It’s going to be challenging when you realize that you have OCD. Most illness that is related to your mental health is never spoken in society. Especially in the community that I come from, Asian Muslims. We talk about everything else, but we don’t open the discussion for mental health. However, thanks to the Almighty, we have platforms like this to bring these concerns to attention.
This brings us to something that we seldom speak, or I could say – purposely avoid – Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This isn’t a topic to sweep under the rug. So letting your family members know that they can discuss their mental health issues at the dinner table is a must.
I had OCD, and I was able to overcome it with my friends and sister’s help. They helped me think straight, and whenever I had the urge to clean something excessively, my sister would take charge to keep me in control. However, there’s something significant that would help anyone who struggles with OCD while letting your family or friends hold you accountable – faith! Yes, your faith has a lot to do with OCD. It will help you heal.
Try connecting with people who actually listen to you
Some people realize that they have developed OCD, while some others don’t. For the former group, things get a bit chaotic. They have to make an effort to let their families or friends know that they have OCD. Some parents don’t believe that mental health is real and have the fundamental need to avoid such topics.
So, unfortunately, if your parents don’t believe in mental health problems, you have to take the next step. You have to find the right people to share this with so they can help you overcome this. While you find the right people, you should also remember that Allah (SWT) is with you! He doesn’t burden a soul more than what he can bear.
But what about the latter group? They might realize they have OCD when people around them point it. In this case, if you are in a situation to point out to someone else that they have OCD, you should be careful with your words. Make sure that the person is ready to hear what you say. Although OCD is manageable through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and other treatments, some people still fear it. They go through a lot that they can’t share. You have to give them time to open up. But keep an eye on them.
Islam takes a lot of stress off your shoulder
As you already know, Islam has a solution to everything that you face, including OCD. If you are fretting about it right now, I can assure you not to. Many supplications and prayers will help you overcome the disorder. These supplications will provide comfort and solace. Here are some of them you must know:
- Try not to miss morning recitals. They will provide comfort when you start the day. If you find it hard to make it a habit, do it by incorporating it into your morning tea time. When you sit down to have tea, take your morning recitals with you. Do it alone or with your family members.
- Recite Ayat-al-Kursi, and with time, you can memorize it.
- Recite Surah Baqarah and if it is difficult to recite the whole surah, try doing the last two verses of it.
- Recite Surah Al-Ikhlas, Al-Falaq, and An-Naas
These are some of the supplications you can follow to keep OCD in control. But apart from that, you can also follow these daily reminders.
- Try to take wudu as much as possible and try to stay in the state of wudu.
- Recite the Quran and learn the tafsir to understand and get clarity.
- Before you begin anything, make sure to say ‘Bismillah’ (in the name of Allah).
- Believe in Allah (SWT) ‘s mercy because it’s real, and people do recover from OCD. You don’t have to think of it as a life-long fight.
- Amend your relationship with Allah (SWT). It might not be easy but take your time to connect with Him. If you can reflect on “Subhan-Allahi wa bihamdihi, Subhan-Allahil-Azim” (Glory be to Allah, and He is the praise, (and) Allah, the Greatest is free from imperfection), you will be able to put your heart at ease. This is a simple yet most significant dua that will help when you stress yourself too much. Trust me, if you do it with pure intention, it will work.
- You might hear whisperings that push you to check the door for the 4th time or the bank deets for the 100th time, but you’ll overcome this. While you push your doubts away, stay connected to Allah (SWT). He has got your back.
- With the remembrance of Allah, you will find solace and comfort. Keep your tongue engaged in Dhikr.
But that’s not all, and you have to remember that Islam always encourages you to seek medical/professional help. While you follow the routines mentioned above and incorporate these supplications into your day-to-day life, you should also remember to consult a professional if you feel like it.
Here’s something coming from a friend
Whenever you get unwanted thoughts, fears, and doubts, don’t let them consume you. Don’t try to overanalyze them. The thing about the images and thoughts that you get is that they are not real. If you can keep yourself unconcerned about these images and thoughts, you will be able to push them away.
Also, try asking your sibling or friend to keep an eye on you to hold you accountable. You should never forget that Allah loves you, so remember:
“And (remember) Ayub (Job), when he cried to his Lord: Verily, distress has seized me, and You are the Most Merciful of all those who show mercy” – Qur’an 21:83
Islam encourages us to find knowledge, but we shouldn’t dig deeper into doubts.
“Leave that which makes you doubt for that which does not make you doubt, for the truth leads to reassurance and lies lead to uncertainty.” ~ At-Tirmidhi
