How to differentiate b/w everyday habits & OCD symptoms?
- Thread starter Debashis
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BrighterDays
New member
I think the biggest difference comes down to why someone is doing a certain behavior and how much it impacts their life. Everyday habits are usually things we do because they’re helpful, comforting, or just part of a routine. But with OCD, the behaviors are often driven by intense anxiety and feel necessary to prevent something bad from happening—even if logically, the person knows it doesn’t make sense.
Another big distinction is the level of distress. With OCD, the compulsions can feel intrusive and exhausting, making it hard to focus on anything else. If skipping a habit makes someone uncomfortable but they can move on, it’s probably just a habit. But if skipping it causes overwhelming anxiety or panic, that’s when it might be something more.
Another big distinction is the level of distress. With OCD, the compulsions can feel intrusive and exhausting, making it hard to focus on anything else. If skipping a habit makes someone uncomfortable but they can move on, it’s probably just a habit. But if skipping it causes overwhelming anxiety or panic, that’s when it might be something more.
I have a friend who has suffered with a mild form of "hand cleaning" OCD since her teenage years... in the sense that she won't touch any surfaces without a gloved hand, and if she does, she has to wash or anti-bac her hands within a few seconds. During some of our deep discussions we've theorised that it may have come from her catching a rather nasty infectious bug when she was about 10 that caused her some quite severe physical health problems at the time.
This one’s right on the borderline. Because it does stem from a core fear (of becoming sick or catching a bug) yet, as Monica from Friends says, “That’s just good sense!”
Haha
I’ll bet she doesn’t get sick very often.
Not anymore.
Deep
Member
Everyday habits are flexible, but OCD behaviors are compulsive, distressing, time-consuming, and disrupt daily life.
Dr. A
Member
I have often wondered if I suffer from an OCD. I have this habit of washing my hands after touching other things especially while cooking. I prefer to be hygienic in kitchen and while eating. Otherwise, I don't find myself bothered about dirty hands when I am out of kitchen. Does it sound like an OCD?
Hazel
Member
I distinguish between everyday habits and behaviors and those symptomatic of OCD by observing the intensity and impact. With OCD, behaviors become repetitive, intrusive, and time-consuming, causing significant distress or interference with daily life. For example, checking the door repeatedly is a habit, but if it feels uncontrollable and takes up hours, it may signal OCD.
Dr. A
Member
This clearly helped me with my dilemma. My repeatedly handwashing, is not intrusive or time consuming, neither does it distress me or interfere with my daily life. Hence, I can now be at peace knowing that I do not have that particular OCD. Thanks.
