Roy Suryo
Have you ever sat in a boring meeting and a fleeting, unsettling thought pops into your head: "What if I just started shouting?" Or perhaps while driving, a chilling scenario crosses your mind: "What if I suddenly swerve and crash?" These are known as "intrusive thoughts," and while the majority of us can acknowledge them, dismiss them, and move on, for some, they can spiral into an overwhelming obsession, triggering compulsive behaviours that significantly disrupt daily life.
Dr. Nina Higson-Sweeney, a psychology researcher specializing in child and adolescent mental health at the University of Oxford, experienced this firsthand. As a child, she was gripped by the conviction that any deviation from only having "good" thoughts on her walk home from school would result in dire consequences for her family. "If I had an intrusive thought, I’d restart the walk from the bus stop," she recalls. "I was genuinely terrified that if I didn’t redo it and something happened, it would be my fault." This profound distress led to her diagnosis with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at the age of 10.
"Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts, feelings, and sensations, while compulsions are repeated, ritualised acts that are done to neutralise or alleviate the anxiety caused by the obsessions," Dr. Higson-Sweeney explained in an interview with the BBC’s Complex podcast. The prevalence of OCD is significant, with estimates suggesting that 1% to 4% of the global population lives with the condition. Alarmingly, recent data from NHS England reveals a more than threefold increase in the number of 16-24 year olds reporting OCD symptoms over the past decade, positioning it as the second-most widespread mental health disorder among young adults.
The nature of these intrusive thoughts can be deeply distressing, often centering on themes that are diametrically opposed to a person’s core values or identity. Dr. Higson-Sweeney elaborates on the common manifestations: "You might have thoughts about harm coming to loved ones. It could be questioning one’s sexual attraction, thinking, ‘Am I homosexual? Am I heterosexual?’ It can even be as extreme as worrying, ‘Am I a paedophile?’ A really common one is intrusive thoughts about contamination and worries about getting ill or spreading sickness." While OCD most commonly emerges during puberty or early adolescence, some individuals are diagnosed much later in life, having spent years skillfully masking or concealing their internal struggle and the profound distress it causes. Research indicates that a combination of genetic predisposition and early life adversities, such as bullying, bereavement, or family breakdown, may contribute to the development of OCD.
Kimberley Wilson, a chartered psychologist, emphasizes that intrusive thoughts are a common human experience, stating, "Research suggests around 80% of us have these thoughts." For the vast majority, these thoughts are transient, allowing individuals to observe them, acknowledge their peculiarity, and then set them aside. However, when these thoughts become persistent and resistant to dismissal, seeking professional help becomes crucial. "OCD-related thoughts don’t pass on; they take up residence, and they’re never positive thoughts – they’re aggressive, hostile, and not easy to deal with. That’s when it becomes all-consuming and leads to compulsions," Wilson explains. These compulsions can range from internal mental rituals, such as counting to a specific number, to outwardly visible actions, like repeatedly checking the car tires, even when there’s no logical reason to suspect an issue.
Managing OCD often involves a multi-faceted approach, combining professional intervention with self-management strategies. Dr. Higson-Sweeney highlights the importance of seeking expert guidance: "In these cases, a professional or specialist can work out what’s best for you." Beyond formal therapy, she advocates for practical techniques that can be integrated into daily life to mitigate distress. One such technique involves "labeling thoughts." By consciously recognizing and stating, "I’m having an intrusive thought," individuals can create a crucial psychological distance, reinforcing the understanding that the thought is not a reflection of their true self.
The visualization of OCD as a separate entity can also be beneficial. Some individuals find it helpful to draw or conceptualize OCD as something distinct from their own identity, fostering a sense of separation: "There’s me, and there’s OCD, and those are two different things." Furthermore, prioritizing self-care is paramount. "Eating well, resting, and physical activity can help, as my OCD is always worse when I’m stressed and not looking after myself," Dr. Higson-Sweeney shares.
Today, Nina lives with OCD, but she has developed effective strategies for managing her condition. "I’ve never got over OCD, but I can function with it," she states. She now experiences milder intrusive thoughts and possesses significant insight into her management techniques. However, she acknowledges that during periods of stress, these thoughts can become more challenging to dismiss and may still trigger compulsive behaviours. The journey of managing OCD is an ongoing process, but with awareness, understanding, and appropriate support, individuals can learn to navigate its complexities and lead fulfilling lives.
Ramos Leo
Nakalama John
George Anjay
