“Obsessions can increase anxiety, and compulsions help reduce anxiety.” (Gard 1). An obsession is an ongoing thought or feeling. These thoughts cannot be controlled (Gard 1). People with OCD know that their thoughts and actions are irrational, yet unable to stop (Shelton 3). Most people with OCD are embarrassed to tell anyone about these thoughts. They think that others will not understand what they are going through. “A compulsion is a ritual or action that is done repeatedly.” (Gard 1). People with this disorder use these compulsions to help cope with their obsessions. Sometimes, these rituals do not work, and cause even more anxiety in the person’s …show more content…
“These thoughts can cause overwhelming anxiety.” (Shelton 3). People with this disorder find these thoughts unpleasant and do not want them. Some of these obsessions are fear of germs, fear of causing harm, fear of loss, need for exactness and the need for perfection (Shelton 3). People with OCD cannot do everything a person without this disorder can do. These thoughts do not allow them to. A quote for Hendrix’s article was, “Again and again, the individual experiences a disturbing thought such as, are my hands dirty, I must wash them, or I am going to injure my child.” (Hendrix 2). These thoughts will never go away. Compulsions in OCD are what a person does to decrease their anxiety caused by these thought (Shelton 2). “Some common compulsions are washing, cleaning, checking things, hoarding, repeating, organizing, counting and seeking reassurance.” (Shelton 3). These compulsions can take up much time of the individual’s day. “These behaviors generally are intended to ward off harm to the individual with OCD or others.” (Hendrix 2). By doing these rituals, it allows the person to relax more and worry less. Although these rituals help with anxiety, this is only