It has been said that when life gives you lemons you can make lemonade. Others say that they are willing to make lemon meringue pie, lemon cupcakes, lemon bars, lemon cookies, and lemon chicken, besides lemonade. The list can go on and on when you are creative and optimistic about your difficult circumstances. Certainly, no human being is free from adversity. It comes in different forms and some of us are able to handle it better than others.

There is no question that it is how we look at our trials that can make a difference in how we deal with them. After all, “It is the struggle that creates the strength.” No matter how tough life gets, some people are able to stay optimistic. For others it may be extra challenging when the lemons relate to their mental health. Staying positive can become laborious when individuals struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder.

If you have OCD, you may have been trying to cope by inadvertently reinforcing the illness. You may have been experiencing extreme anxiety and don’t even know OCD is the reason behind it. Many people assume OCD is an illness where individuals fear germ contamination or are worried about leaving their electrical appliances unplugged. They may not realize that OCD is manifested in many patterns and is client friendly. It will target anything that matters to them.

These articles can help you understand OCD better. The treatment for OCD is different than other mental health illnesses. Educate yourself so you can find the right treatment.

Meanwhile, give yourself a break!

“If I could only stop this thought, I would then be happy.” “I cannot take the chance, I’ve got to know for sure.” “What if my thoughts come true?” These and similar thoughts may be constantly in your mind. Uncertainty may be the driving force in the compulsions you are doing to find relief. The urge to seek reassurance from your loved ones is a compulsion that may be strengthening OCD as well. The answers appear unreachable and you may not know how to help yourself.

You don’t need to keep beating yourself up. It is not your fault you haven’t been successful at finding the certainty that keeps eluding you. The good news is that you can learn the right tools to look at your thoughts and feelings with a different mindset.

Don’t delay your treatment. OCD is a mental illness that doesn’t just go away. A professional can help you understand it and teach you how to live meaningfully even when the thoughts show up. You can become optimistic about your future. When the fog dissipates as you practice the new skills, you’ll be able to make lemonade and much more with your life. You can live the life you want to live!

Photo by Florencia Potter on Unsplash