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My OCD Is Back, But I Do Not Want to Tell My Parents

28 January, 2023
Q Assalamualaikum sister, I have been practicing Islam for a few years now and during this time, I've been through what I think is "religious OCD". After struggling with that for quite some time, everything actually became normal. I didn't repeat any Salah or have doubts about purity or any signs of religious OCD. I got out of this religious OCD by trying my best to ignore the doubts and thoughts which would disturb me in my acts of worship. It worked for some time and I didn't have any problems. But recently, it started happening again, very little though but I fear that it will increase. I stop and restart salahs, because I feel like I made a mistake in any pronunciation. I've been getting doubts in my wudu because it feels like the water hasn't reached all the places that are needed and when I check, those places do feel dry so I get confused if it's actually OCD or not.

I want to put an end to this trouble in a way that it doesn't come back. When it starts, it gets confusing for me to decide if it actually is OCD or not, which makes me lower my guard and I end up listening to the thoughts. It would be helpful if I could do it on my own without any professional help as I do not want to involve my family in this. I would very much appreciate your advice and solution to this. Thanks in advance

Answer

Aisha Mohammad
28 January, 2023

The symptoms of OCD can reappear or intensify during times of stress or changes in life circumstances. 

When this occurs, the best thing to do is to find a professional.

Sometimes the intrusive thoughts and compulsions diminish without any intervention or with self-help techniques. But in many cases, with time, it can get worse without help. 

Try to involve your parents, as you can save months or years of distress and live a life with much better quality if your OCD is treated.

If you are reluctant to disclose your symptoms because they are related to your rituals of worship, try to think about other situations in which you have noticed similar thoughts. 

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Disclaimer: The conceptualization and recommendations stated in this response are very general and purely based on the limited information provided in the question. In no event shall AboutIslam, its counselors or employees be held liable for any damages that may arise from your decision in the use of our services.

OCD Waswasa Intrusive thoughts obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
About Aisha Mohammad
Aisha has a PhD in psychology, an MS in public health and a PsyD. Aisha worked as a Counselor/Psychologist for 12 years at Geneva B. Scruggs Community Health Care Center in New York. She has worked with clients with mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, panic disorder, trauma, and OCD. She also facilitated support groups and provided specialized services for victims of domestic violence, HIV positive individuals, as well youth/teen issues. Aisha is certified in Mindfulness, Trauma Informed Care, Behavioral Management, Restorative Justice/ Healing Circles, Conflict Resolution, Mediation, and Confidentiality & Security. Aisha is also a Certified Life Coach, and Relationship Workshop facilitator. Aisha has a part-time Life Coaching practice in which she integrates the educational concepts of stress reduction, mindfulness, introspection, empowerment, self love and acceptance and spirituality to create a holistic healing journey for clients. Aisha is also a part of several organizations that advocates for prisoner rights/reentry, social & food justice, as well as advocating for an end to oppression & racism. In her spare time, Aisha enjoys her family, photography, nature, martial arts classes, Islamic studies, volunteering/charity work, as well as working on her book and spoken word projects.