You Know What Gets Me? Dealing With People Who Are OCD

 According to the Mayo Clinic, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental condition where people who are OCD experiences patterns of unwanted thoughts and fears which leads them to make repetitive actions. People who are OCD would focus excessively about germs and how it interferes with their daily lives. Actor and comedian Howie Mandel is one major figure who for years has OCD, and he has been doing his absolute best to make it work to his advantage. For me, I try to understand this condition because I am currently living with one of my relatives who happen to be OCD. However, over time it feels like walking on eggshells and landmines trying to make sure not to step on them as best as possible. I do the best I can to clean up, especially since I am a caregiver for my grandfather. The issue is that whenever he makes a mess, I do my best to clean it up. I can't fault my grandfather for that since he had a stroke and a blood clot after cancer surgery.

My relative who lives with me and my grandfather is a good soul, though extremely difficult to deal with. We had an argument the other day at the time of this writing regarding my cleaning. What got on my nerves was that I always do the best I can to keep the house clean. The issue that I have with her is not about the cleaning itself, the issue lies with the need to control my actions. I have been accommodating to her and have always respected her space, and whenever she needed any help from me, I do. However, this time I had to draw the line in the sand because she started disrespecting my autonomy. I never complained to her about actions since she's an adult. However, she nags and complains whenever she notices little things even when it's from her. I know I make a mess, and I take care of the matter. If I forget, then of course that's my mistake. But this is where I also have to state that whenever I go to the bathroom, she would usually leave toilet paper in the toilet, and I have to flush it. It is hypocritical for her to try to set standards for me but not for her. There would be other times where she too leaves a mess. It's quite annoying!

I understand that those who are OCD have faced past traumas and I know my relative has been facing a lot which is why she is the way she is. I can sympathize with that, but it is important to work on those issues so people can accommodate to the best of their abilities. It takes time to heal and of course it's terrifying, but when people take it out on those who are on their side, it's hard to engage with them and they could end up losing relationships with them. What gets me is that it's hard to juggle with caregiving duties for my grandfather, being there for my wife and my child, and dealing with my relative's OCD on a constant basis. This is why sometimes I just need to go somewhere so I can ease my mind because it's not easy. 

For anyone who is reading this blog who are OCD, this wasn't an attack on you personally. I just doing the best I can to learn about this mental condition.

--- Cameron Belmont