Category: Lifestyle
By: Jamie Turner
Updated: June 1, 2018
Originally Published: June 1, 2018
Recently, I decided to revisit the film What About Bob? now available on Netflix. You remember it, right? Bill Murray’s character follows his therapist on vacation, bringing along his quirky mental issues while the therapist just wants a break.
I recall laughing at this film during my junior high days, but my perspective has drastically shifted since being diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The portrayal in this movie feels more offensive now; it doesn’t accurately reflect what living with OCD is really like.
OCD is often depicted humorously, but the truth is far from funny. I remember chuckling at Jack Nicholson’s character in As Good As It Gets, unaware that this representation trivialized the serious struggles I face daily. The reality of OCD is not about keeping things tidy or organizing objects in a particular way—instead, it manifests as a chaotic internal struggle.
For many, OCD isn’t about a clean house; my own living space is often in disarray. When someone casually mentions their “OCD” while laughing about an untidy room, they reveal a lack of understanding about the profound fear the condition can provoke. OCD is not merely an annoyance; it’s a visceral fear that gnaws at your gut without a clear explanation. This leads to a desperate search for answers, often ending in irrational connections.
For a long time, I fixated on sleep. The moment I would drift off, anxiety would strike, and I’d wake in a panic, convinced that not getting enough rest would heighten my anxiety. This spiraled into an intense routine where I exercised excessively, believing it was the only way to combat my fears. I maintained this strict regimen for three years, even as it took a toll on my body. However, the fear of anxiety kept me shackled to my routine.
Through therapy and medication, I eventually learned to manage my OCD and return to a semblance of normalcy. I got married, completed college, and yet, the shadows of anxiety still lurk in unexpected places. I find myself obsessing over my children’s schedules or constantly checking my writing for feedback and rankings, feeling my mood shift with each notification.
Living with OCD can feel as if you’re being pushed by an unseen force, compelling you to engage in repetitive behaviors that hold no real significance. It appears trivial to outsiders, yet for those of us grappling with it, OCD is an all-consuming reality that can disrupt daily life.
One of the most challenging aspects of living with OCD is the stigma. I rarely share my experiences, often keeping my struggles hidden. I juggle daily responsibilities—work, family, and love—while concealing my panic attacks, fearing judgment. When colleagues joke about OCD, I join in the laughter, masking my internal battles.
This stigma around mental health conditions persists despite increased discussions and awareness. Ideally, OCD should be viewed alongside other chronic health issues. Until that day arrives, I continue to navigate life while managing my anxiety, maintaining a routine, and relying on medication. Some days are better than others, but I recognize that this is a lifelong journey.
If society could reassess how it perceives OCD and other mental health disorders, it would alleviate some of the burdens we carry. For those living with mental illness, remember you are not alone. And for those who trivialize mental health struggles, consider that the person laughing with you may be silently fighting their own demons.
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In summary, understanding the true nature of OCD requires moving beyond stereotypes and recognizing the real struggles faced by those who live with it. Only through open dialogue and education can we begin to eliminate the stigma surrounding mental health issues.