to 34 are more likely to be affected by OCD. People within this age group face different concerns such as getting a place in university, getting employed after graduation or having relationship issues. Such situations affect an individual emotionally and socially because they have to cope with major changes in their lives and face new challenges (Choo, 2018).
What should you do?
Early signs of OCD can be often overlooked because they start off mild. However, the symptoms increase over time. For example, a person who washes his hands often may continue to increase the number of times he washes his hands to the point it disrupts his daily life (Baker, 2018). It is important to be self-aware of your behaviour and analyse what makes you repeat a certain behaviour. If the reason is irrational, seeking help from a professional during the early stages is recommended. People in the surroundings such as family and friends play an important role in observing repetitious behaviours that may be early signs of OCD. OCD disrupts a person’s daily life. Learning how to manage it will reduce an individual’s anxiety and they will be able to live a functional life.
References
Baker, J. (2018). OCD one of the most common mental disorders in Singapore. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ocd-one-of-the-most-common-mental-disorders-in-singapore-11020354
Baker, J. (2018). “I thought I was going crazy”: OCD, an often misunderstood mental health condition. Retrieved from https://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/ocd mental-health-condition-often-misunderstood-11046570
Chandra, A. (2019). Don’t neglect obsessive compulsive disorder; seek help. Retrieved from https://sg.news.yahoo.com/dont-neglect-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-seek-help-073323653.html
Choo, C. (2018). Mental illness more prevalent among young adults, OCD one of top disorders in S’pore. Retrieved from https://www.todayonline.com/singapore/mental-illness-more-prevalent-among-young-adults-ocd-one-of-top-disorders-spore
Yufeng, K. (2018). Study: OCD in top three mental disorders, sufferers seeking help later. Retrieved from https://www.tnp.sg/news/singapore/study-ocd-top-three-mental-disorders-sufferers-seeking-help-later
Sue-Ann, C. (2019). More teens in Singapore seeking help at IMH for school stress. Retrieved from https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/education/more-teens-in-singapore-seeking-help-for-school-stress-at-imh
