Written by: Cherlin Kim
Artwork by: June Jeong
Sami Sorid was only three years old when her battle with the “bully in her brain” began. But unlike any other fight, Sorid was only bruising herself, as she washed her hands until they bled and incessantly rewrote sentences to satisfy her bully.
The bully's name? OCD.
OCD, or obsessive-compulsive disorder, is a disorder in which someone has uncontrollable obsessions, unwanted beliefs, or compulsions that they feel the urge to repeat over and over.
Sorid’s story is simply one in 50 million worldwide, and yet the public is still blinded by the stigma that OCD is merely an obsession with organization or being clean. The Philadelphia Inquirer reports how online websites add fuel to the fire by making quizzes to “find out how OCD you are” and posting jokes about OCD. This normalization of OCD being a light personality trait to joke about entirely disparages the severity of the disorder.
Khloé Kardashian, a famous internet personality, further exploited the disorder as she misled millions of her fans into believing that her mere pleasure in organizing dishes, cups, and utensils equated to her having OCD. With celebrities and social media constantly downplaying the severity of OCD, it is crucial to shine light upon the patients whose mental health seriously deteriorates due to this serious disorder.
How Does OCD Work?
According to the International OCD Foundation, people with OCD alternate between two brains: an OCD brain and a “normal” brain. Though they still have similar thoughts to others, they also easily find themselves entangled in a ceaseless loop of doubt and anxiety. One type of OCD does, in fact, relate to perfectionism. But unlike how society perceives the disorder, its symptoms relate to uncertainty and the want to regain control in your life, rather than a simple need to be neat.
People with the disorder often fear that a certain decision will not only impact themselves, but also loved ones and everyone around them. Thus, OCD causes extreme levels of anxiety, which is why patients may, for example, repeat words a set number of times or excessively count and tap to ameliorate this pressure. Though people with OCD may feel helpless and in a constant loop of anxiety, it is treatable. As stress is the principal factor leading to OCD, engaging in more calming techniques such as meditation and yoga can help alleviate anxiety levels.
Connecting to other patients and creating a support network can also empower those with OCD to better cope; Howie Mandel is a clear example of someone who has found comfort in this communication with others. Specifically, Deconstructing Stigma, a website for mental health awareness, reveals that Howie Mandel was initially afraid to tell the public about his OCD, especially due to his renowned image as a talk show host. Nonetheless, after finding courage to speak about it on a radio show, he was overwhelmed by the support and the number of people in similar situations as him, who reached out about their own OCD.
If you feel that you have OCD, you must talk to a professional—do not self-diagnose. And if you do have OCD, and feel helpless—know that there is always something you can do. With calming techniques, therapy, or a support system, you too can find your path to an improved life.
Works Cited
“Everything You Need To Know About OCD.” Everything You Need To Know About OCD | McLean Hospital, 16 Sept. 2021, www.mcleanhospital.org/essential/everything-you-need-know-about-ocd.
Pattani, Aneri. “OCD Has 'Bullied Her Brain' since She Was 3. Now She's Using Cycling to Raise Awareness.” Https://Www.inquirer.com, The Philadelphia Inquirer, 21 May 2019, www.inquirer.com/health/ocd-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-mental-illness-exposure-response-therapy-20190520.html.
“Stories.” Deconstructing Stigma, 15 Mar. 2020, deconstructingstigma.org/stories?mgi_35=925/howie.
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