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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is more harmful than people think. For a lot of people, this issue is very trivial, as it does not seem to exist in many places, or people don’t talk about it as much. However, this makes it very difficult to get the right OCD help.

To learn about OCD and it’s specifics along with an overview of the treatment required, we would recommend this article. Unfortunately, OCD is not as simple and straightforward as washing your hands multiple times or arranging furniture in a certain way. These are some of the many myths that greatly misrepresent the trajectory of this mental illness.

OCD as a Mental Illness

OCD starts with a very small obsessive thought. However, after repetitive enforcement of said thought, it grows into a compulsion. It takes a lot of effort to drive the compulsive thoughts away. More often than not, sadly, the thoughts are far from gone. Obsessive thoughts take root in the affected person’s brain. In addition, OCD causes other mental illnesses such as anxiety (which is the immediate illness encountered) and depression (which is the deep-rooted effect of growing OCD).

OCD is rather long-term, which is highly unfortunate, but there are certain helpful routines to follow or keep in mind if you ever suffer an OCD attack.

OCD Help

Help for OCD can be obtained by a few major lifestyle changes in the long-term. Refer to the “treatment” part of this article to be aware of these factors. When OCD gets too harsh, however, medical intervention is advised at the discretion of a professional.

OCD Help (Medical)

Certain antidepressants are approved by the FDA to treat OCD.

  • Clomipramine (Anafranil) for adults and children 10 years and older
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac) for adults and children 7 years and older
  • Fluvoxamine for adults and children 8 years and older
  • Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva) for adults only
  • Sertraline (Zoloft) for adults and children 6 years and older

They vary in administration on the basis of age and brain development. These antidepressants require a lot of thought before consumption as they have their harmful side effects. Some factors include increased risk of suicide, disturbance in sleep patterns, addiction etc.

We would advise you to refer to a clinic and undergoing the brain exam along with the physical evaluation done by a psychologist. Diagnosis is a long process. However, to avoid mistreatment, it has to be adhered to. And no one better than an experienced medical professional to help you with your diagnosis.

OCD Helplines

OCD Helpline

India lacks in its knowledge of OCD symptoms, along with how to get help. Since there are many mental health advocates preaching about mental health, many initiatives have sprung up to support the people and their causes.

Kashmir Lifeline

This was one of the first private helplines to be set up in India. It took its root in 2013. This Kashmir-based helpline focused on general mental health aid, and not OCD specifically. The helpline was all-India and toll-free. However, it lacked a good advertisement and accessibility. In addition, it was limited to a region of India. While it did not do much help with respect to help, it did set up a strong precedent for action on mental health helplines.

Mansanwad

This is the first state-run toll-free helpline in Rajasthan in 2017. An Ajmeri man’s wife who showed blatant signs of OCD in her obsessive cleaning behaviour brought awareness to this issue. Hence, the helpline originated. Notably, it has received a lot of calls so far, mainly from men, who talk about different marital, psychological and mental issues.

This helpline now exists in Pune as well.

Kiran

Launched on 7th September 2020, Kiran is the latest 24×7 toll-free mental health initiative. The helpline is overhead by the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Multiple Disabilities (NIEPMD), Chennai and National Institute of Mental Health Rehabilitation (NIMHR), Sehore. There is a myriad of solutions that this helpline aims to provide, right from early screening for mental health issues, emergency responses to critical calls, continuous counselling and support. In all, the number provides depression, anxiety, suicide and OCD help, among many other issues and illnesses.

Call here: 1800-599-0019

Liberate: My OCD Fighter

Liberate: My OCD Fighter

A young girl named Kaajal Gupta created her own OCD help app after struggling through OCD herself. The app is highly useful to check your compulsion levels. In addition, it also keeps track of your well-being and works as a diary entry to record your obsessive thoughts. To learn more about it, you can go here.

If you are suffering from any mental illness, you should know that you are not alone. For OCD, interacting with someone who has a similar illness will help with confidence and recovery. Since you are here, we encourage you to try and test these helplines. In addition, you can consider medical help if your situation is worsening day after day. Lastly, please take care, and stay safe!

Edited by: Priyanka Srinivas


Priyanka Srinivas

Priyanka Srinivas

Priyanka is a bubbly adult who is in love with anything literature. More often than not, you will find her curled up with a book, or at her desk. She is always writing something. Also, contrary to popular stereotype, she is extremely social and loves a gathering as much as the next person. You can distract her from reading by laying a booby trap with coffee!

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