Ever felt like you’re broken because of your thoughts? Well, you’re not alone. Imagine living with the constant fear that you might accidentally harm someone you love even though you’d never intentionally do so. This is the reality for many people with the less commonly known form of OCD. This article explores OCD obsessions that you might not have heard about and why they happen.
What’s The Definition Of OCD?
OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder is a complex mental health disorder characterized by intrusive unwanted thoughts known as obsessions and repetitive behaviors or mental acts called compulsions. These compulsions are performed to alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions. The relief is short lived and the compulsions only reinforce the obsessions.
What Are Some Of The Myths? And Facts About OCD?
When most people think OCD is all about behaviors such as washing hands repeatedly or checking the door to see if it’s locked dozens of times. OCD can manifest in many other ways that aren’t so easily recognizable. The obsessions can center around a number of irrational beliefs.
Types Of OCD obsessions:
1.Harm OCD.
This involves intense unwanted fears of harming others. A person with harm OCD might obsess over thoughts such as “What if I lose control and hurt someone?” These obsessions can lead to compulsive behaviors like avoiding sharp objects, not driving a car or excessively seeking reassurance from people that you’re not a dangerous person.
For some people these harm obsessions are really distressing and disabling for them. As for the origin of this obsession, it may stem from an exaggerated sense of responsibility and an inability to tolerate uncertainty. Psychologists who focus on evolution suggest that it might stem from an overly active threat detection system in the brain. People with harm OCD often have a strong moral compass and value the well-being of others which paradoxically manifests as fear of causing harm.
2.Relationship obsessions.
This happens when a person has intense intrusive doubts about romantic relationships. You might constantly worry “Do I really love my partner?” or “What if I’m not meant to be with this person?” Even if you’re in a stable relationship, these thoughts can persist, causing you to constantly seek reassurance or overanalyze the relationship: “How are we doing? Are we okay?”
If you doubt your commitment to your partner, you may analyze every interaction for signs of incompatibility. It’s as if you can’t stop questioning if you made the right decision. If this is you, you may unconsciously sabotage relationships or drive people away because you can’t feel settled that this is the person for you.
Possible origins of relationship OCD include: attachment issues, insecure past relationship trauma, fear of commitment or societal pressure surrounding perfect relationships. Another thought is that early experiences with caregivers can shape our expectations and fears in adult relationships. Evolutionary psychologists say that it’s instinctual to select a good mate because it’s necessary for survival therefore some people are wired to see this as a critical decision and overcheck it.
3.somatic or sensorimotor obsessions.
This involves an over focus on bodily sensations and physical processes. You can become hyper-aware of your own breathing, blinking or swallowing and end up obsessing over the sensation to the point it disrupts your daily life.
Somatic OCD is closely linked to health anxiety. Some of the people who suffer from health anxiety have increased sensitivity to internal body sensations called interoceptive awareness. There’s also exposure therapy designed to help with this hyper-awareness. A possible link to this type of obsession is an early experience of illness that was traumatizing such as childhood cancer or witnessing a family member’s illness causing hypervigilance about body sensations.
4.Religious or moral obsessions
This involves fearing sinning, offending a higher power or acting in ways that contradict your moral beliefs. You may doubt your moral character even if you haven’t done anything to question it. This doubt can come from thoughts or past behavior even if they seem insignificant or unclear. Some people believe they did or thought something wrong that they can’t even remember.
Possible origins of this obsession include a rigid religious upbringing combined with a temperament that is inflexible or perfectionistic. However, it’s not a universal effect. Other siblings exposed to the same upbringing might react differently depending on personality traits. Perfectionism, fear of punishment or a strong need for certainty and control can also contribute to these obsessions.
5.Emotional contamination obsessions.
I know you are familiar with obsessions around germs. Another form involves fear of being contaminated by the negative traits or emotions of others. You may believe that people with negative thoughts or emotions can transfer them to you simply by being nearby. To avoid this, you steer clear of certain people or situations to keep your thoughts and emotions “pure.”
This could stem from an exaggerated belief in the power of social influence and a strong desire to maintain emotional or intellectual purity. It may also involve magical thinking where you believe thoughts and proximity can directly influence reality.
Is There Help?
Most people find it hard to control their obsessions which end up affecting their personal relationships. Always reach out for help from a support group or a psychologist you are not alone.