Becky Boo
- Date posted
- 18h
I have a question
Is OCD a choice? My mom says that to me frequently. She doesn't understand the torment OCD causes. I guess in a way, compulsions are choices. Obsessions are not.
AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 18h
How would a disorder be a choice? Sure compulsions are a choice but when you're in the throws of OCD they don't feel like it, it feels like you have to do this thing or whatever your fear is would happen no matter how unrelated
Becky BooBecky Boo
- Date posted
- 17h
I have very little support. It's quite the opposite actually. I've even sent my mom NOCD videos, but she still says it's a choice. She even says there is no such thing as mental illness, it's just demons. I tend to ruminate on what others have said. Whether what they said is right or wrong. In the end, I'm either frustrated or feel crappy about myself. If you have someone that supports you, cherish them. I love this app. I don't feel so alone.
AnonymousAnonymous
- Date posted
- 16h
@Becky Boo I'm sorry you don't feel supported, that sucks, I don't really talk to people about my OCD but I find journalling about my triggers, compulsions, etc to be kinda helpful
argoalways argoalways
- Date posted
- 17h
I think we all have a different capacity for understanding other experiences, and we all have certain experiences we can’t understand even if we try. I think for HER, it would be a choice. Because she doesn’t have OCD. So that’s the lens she sees it through. Just know that your experience is real, no one else can give that or take that away. OCD can be really debilitating! I hope you find more support irl soon but in the mean time I’m glad you’ve found it here 🫶
argoalways argoalways
- Date posted
- 17h
@argoalways Also I think compulsions are a choice in the same way that substance abuse is a choice. Purely on technicality. Yes, you can choose to stop- and that would be the healthiest choice. But it will be HARD and you will probably want support groups and therapy and stuff. and it would be pretty ridiculous for someone who hasn’t experienced it to judge you for not being perfect at it and having an easy time with it.
Raven_Raven_
- Date posted
- 15h
If it was a choice I think everyone on this app would choose to not partake
Becky BooBecky Boo
- Date posted
- 15h
So true
Jeffrey Jeffrey
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 16h
OCD is very misunderstood. OCD is not a choice - and we are not responsible for the content of our intrusive thoughts. With therapy we get better - but that is a very insensitive question.
Becky BooBecky Boo
- Date posted
- 16h
Hello Jeffrey! I should have worded my post differently. My mom doesn't ask if OCD is a choice. I was asking that. She says it is a choice. I was curious what others think that have OCD themselves.
Jeffrey Jeffrey
- User type
- OCD Conqueror
- Date posted
- 9h
@Becky Boo Yikes! Your mother clearly doesn’t understand OCD. Like any of us would choose this!
WestWingNerdWestWingNerd
- Date posted
- 14h
I promise it gets better. I had no support growing up (my parents still don’t understand that I have OCD and think i’m just “manufacturing drama”). But when i was 22 i met my best friend - and she makes me feel seen. It doesn’t mean she feeds my compulsions- she’s gotten firm with me to help me. But she’s been caring and understanding and doesn’t make me feel bad for struggling. It gets better.
Buttons BButtons B
- Date posted
- 14h
Serious Answer: No. We make choices because of the OCD and can change those choices over time, but we didn’t choose to have OCD. Joke Answer: If it’s a choice then golly I’ve wasted a whole lot of money on therapy over the last 35 years
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