OCD
What does OCD stand for?
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Myth or Fact
Dealing with depression is a normal part of life.
Myth
"Even though your life goes through many changes, being depressed is not something with which you have to live."
Myth or Fact
Anxiety will go away on its own.
Myth
"Symptoms of anxiety are persistent and usually require treatment to subside."
Myth or Fact
recovery from eating disorders is rare.
Myth
"Recovery is absolutely possible. Due to the complexity of eating disorders, recovery can take months or years, but with treatment, many people do recover."
Myth or Fact
We are all “a little bit OCD” at times.
Myth:
"OCD is not a personality quirk or a character trait — it is a very real mental health condition that affects about 2 to 3 million adults, and half a million youth, in the US alone."
Myth or Fact
Feeling down and being depressed are two different things.
Fact
Myth or Fact
Anxiety is the most common mental disorder.
Fact
"33.7% of adults in the United States will experience an anxiety disorder in their lifetime."
Myth or Fact
Only very thin people have an eating disorder.
Myth
"While anorexia is characterized by extreme low weight, many individuals struggling with bulimia, binge eating disorder are normal-weighted."
Myth or Fact
OCD is just about hand washing, cleaning, and being neat.
Myth:
"Triggers related to cleanliness and symptoms related to washing make up only a small part of the range of OCD triggers and symptoms. People with OCD can have obsessions related to a wide variety of things."
Myth or Fact
If you have a family member with depression, you will have it, too.
Myth
"While there is a genetic component in depression, research shows it’s slight. Of people who have a relative who deals with depression, only 10 to 15 percent will also develop depression"
Myth or Fact
Panic attacks can cause you to faint.
Myth
"Fainting during panic attacks is rare."
Myth or Fact
Eating disorders are just about food.
Myth
While eating disorders generally involve obsession with calories, weight or shape, these illnesses are rooted in biological, psychological and sociocultural aspects.
Myth or Fact
With proper treatment, it is very possible for people with OCD to lead full and productive lives.
Fact
Myth or Fact
Depression is all in your head.
Myth
"Depression is a psychological, social, and biological disorder. It’s chronic and takes treatment to manage. Someone who is depressed can’t just shut it off or suck it up.”
Myth or Fact
Breathing into a paper bag prevents hyperventilation.
Myth
"Breathing into a paper bag is unlikely to prevent hyperventilation, but breathing techniques can help reduce the likelihood of hyperventilation."
Myth or Fact
Eating disorders are caused by the media.
Myth
"Many people are exposed to the media on a daily basis but only a small percentage of them actually develop eating disorders. Eating disorders are complex and serious illnesses that have biological, genetic and psychological roots."