Living in the Background

I find myself using the expression “living in the background” a lot when writing about OCD, so I would like to clarify what I mean by that. 

OCD has always been a part of my life, but when I choose to ignore the compulsions, OCD is eventually starved to the point of almost disappearing. It tries to rear its head, but if I’m diligent in swatting OCD away, it does stay in its place.

I’ve read a lot of OCD stories. People handle it many different ways, and there are so many different types and different degrees of severity. 

Some people choose to run away from OCD. Usually, it follows them. 

Some people choose to embrace OCD. Usually, it consumes them. 

Some people choose to fight OCD on their own. Usually they lose the battle. 

But what if they had a weapon? What if they take precautions that prepare them for the battle?

This does take courage and self control, not to mention time, but most importantly, we need truth to combat the lies of OCD. That’s why God’s Word is so important.

I’d like to give you a practical way of fighting OCD with God’s Word, so please check back in to read my next blog : Journaling Away From OCD. 

Self control is also important. When I was a kid, I didn’t need it as much. My parents helped keep my compulsions in check and helped me overcome a lot of fears, so OCD had no room to grow. 

Being an adult puts me in a situation where I have to choose the right choices on my own, and that’s much harder. (I do wonder if that’s why OCD tends to get worse during adulthood.)

But to answer the questions that I’ve wondered. 

Will the fight get easier? Yes. 

Why should we not just embrace it? Because it will drain the life out of you. If you don’t believe me, google OCD stories. 

Why do people choose, then, to get band-aid fixes instead of fighting OCD head on? Let me tell you, but I warn you, it’s a hard pill to swallow:

It’s easier to wallow in the self pity of “poor me” than it is to pick ourselves up and choose to live life to the best of our ability. 

It is easier to use OCD as a crutch than it is to fight against OCD. 

So why fight it?

Because that’s how you become free from it. That’s how you learn to live a life that’s enjoyable and unhindered by irrationality. 

Fighting against OCD is the only way to emerge the victor. 

Is it annoying we have to battle at all? Yes, but as long as we stay close to our weapons, then we’ve got the upper hand. And for the Christian, someday the war against flesh will be over. 

When the need to fight comes less and less, to the point of almost never coming around, then your OCD is living in the background. It’s there, but it’s kept so much in its place that OCD is only a very small part of your life, and you’re able to enjoy the journey. 

I’d love to point you to the One who can help you do that. 🙂