THE OTHER SIDE OF OCD.

     A lot has  been happening globally and all we can do is take care ,dig out some information and pray really hard( i'm  sure we all have a deity that we beleive in)                        So last night i was  trying to make some chocolate pancakes(a recipe i will share with you one of these days) as i scrolled my phone checking out some funny pictures ''memes'' online. And that's how my night was ruined.It was a picture of a guy who had diagnosed himself to have OCD just because he had cleaned his house,something that he hadn't done for months.And now because of the epidemic,he felt like he was on a house arrest and the only thing he could do was clean.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

You've probably heard a person say that they are OCD at a particular day,right? Just because they've decided to do their laundry or do dishes that were pilled on the sink for a week.I want to let you know that ocd is not all about cleanness rather there are other symptoms.OCD stands for obsessive compulsive disorder.The person experiences intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours.Is it some kind of a mental disorder? Does it affect someone from living a nomal life?You are asking all that,sure  it does. People with this condition have a certain fear in them.Let's look at some of their symptoms.

1:Always have an urge to wash their hands and keep thinking of the germs.
2:They keep on checking things,eg they will keep on confirming if the door is locked and wake up many times to check if the gas cooker is turned off.
3:Obsessed with counting eg when they are using the stairs,they will count every step and might start over again if interrupted.
4:They have their way of arranging things.eg shoes,clothes,utensils,etc
5:They might ask for reassuarance from someone about something.They want perfectionism.
6:They have bothering intrusive thoughts .eg they might have a thought about something bad happening to their loved ones and might feel that they are the only ones who can save them.
7:They really suffer from anxiety.

Note that these symptoms varies alot.Whatever a certain person is experiencing might be different from the other one.And some are serious than others.So just because you are sanitizing your hands every five minutes,doesn't mean you have ocd. Let's understand them and avoid making fun especially at this moment which is hard for them.Stop the ignorance.

A LETTER TO MY YOUNGER SELF

Dear mini me,
I'm sure you're wondering why I have been taking too long to contact you..Honestly,there's no valid reason,I have just been  cought  up in this messy life. I'm sorry though.One thing you ought to know is that adulting is very hard and interesting at the same time.I bet you are now in your teens,getting used to your body changes and struggling with those mean bullies in school,please don't let them get into you.Oh! there's also the curfews at home ,mandatory boarding school attendance and a constant reminder that it's all for the best ,trust me it is. It's okay if you find mathematics to be tough,you won't be the only one.Try to do your assignments though.Please be careful while taking  those naked trips to the bathroom,you might get caught one day.

There's always  a time for everything,you've probably heard that saying.And the other one about good things taking time.Wait,do they mean the same thing? Anyways, you are twenty years now and you've outgrown so many people,especially your friends.You haven't had a boyfriend yet,not even your first kiss.Honey,there's nothing wrong with you .Be careful though,because the strings of boys you are about to give your heart to,aren't heaven sent.But the people you are supposed to watch keenly are your friends because some of them are very envious and will do anything to mess you up.Always remember not to break the trust your parents have on you.

You've always wanted to work as cabin crew and your dream of going to an Aviation school will come true.But it will come a time when you will be stuck whether to pursue it or to focus on your writing. Keep on writing and read alot.Embracing new things,meeting people and attending events will give you exposure.Please get to know that man pretty well before dating him,never rush anything.Don't settle with just any one,keep your high standards and feel afraid to pop up babies until it's the right time.Incase of anything,always speak up.I want to tell you a thing that no one did,something that you always debating in your mind.You are different,so it's time you stopped explaining yourself to everybody ,they will never get it.And do you know another thing that makes you unique? Your powerful intuition,pay attention and make use of it. It's a huge rewarding gift.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder(OCD) is really going to mess with your life,something you aren't ready for.Get a therapist before it's too late.Pay regular visits to your gynecologist also, it's time you started having those pap smears.Life will never be easy but you will pull through.The universe got you.
 
                       From your older self,Brenda

23 THINGS I HAVE LEARNT IN MY TWENTIES.

1: Life will never be fair,miracles happen though.

2: Patty Smith was right when sang that sometimes love just ain't enough.Atleast you will need peace and tons of money.

3: Some of your friends have been hating since day one,learn to meticulously pick them though.

4: Make sure to always fit both the shoes before making a purchase.

5: You know that "bitch karma"?trust me she's real.

6: Remember that high school teacher  that kept telling you to abstain from sex until later in life,he/she was right. There's always time for everything.

7: You might  be rich and succeed in tipping God every now and then but  you will never buy your way in life.

8:No one will ever talk about their failures ,so don't be fooled.

9: People will talk if you do good or bad,so do you.Remember life has no rules.

10: Humble yourself or the universe will do it for you.

11: Whatever belongs to the devil will go back to the devil,always choose the right path.

12: Don't just network with  people your own age.

13: Always trust your instincts  and never ignore those red flags.

14: Waking up early will never be fun,ever.

15:Your parents will always have your back and most of the times,they are right.

16: Learn to keep track of your finances.

17: Try new things,learn new skills and when you get  a chance  to travel ,please take it. There's more to life than hiding yourself in your tiny villages.Get exposed.

18: There's always going to be someone more attractive,talented,accomplished,etc than you.

19:. Learn to keep your opinions to yourself,atimes no one cares.

20: Love your body,these people whom you're envying and comparing yourselves to,have insecurities too.Majority are fake and the only thing

they have is a photoshopping skill.

21: If it's not good for your mental health,it's time you said no to it.

22: Don't pop up those babies if you don't have a good plan.

23: Never run short of cereals and garlics in your kitchen.