You may not be aware of it, but evryone has some level of OCD. OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, ranges from alligning a picture frame perfectly on a desk, to washing your hands every time you touch something. OCD is "an anxiety disorder and is characterized by recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and/or repetitive behaviors (compulsions)." Some common symptoms of OCD are handwashing, counting, checking, or cleaning.
One good example of OCD is organizing M&Ms into a pattern. I know some people who used to do this as a kid, and I did it too. I would open my M&M's and put them in a pattern, or organize them by color. Then I would eat them until there was the same amount of each color. Finally, I would eat them in order of my least-favorite to favorite color. Weird, right? People with OCD see the scattered M&Ms as a problem, and in order to "fix" the problem, they feel they need to perform a proceedure similar to the one previously explained. Sometimes, the disorder can get so out-of-hand that they can't function without doing their "rituals". The "rituals" only provide temporary relief before the person feels they need to do it again to relieve their anxiety.
One good example of OCD is organizing M&Ms into a pattern. I know some people who used to do this as a kid, and I did it too. I would open my M&M's and put them in a pattern, or organize them by color. Then I would eat them until there was the same amount of each color. Finally, I would eat them in order of my least-favorite to favorite color. Weird, right? People with OCD see the scattered M&Ms as a problem, and in order to "fix" the problem, they feel they need to perform a proceedure similar to the one previously explained. Sometimes, the disorder can get so out-of-hand that they can't function without doing their "rituals". The "rituals" only provide temporary relief before the person feels they need to do it again to relieve their anxiety.
The best way to get rid of OCD perminently is to not give in to your anxiety. Depending on the severity of the disorder, you may need to see a psyciatrist. The important thing to keep in mind is that you have control over your OCD. Medication should only be used as a last-resort. OCD will never go away, but if you feel the symptoms reoccurring, resist the temptation by not carrying out the "ritual" that seems to be bothering you. It's tough at first, but once you recognize your OCD, it becomes much easier.
