Where does superstition end and OCD begin? Often the dividing line between the two can become a little blurred.
Because of the confusion around OCD some may not understand that superstition can be symptomatic of the condition itself.
Both of them are rooted in wanting to control the difficult world around us. The two can look so similar that it is hard to tell the difference. They are both coping strategies but the biggest difference is the amount that your superstitions or symptoms control your daily life. Most of us will probably admit to not walking under ladders for instance, and that can be ok. We can have a little superstition without it becoming stressful.
Do you have a certain item that you can’t go without? It can be superstition but if you can’t leave the house without it then it may be worth considering if it is completely rational. Do you have an obsession with a number, like having to tap the phone 13 times or chew each mouth of food 13 times or knocking on a door 13 times.If you cannot function without doing things for the exact amount of times it may be more than superstition and time to reach out for professional help.
Do you have to keep washing your hands, or constantly checking to see if you’ve locked the door? These could all be signs of OCD and if others notice that it is consuming rather a lot of your time, and even their time, it could be a warning sign. The urges become harder to resist, and if you don’t give in to the compulsion, the anxiety becomes greater.
If the anxiety is becoming all consuming then it could be time to visit your GP for advice.
