What is the Link Between OCD and Depression?
You might know a bit about OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) and depression individually, but did you know the two can be linked?
A phenomenon commonly seen among mental health disorders is something called "comorbidity." This means that two or more conditions show up together and affect each other.
It's estimated that 25 to 50 percent of people with OCD also have depression. When it comes to OCD and depression, it's important to understand how the two are linked.
Does One Cause the Other?
Sometimes, people might experience an onset of symptoms from both at the same time, but rarely does depression come first.
In short, depression doesn't cause OCD, but OCD can cause added depression. It's not yet clear what exactly causes OCD in the first place, but we do know that the difficulties associated with OCD can develop into depression.
OCD and Depression
OCD and depression can significantly impact your day-to-day functioning. Over time, effects on your life, job performance, and relationships can build into depression. In fact, the more severe obsessions and compulsions are, the more depression symptoms worsen.
Both OCD and depression affect your mood and can create negative beliefs about oneself, as well as unhealthy thinking patterns.
Let's look at how OCD and depression interact with each other.
Obsessions
The obsession part of OCD is marked by repetitive, unwanted, often upsetting thoughts. These thoughts can result in fear, shock, and ultimately, depression.
For instance, a parent who has sudden, intrusive thoughts about harming their baby might be alarmed by these thoughts. They may then feel shame for even having those thoughts. They might feel like something is wrong with them and that they aren't a good parent. Over time, they become depressed by their perceived inadequacy.
Not all obsessive thoughts are violent in nature. Nonetheless, the distress caused by these thoughts may make someone feel out of control. Additionally, the repetition of these worrisome thoughts over time can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
Compulsions
Simply put, compulsions are a response to intrusive or obsessive thoughts. These behaviors are intended to make unsettling thoughts go away or prevent negative consequences.
Compulsions must be performed perfectly each and every time, or else the sense of safety is lost. In a way, it results in a form of perfectionism. As a result, it can feel impossible or unattainable to reach a certain status of perfection and lead to feelings of depression.
That parent who experiences thoughts of harming their baby might develop compulsive behaviors that involve repeatedly checking to make sure the baby is placed safely in its crib. They may lock the door to the baby's room and check it a certain number of times.
As you can imagine, this becomes incredibly stressful and can exacerbate those feelings of inadequacy or hopelessness.
How to Cope
For most people, therapy, medication, or a combination of both is effective at managing both OCD and depression. But there are some other strategies that can help.
Mindfulness
Although it can be challenging for people with OCD, over time, mindfulness can help reduce the stress caused by obsessive thoughts. It can also lead people to feel less compelled to perform compulsive behaviors.
Mindfulness doesn't stop the thoughts or compulsions. Rather, it allows them to exist without judgement.
Physical Activity
Movement can be incredibly helpful for those with OCD. Although it can be hard to find the motivation to move when you're depressed, exercise is proven to boost your mood over time and reduce symptoms.
Start small. Even a 10-minute walk makes a huge difference.
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If you have OCD and also suffer from depression, don't hesitate to reach out for help through. Together in OCD therapy, we can identify and reshape your thinking patterns so you can start feeling in control.
