Our Internal Barriers to Seeking Help for OCD
The reasons why a person with OCD may delay seeking help are many and varied. To a large extent, stigma plays a role, as well as fears about treatment, and even the worry that they might be accused of criminal behavior if they disclose obsessions with violent content (e.g., intrusive thoughts related to causing harm to others). All of these reasons are equally important; in this article, inspired by the qualitative study of Robinson et al. (2017), we will focus on the internal barriers that may prevent someone from seeking help promptly.
Some of these internal barriers that hold people back include:
"It's not bad enough": The perception that OCD is still at a manageable level and does not require treatment. One participant shared with the researchers that the time he spent on obsessions and compulsions was about three hours a day, yet he did not consider this to significantly affect him to the point of seeking help.
"I can manage": Some of the respondents explained that the reason they did not seek help earlier was because they felt they could handle this difficult situation on their own, without the support of a mental health professional.
Difficulty accepting the situation: Other participants in the study shared that either they themselves or their parents struggled to accept that there was an issue requiring attention, or believed it was something temporary that would simply go away with time.
I never thought about seeking help: For many people with OCD, the disorder has been present for so long that it feels like an ordinary part of life, something that doesn’t necessarily require attention. It can seem almost natural, as though it simply “is.” This confusion often makes it hard to know whether their experiences are unique or just a normal part of what everyone does. For instance, someone who repeatedly checks whether the stove is turned off may assume this is common behavior, simply linked to safety concerns.
"I’m afraid I might become someone different from who I am": People with OCD often believe that, at the end of treatment, when the symptoms have subsided, they will become someone different and that their personality or character will be altered. This creates feelings of insecurity and hesitation.
“I feel very vulnerable": Many people with OCD avoid seeking treatment because they feel they lack the psychological and emotional energy to begin such a process.
Recognizing these internal barriers is, in itself, an important step. It is completely natural to feel hesitant. The fear of change and the doubt about whether it is “worth it” to seek help are thoughts many people experience. As you read through the points above, you may recognize feelings or experiences of your own and this awareness can become the starting point for a more meaningful reflection on your personal journey.
Source: Robinson, K. J., Rose, D. & Salkovskis, P. M. (2017). Seeking help for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD): a qualitative study of the enablers and barriers conducted by a researcher with personal experience of OCD. Psychology and Psychotherapy: Theory, Research and Practice, 90(2), 193–211.