Ep. 6: OCD and Suicidal Thoughts

Out of OCD Podcast

The Dark Struggle - OCD and Suicidal Thoughts

*TRIGGER WARNING: This article may be difficult if you are sensitive to this topic.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a severely disabling mental illness that can make someone's life feel like an endless nightmare. The constant cycle of intrusive, tormenting thoughts and the compulsions aimed at relieving the anxiety they cause is utterly exhausting. For some struggling with OCD, the pain and suffering becomes so overwhelming that they start having thoughts of suicide as a way to finally escape this personal hell.

Around one third of people with OCD have had suicidal thoughts, and around 1 in 10 have attempted suicide. The torment of OCD puts sufferers at much higher risk of suicidal ideation and behavior compared to the general population. The relentless mental anguish combined with feelings of hopelessness that the invasive thoughts will never end can make ending one's life seem like the only relief.

I experienced this myself with my OCD struggle, I cannot say it was suicidal thoughts, as my specific obsession was a fear of death itself. However, there were many times when I felt like everyone in my life would be better off without me around. It was almost like I wanted to disappear so my family could be free of my OCD. The internal battle that no one could fully understand, combined with the guilt that my family was tormented by my condition, became too much.

There are two distinct issues here. Some have a form of OCD known as Suicidal OCD where they obsess over the possibility of accidentally committing suicide, which is repugnant to them - typical of all OCD themes. Those with Suicidal OCD are unlikely to actually attempt suicide.

However, someone with OCD can have genuine suicidal ideations where the thought of suicide itself is not repugnant. This is where professional help is crucial. People with OCD are at increased risk for attempted suicide, especially if they have a co-occurring disorder like depression.

In any case involving suicidal thoughts, seeking professional help immediately is vital. Cognitive behavioral therapy and certain medications can effectively manage OCD symptoms and reduce suicide risk. You don't have to suffer alone - there is help and hope available to overcome this terrible disorder.

Some additional resources on this topic:

From NOCD: https://www.treatmyocd.com/blog/suicidal-ocd

From Child Mind: https://childmind.org/article/ocd-and-suicide/

Resources:

Free Workbook to Quit OCD: https://outofocd.com/free-workbook/
Out of OCD Website: https://www.outofocd.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ToiHershman

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/outofocd/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/toi.hershman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/toihershman/

Online support groups: https://iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups/