This Is OCD/OCspec Saneism

A blog dedicated to sharing discrimination/ableism faced specifically by folks with OCD and other obsessive-compulsive-type disorders [Banner ID: a pastel pink stripe, a pastel purple stripe, a turquoise stripe, a white stripe, and a pastel green stripe layered vertically in that order with a plus sign with clubs at each end. This is the obsessive-compulsive spectrum flag.] [Avatar ID: a turquoise stripe, a white stripe, a pastel yellow stripe, and a pastel orange stripe layered vertically with a black hourglass shape in the middle. This is the OCD pride flag.]

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Intro

[PT: Intro]

Hello! This blog is dedicated to sharing the experiences of those with OCD and similar disorders (undiagnosed/suspecting folk are welcome too!) along with the discrimination they face. If this looks familiar, it’s because it was inspired by many of the numerous other this-is blogs!

What is OCD and the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum?

[PT: What is OCD and the Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum?]

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It’s a disorder characterized by unwanted and intrusive, thoughts, feelings, and fears (obsessions) followed by strict behaviors (compulsions) to alleviate the distress caused by the obsessions. There are other disorders that follow similar patterns but are more specialized than OCD, like compulsive skin-picking, hair-pulling, body dysmorphia, and even eating disorders.

About the Mod and Blog Decorations

[PT: About the Mod and Blog Decorations]

Call me Arcturus (Arc for short). My pronouns are he/him. I’m not gonna get super personal here, so just know I’m a guy who’s had OCD since he was 8 years old and has faced a LOT of people not understanding it. I have some other disabilities, but OCD is the only one that has to do with this blog.

The banner of this blog is the obsessive-compulsive spectrum flag and the avatar is the OCD flag! Both of these were created by Tumblr User @gravecoric (let me know if you would like me to remove the @).

[Banner ID: a pastel pink stripe, a pastel purple stripe, a turquoise stripe, a white stripe, and a pastel green stripe layered vertically in that order with a plus sign with clubs at each end.]

[Avatar ID: a turquoise stripe, a white stripe, a pastel yellow stripe, and a pastel orange stripe layered vertically with a black hourglass shape in the middle.]

Blog Rules

[PT: Blog Rules]

1: No other forms of bigotry. This blog is meant to combat discrimination. Do not stigmatize other disorders (including cluster b disorders and non-contact paras), races, religions, genders, identities, etc. I currently don’t have a DNI because educating everyone is important, and preventing certain groups from accessing such information (especially when it’s information they clearly lack as showcased by their harmful takes/behaviors) just makes the problem worse. Please don’t give me a reason to add a DNI.

2: I’m imperfect. If I make a mistake or say something wrong, politely correct me. Please do not harass me, constantly ping me, or things of the sort. If I worded something confusingly, send me an ask! I’d be glad to make any adjustments to make it easier on everyone, just do so nicely!

3: Do not compare experiences. There’s no reward for having a worse time than other people. I understand seeking validation, but please do so in a way that doesn’t invalidate others.

4: Keep submissions to OCD and obsessive-compulsive-spec disorders. For general ableism or saneism, consider sending an ask to @this-is-ableism or @this-is-saneism. (Let me know if you’d like me to remove the @!)

5: Asks about information on OCD/the OCspec are not only welcome, but encouraged.

6: I cannot diagnose anyone with anything as I am not licensed and I don’t know the submitters personally. I can say “That sounds like OCD” or “This could be indicative of being on the OCspec,” but again, I cannot provide definitive answers or a professional diagnosis.

7: I’m only going to post as often as I can. I don’t have a specific number, but don’t worry if your ask isn’t answered yet. I’ll get to it.

That’s all I can think of right now. I’ll edit this as needed, of course. Hope everyone has a good day/afternoon/evening/night! :)

[thisisbidculture]

[Plain Text: Intro!]

.✦ ݁˖ Intro!

Hello and welcome to this-is-bid-culture! This is a blog focused on the experiences of people with BID (body integrity dysphoria), formerly known as BIID (body integrity identity disorder).

Taken Anons: 🌌

[Plain Text: What is BID?]

.✦ ݁˖ What is BID?

BID is a condition in which someone from a young age feels dysphoria around some part of their body and wishes for it to be disabled. It's because one's internal self does not match with one's physical reality. It is not simply "wanting to have a disability" or "thinking having a mobility aid would be cool", it is a very upsetting mental disorder that at its worst can lead to people unsafely trying to cut off their own limbs. It is also separate from the radqueer and transID communities. While to outsiders it may seem like those with BID are "faking" or that "it's not a real disorder", it is an official diagnosis in the ICD-11 and is mentioned in the DSM5-TR under body dysmorphic disorder.

[Plain Text: About this blog]

.✦ ݁˖ About this blog

This is a safe space for people with BID to share their experiences with the disorder, both their happiness and their sadness, as well as with the unique forms of discrimination those with BID can experience. It is also where those who think they might have BID can ask if their experience sounds like it.

[Plain Text: How to submit]

.✦ ݁˖ How to submit

Asks should preferably start with one of the following:

BID culture is... or BIID culture is... -> general, don't care, unsure of where to put it, other category

BID pain is... or BIID pain is... -> any upsetting topics, dysphoria, discrimination, etc

BID dysphoria is... or BIID dysphoria is... -> vents or experiences with dysphoria

BID discrimination is... or BIID discrimination is... -> vents or experiences with discrimination

BID joy is... or BIID joy is... -> any happy topics, getting support, getting diagnosed, etc

BID questioning is... or BIID questioning is... -> unsure if you have BID/BIID or not

BID learning. or BIID learning. -> non BID people asking questions

Not BID culture. or Not BIID culture. -> just saying hi or unrelated questions

Your ask will be responded to using the same term you do, so if you say BIID then the response will use BIID, and if you're submission is about joy then the response will say joy.

