How Faith Helped A Christian Woman Through OCD Struggles
How Faith Helped A Christian Woman Through OCD Struggles: Sarah, a Christian with OCD, shares her journey of suffering and how God’s love healed her pain after 20 years of darkness.
According to Sarah, she grappled with intrusive, disturbing thoughts that started at the tender age of 17.
“To be a Christian and a person who lives with OCD is a defining tension of my life.”She said.
Sarah pointed out in her story that mental illness can’t be erased by spiritual discipline or confession. However, it does allow for a unique perspective on God’s grace and beauty amidst brokenness.
Sarah, like many, initially believed OCD was just an over-the-top cleaning habit. But she soon learned it’s far more insidious – a battle with unwanted, disturbing thoughts that sees danger at every turn.
She shares her experience of finding joy and strength in knowing and loving the living God despite her struggles with OCD. She emphasizes that our frailty is not despised by our creator but is healed by a power that heals us from the inside out. Sarah’s account highlights the extraordinary way God works, not by removing our frailties but by walking through them with us.
Also, Sarah emphasizes the importance of God’s mercy in our most vulnerable moments, reminding us that God created the world for goodness and a way to redeem it when sin entered.
What is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic condition characterized by uncontrollable thoughts, compulsions, or both, causing significant distress and requiring effective treatment to improve quality of life.
Signs And Symptoms of OCD
OCD patients may experience obsessions, compulsions, or both, which are intrusive, unwanted thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety. Some of the Obession symptoms are:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Fear of forgetting, losing, or misplacing something
- Fear of losing control over one’s behavior
- Aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself
- Unwanted, forbidden, or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion, or harm
- Desire to have things symmetrical or in perfect order
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors a person feels the urge to do, often in response to an obsession. Common compulsions include:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Ordering or arranging items in a particular, precise way
- Repeatedly checking things, such as that the door is locked or the oven is off
- Compulsive counting
- Praying or repeating words silently
Although the exact causes of OCD are unknown, various risk factors increase the chances of developing the disorder.
- Genetics
- Biology
- Temperament
- Childhood trauma
How is OCD Treated?
Treatment helps many people, even those with the most severe forms of OCD. Mental health professionals treat OCD with medications, psychotherapy, or a combination of treatments. A mental health professional can help you decide which treatment option is best for you and explain the benefits and risks of each.