The Benefits of OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental illness that causes repeated unwanted thoughts or sensations (obsessions) or the urge to do something over and over again (compulsions). Most people focus only on the negatives, though in reality, there are many advantages to living life with OCD.

Creativity

• Many studies have suggested that people with OCD are more creative than others
• In general, the OCD brain is overactive and never stops creating possible scenarios; this type of thinking can be directed towards specific goals in an advantageous way
• Aimed towards the right task, they can spend hours coming up with new ideas, brainstorming things, and working on projects
• A creative mind also allows OCD sufferers to think about things in a new or different way, giving them a unique perspective

Empathy

• People with OCD tend to empathize with others to a greater extent due to knowing what it’s like to deal with things out of their control
• This is because people with OCD come to learn that OCD is something that doesn’t happen by choice
• Instead of judging others, people with OCD more easily understand the challenges that other people go through
• They can relate to people on a deeper level, and provide a greater level of support

Attentiveness

• People who have OCD are usually very attentive and pay great attention to detail
• They want everything to be perfect and consider themselves to be perfectionists
• That means they’re great at meeting deadlines, completing excellent work, and managing time
• This trait can be useful in a number of different situations, whether it be school, work, creative hobbies, and more

Drive

• Some of the world’s greatest athletes have OCD or have said they have traces of it in the ways that they approach things
• A person with OCD will continue to keep going until something is perfect
• They fixate on a goal and ruthlessly go at it until it’s done because it has to be done right
• It serves as a driving force that has helped them become proficient in their craft.

Cautiousness

• A lot of people living with OCD deal with fears and anxieties stemming from accidents or injuries
• They tend to avoid risky situations since they induce stress, causing their OCD symptoms to flare up
• As a result, OCD sufferers tend to be more careful and maybe less prone to getting hurt
• They also put more thought into the activities and situations they engage in
• Rather than rushing into new situations, they take the time to think it through and recognize the potential risks.

Potential

• There’s no cure, but people with OCD may be able to manage how their symptoms affect their life
• OCD treatment helps to rewire the way the brain operates, lessening stressful OCD symptoms and opening up the potential for improvement
• OCD treatments include psychotherapy (cognitive behavioral therapy), meditation, yoga, medicine, or a combination of treatments

Everyday Life Hacks

• Maintain a simple, structured routine and focus on what is good to help reduce stress, which can trigger OCD
• Stay hydrated, eat right, and exercise regularly
• Plan extra time into your morning routine to work through compulsions if needed
• Avoid triggers when possible and push forward with a professional
• Create a comfy space for yourself at home and spend at least 15 minutes there daily – no electronics allowed
• Set aside time in every day for focused breathing: 5 seconds in, hold 5 seconds, 5 seconds out
• When fears start to rise try to focus on something beautiful nearby, like a plant or flower, and be grateful for life’s beauty
• Spend time outdoors whenever you can
• Give yourself grace – tomorrow is a new day full of possibility

Being diagnosed with any mental health condition is generally not seen as a positive thing. However, for people with OCD, the diagnosis isn’t all that bad. Living with OCD can give you various advantages in certain areas of your life. These advantages can change your mindset and help you see the benefits of living with OCD.

Sources

https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/obsessive-compulsive-disorder#091e9c5e80008db7-2-6
https://pulsetms.com/blog/the-hidden-silver-linings-of-ocd/
https://www.elitedaily.com/lifestyle/manifestation-methods-expert
https://www.avalonmalibu.com/blog/finding-the-positives-of-ocd-reclaiming-your-story/
https://theara.com/
https://www.understood.org/
https://www.verywellmind.com/

About Author

Renee

Renee is a mother, educator, advocate, and transformational leader. She has always possessed a deep passion for education. As an innovator, Renee established two of the first virtual schools in Arizona.

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