Clinton Township Newsletter

4 a u g u s t 2 0 2 2 W W W . C L I N T O N T W P N E W S L E T T E R . C O M 800.452.9105 • 908.638.9339 www.AandLPoolService.com 1 VAN SYCKLE ST, HIGH BRIDGE, NJ 08829 SERVING HUNTERDON, WARREN, MORRIS, SOMERSET AND MERCER COUNTIES FOUNDED 1967 • LIC.#13VH02098100 ALL In-Ground Pools Pool Openings Pool Closings Maintenance Swimming Pool Inspections Filter Repair/ Replacement Heater Repair/ Replacement Pump Repair/ Replacement Computerized Automation Pump/Acid Wash Safety Covers Renovations Vacuum Service Leak Detection Services Power Washing Pressure Testing Pool Cleaners Pool Chemicals Salt Generators SPA Covers SERVICES: Do you, or someone you know, struggle to pay for food and other groceries? Open Cupboard Food Pantry would love to help! Located in Clinton, NJ Completely confidential services Wide variety of grocery assistance, including diapers Staffed by friendly volunteers from our community Please visit our website at opencupboardfoodpantry.org or call (908) 730-7320 "Help Separate OCD Myths from the Facts" continued from page 3 Here are some common myths and facts that you can share on social media and use to engage others in conversation: MYTH: WE ARE ALL "A LITTLE BIT OCD" AT TIMES. FACT: OCD is not a personality quirk or a character trait — it is a very real mental health condition that affects about two to three million adults, and half a million youth, in the US alone. While many people can have obsessive or compulsive traits, OCD stands for obsessive compulsive disorder, and people who are diagnosed with OCD cannot simply "turn it off." Research has shown that their brains are wired differently than the brains of people without OCD, and as such OCD strongly influences their thoughts and actions. MYTH: OCD IS NOT THAT BIG A DEAL, PEOPLE JUST NEED TO RELAX AND NOT WORRY SO MUCH. FACT: Having OCD is not simply an overreaction to the stresses of life. While stressful situations can make things worse for people with OCD, they do not cause OCD. People with OCD face severe, often debilitating anxiety over any number of things, called "obsessions." This level of extreme worry and fear can be so overwhelming that it gets in the way of their ability to function. To try to overcome this anxiety, people with OCD use "compulsions" or rituals, which are specific actions or behaviors. These compulsions are not activities a person with OCD does because they want to, but rather because they feel they have to in order to ease their fears. OCD is not about logic — it is about anxiety and trying to get relief from that anxiety. MYTH: OCD IS JUST ABOUT HAND-WASHING, CLEANING, AND BEING NEAT. FACT: Triggers related to cleanliness and symptoms related to washing make up only a small part of the range of OCD triggers and symptoms. People with OCD can have obsessions related to a wide variety of things, including losing control, hurting others, unwanted sexual thoughts, and many more. Similarly, the anxiety caused by these obsessions can be lessened by different compulsions, such as "checking" (e.g., re-checking door locks, repeatedly making sure the oven is off), "repeating" (e.g., doing the same action or ritual over and over to be sure it was done "correctly"), and "counting" (e.g., doing things in certain numbers, counting items to certain numbers). MYTH: PEOPLE WITH OCD ARE JUST "WEIRD," "NEUROTIC," OR "CRAZY" AND THERE IS NO HOPE FOR THEM TO EVER LEAD HAPPY, FUNCTIONAL LIVES. FACT: With proper treatment, it is very possible for people with OCD to lead full and productive lives. Many people respond positively to behavioral therapy and/or medication. Specifically, Exposure and Response Prevention or ERP is considered the first-line treatment for OCD. Additionally, medication (such as anti-depressants like SSRIs) may also be recommended for people with OCD. Family therapy can also be very beneficial since family members (including parents, siblings, and spouses) often play a major role in recovery. Finally, many individuals report that support groups are very helpful. Support groups provide a safe, understanding place for people with OCD to feel less alone, as well as to teach and learn from their peers. People with OCD use one or several of these options to help them manage their OCD, as well as the support and understanding of their loved ones. ADDITIONAL FACTS ABOUT OCD: • One in 100 adults are estimated to have OCD. • There are as many children in the US with OCD as there are children with diabetes. • OCD can emerge at any time from preschool to adulthood, but most commonly appears between ages 10-12 or in late teens/early adulthood. • OCD-related conditions include hoarding disorder and body dysmorphic disorder as well as hair-pulling disorder and skin-picking disorder. • About 70% of patients with OCD will benefit from either cognitive behavioral therapy or medication. However, obstacles to getting effective treatment for OCD include: • Hiding symptoms due to embarrassment and stigma • Lack of proper training in health professionals • Difficulty finding local therapists who can effectively treat OCD HOW TO USE THESE FACTS? Stigma is one of the biggest problems faced by people with OCD, but oftentimes, people don't realize that their words or actions are stigmatizing or trivializing the suffering of those with OCD. The next time you hear someone say that someone or something is "so OCD," engage them in conversation about what OCD really means and why what they're saying is dismissive and inaccurate. Educate yourself about OCD, and work to raise awareness in your community however you might feel comfortable.

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