OCD Mass Media Blog

 Jennifer Alosso, PsyD

Since you’re reading this to learn about the differences between obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders, let’s find out what you know first. Look at the list below. Can you tell who is suffering from an eating disorder and who is suffering from OCD?

1. Colleen can’t bring herself to eat, even though her weight is dangerously low. She just can’t be sure about what is in the food.
2. Melissa cuts her chicken, as well as any other meat, into perfect half inch cubes.
3. Alex enjoyed some toast with peanut butter, but was sure to leave the last bit of it on the plate.
4. If Patty were only a better person, then she would deserve that ice cream after dinner.
5. Dan stays away from processed foods, like chips, that are not “pure.” It’s too bad he doesn’t see his friends as much as he used too since they always go out to eat.

By Caitlin Howle

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about what it means to be a person with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. When I agreed to write this blog, I was asked if I would feel comfortable with it, if I was “out” about my OCD. Originally, I scoffed at the idea. How could anyone not be “out” about their OCD? Then, I started looking at my life on a day to day basis.

Sure, my friends know. My close friends. My parents, them too. My doctors, they know, but they were supposed to know. But past that, there wasn’t really anyone, I couldn’t name anyone else who knew that I live with OCD. This made me really have to think about what having OCD meant, and what it means to me, because, why couldn’t I tell more people if I was so fine with having it?