Your "OCD" Isn't Actually A Disorder
Start writing a post
Student Life

Your "OCD" Isn't Really A Disorder, It's A Cruel Joke That Needs To End

The same can be said about your "perfectionism," "depression," "anxiety," or "anorexia."

742
Your "OCD" Isn't Really A Disorder, It's A Cruel Joke That Needs To End

Society likes to throw around mental illnesses like they're some kind of trendy terms, which they absolutely are not.

Mental illnesses are not a trend; they are a serious, debilitating issue. As someone who has known multiple people with various disorders, I can tell you it's actually pretty insulting to hear them thrown around like nothing.

There is nothing fun about comparing a serious issue to minor, daily inconveniences.

Saying you're "too much of a perfectionist" because you're determined to make an A on an assignment isn't cute — it's belittling.

Having the determination to make an A is something that's pretty typical.

It's when it swallows your life whole and makes you afraid to start anything due to the thought of failure that you're really "too much of a perfectionist."

Saying you're "so depressed" because your dog won't play with you isn't clever — it's harmful.

A pet refusing to let you play with them isn't "depressing," it's simply upsetting. That's normal. When something goes wrong, it's normal to feel upset or sad.

A truly depressed person likely isn't going to have enough willpower to or energy to play with their dog, even if they really wanted to.

Saying you're "super anxious" because that cutie in class hasn't texted you back isn't true — it's rude.

A cute person not messaging back is just your nerves, not anxiety. Again, that's a normal feeling.

The only time you can be "super anxious" in this situation is if it's an anxiety trigger, but that can only happen if you already suffer from anxiety.

Saying you're "pretty anorexic" because you decided to skip that one meal isn't funny — it's disgusting.

Deciding you don't want that one meal because you're just full or dieting (or don't like whatever's being served) doesn't make you anorexic.

Let me know when you start skipping all your meals and feel like a gross and bloated monster if you even think about eating.

Saying you're "totally OCD" because you like a certain amount of order isn't quirky — it's demeaning.

Liking organization is a pretty normal thing for people that don't have a mental illness.

The people whose lives are taken over by a certain need to have things a very particular way are truly and "totally OCD" (which is not a way to refer to it) and need help.

Trust me, people don't typically brag about their mental disorders.

People suffering may joke with each other, but that's something close friends who understand the gravity of the disorders do with each other. We're respectful and know where to draw the line.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70777
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132390
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments