This week has been very close to my heart. I have spent a lot of time reflecting on my journey with OCD, finding ways to support other sufferers and helping to end the stigma. I support OCD awareness week because I do not want anyone to feel the shame and loneliness I once felt. I also support OCD awareness week to address the misconceptions of the illness that are plastered all over the internet. The glamorisation of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder really bothers me. In reality, there is nothing fun, quirky or cool about the illness. Just liking things in a certain order or having a habit is not OCD. OCD is constant unwanted intrusive thoughts and compulsions that take over everyday life. I overheard a conversation just a few days ago, about the cleanliness of a bathroom in a hotel, where the lady said the bathroom was spotless – the cleaners must have OCD. People are so ignorant to understanding the condition and at some point, it became socially acceptable and trendy to use OCD as an adjective. OCD is not all about cleaning, tidying and perfection. So forget Channel 4’s Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners that first aired in 2013. If you are looking for a programme to educate yourself on I highly recommend My Extreme OCD life on Channel 5, which began back in August.

Most people suffering with OCD are functional but not happy, barely functioning or completely debilitated. The amount of times I have heard ‘I am so OCD because…’ over something so minor or stereotypical really infuriates me. Therefore, am I going to give you an insight into what makes me ‘so OCD’ in an attempt to end the stigma.

I get unwanted intrusive thoughts every day

I constantly seek reassurance about pretty much everything

I am compelled to count in even numbers mostly 2 and 4

My night time routine consists of checking and counting – downstairs front door is checked starting with my right hand 1,2,3,4 then to my left 1,2,3,4, back to my right 1,2,3,4 and back to my left 1,2,3,4. I go up the stairs I check that the light switches are symmetrical I run my hands over the light switch 1,2,3,4. I check that the bathroom taps are off. I scrape each foot four times over the bathroom floor tiles. I get into my room, I start at the windows, I hold both the windows locks in each hand and shake 1,2,3,4 I let go and tap the left window with my right hand, then to my left, then to my right, I do this 4 times and back to shaking the locks 4 times again. I run my hands over my light switches and tap my bedroom door before getting into bed 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4 1,2,3,4.

I am messy and unorganised BEACAUSE of my illness

I have lost friendships and relationships due to illness

I feel like a burden on my family and friends despite the support I receive

I am constantly exhausted

I can’t enter my house without tapping on the outside windows in a sequence and if I accidently knock my other arm or another part of the window, I have to start over again

I touch objects an even number of times, with each hand

I hate making plans because I don’t know which days will be bad and which days will be a good, I have habit of letting people down and rearranging

I constantly worry that I am a bad person

I go over conversations and situations in my head over and over again

I experience guilt to things that happen that are not in my control

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a life consumed with fear and the inability to control your own thoughts. OCD awareness week is almost over, but do not stop spreading awareness and continue to help the end the stigma on Mental Health