Experiencing These OCD Symptoms? A Mental Health Professional Can Help

Obsessive compulsive disorder, commonly known as "OCD," is a mental health issue that affects about one in 43 people across the country. Many people experience slight degrees of OCD but not to the point that these symptoms really interfere with their lives. For other people, the symptoms of OCD can be debilitating. In severe cases, people may barely be able to function throughout the day because their OCD is ruling their every action. Even if you're not at this level, you may be struggling with some degree of OCD. The good news is that a mental health professional can help. If you notice the following symptoms, it's time to schedule a mental health appointment.

Unnecessary Repetition

Those who have OCD will often repeat things well past the point of necessity. A common example is washing of the hands. For example, you may wash your hands countless times throughout the day. Perhaps you feel the need to wash your hands at length when you arrive home, or maybe you apply hand sanitizing fluid every few minutes when you're out in public. While it's understandable that you don't want to pick up germs, the reality is that washing your hands to this degree is unnecessary and can indicate that you may be struggling with OCD.

Placing Items In A Sequence

Another type of behavior that can indicate a degree of OCD is a strong desire to place items in a certain sequence around you. For example, if you're tidying your desk at work, you might insist on each piece of paper being placed parallel to the edge of the desk. Items that aren't in this position or that are inadvertently moved by a colleague or the cleaning staff may make you feel upset, prompting you to quickly move things back into the specific sequence you've chosen.

High Anxiety

While it's possible to have anxiety without having OCD, many people who suffer from OCD will also experience a high degree of anxiety. This anxiety is often related to the person's habits. For example, in the above symptoms, the person may be extremely anxious until washing his or her hands upon returning home. Or, the person may feel a high degree of anxiety when items on his or her desk are crooked. This high anxiety can be debilitating, but you can seek help for it by visiting a local mental health professional, who can help you to regain your life.