For example...

|"This is BIID joy! I tried using a wheelchair for the first time in public, and it felt super euphoric."

This is BIID joy! -Mod C|

[Plain Text: Rules for submitting]

.✦ ݁˖ Rules for submitting

If you do not follow these rules your ask will be deleted.

Not a rule, but it is heavily preferred that you start with one of the sentence starters listed above.

You must provide plain text for any typing quirks, caps, changed font, changed color, or anything else [plain text: before] before the actual different writing as well as image IDs for any images.

Provide proper trigger warnings. Trigger warnings [plain text: required] required for this blog are: sexual things, gore, self harm, suicide, swearing, surgeries, amputations, needles, hospitals, and medication.

The following topics [plain text: cannot] cannot be brought up: detailed descriptions of self harm, and planning or asking for advice on suicide or self harm.

No hating, ableism, or fake claiming anyone. Ever. BID is a very difficult condition, and while we are open to polite, respectful questions from those wishing to learn more about it, this is primarily a blog for those with the disorder or who think they might have it.

Keep everything on topic!

Requesting a specific mod is allowed if you want, but it might take longer to answer your ask.

More information below the cut!

[Plain Text: Stances]

.✦ ݁˖ Stances

We have no DNI, as everyone should be able to talk about their experiences, but we ask everyone reading this to keep in mind...

We are not medical professionals, and even if we were, we cannot diagnose you with anything over the internet like this

We will answer asks from anyone, regardless of stances, but this does not mean we support those stances

All of the mods behind this are pro self diagnosis, since getting an official diagnosis can be incredibly difficult do to other disabilities, low income, and bigotry and a lack of education in the field, but we will always recommend trying to get a diagnosis when possible, so that people can begin to get the accomodations they need to live the best quality lives

[Plain Text: Mods]

.✦ ݁˖ Mods

We may eventually gain more but currently we just have three.

Mod A - any/all/none

Mod B - he/any

Mod C - she/any

[Plain text: Tags]

.✦ ݁˖ Tags

this is BID culture -> general submissions

this is BID pain -> negative submissions

this is BID dysphoria -> dysphoria submissions

this is BID discrimination -> discrimination submissions

this is BID joy - positive submissions

this is BID questioning - questioning submissions

not BID culture -> random submissions

listen up -> important posts

chit chat -> random posts

mod a -> posts by Mod A

mod b -> posts by Mod B

mod c -> posts by Mod C

[Plain Text: Inspired by]

.✦ ݁˖ Inspired by

Tell us if you want us to untag!

@this-is-neuropsych-ableism @this-is-physi-sensory-ableism @this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism @this-is-pluralphobia @plural-culture-is @fictive-culture and other similar blogs!

[Plain Text: Flag]

.✦ ݁˖ Flag

For this blog, this is the BID flag we're using.

Post by @leporidaespines · 3 images

💬 0  🔁 1  ❤️ 7 · BIID (body integrity identity disorder) flag · I want to be more accepting of myself so I wanted to post this flag. I am no

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Hi this is a question about this sentence that's in your intro post:

"There are other disorders that follow similar patterns but are more specialized than OCD, like compulsive skin-picking, hair-pulling, body dysmorphia, and even eating disorders."

Would the disorders listed be considered OCspec instead of being labeled as OCD? I'm just wondering what the proper labeling for "compulsive skin-picking" would be, since I've heard it being called "skin-picking OCD" on several occasions. I've only recently started researching the possibility of me having it, and I want to be up-to-date with proper terminology.

I see it as very context-dependent.

If it’s dermatillomania (compulsive skin-picking), it’s OCspec, not OCD. If the skin-picking is a compulsion for a greater obsession (such as doing it as punishment for a perceived wrongdoing), then it would be OCD instead. Both conditions can lead to anxiety when unable to pick, but it’s for different reasons. In dermatillomania, it’s because the behavior is self-soothing. In OCD, there’s something the person is afraid of.

Most of the distinguishing between OCD and something else on the OCspec is done based on the motivation. This is even seen with determining if something is an eating disorder or disordered eating caused by OCD. It’s really impossible to tell by the external behavior alone.

So, the label to use on yourself would really just be whichever one describes your experience better. I wish you luck in finding answers :D

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Being called an evil bigot because I blocked a donation page that post gore. I have severe panic attacks and faint when I see pictures like that and then I get harm OCD flare ups for several weeks straight afterwards. It's mentally tormenting. I understand that there are people in need of help but that doesn't mean I should have to be triggered every time I open this app.

This is OCD saneism.

Things that post gore should have a trigger warning at the very least. You’re not evil for distancing from something that causes you such intense anxiety. You should not be made to feel guilty for that.

I’m really sorry people are distorting your intentions like that. You deserve to be able to take care of yourself.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Me: *Learning about racism so I can unlearn any biases I might have, learning about Black history, actively trying to be a better person*

My OCD: Uhm that's literally so racist I bet you want to say the n word

I mean, intrusive thoughts aren't defined as "thought that make complete sense" tbf. But still can my brain stop making me think I'm a horrible person for TRYING TO BE BETTER 😭

Yeahhhh, OCD is really good at twisting anything to fit its narrative. I’m sorry you’re struggling with this. It’s a very common experience, and it’s unfortunately just part of having OCD :(

I hope you’re able to tune it out at least sometimes, but I especially hope you’ll get to a point in recovery where you can tune it out MOST times.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

(both silly and serious) saneism is moral ocd forcing me to check peoples blogs/pinned before interacting with their posts because im a bad person if i interact with bigots without knowing 😔

This is OCD saneism. In fact, it’s the worst case of it I’ve ever seen. /j /silly

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

idk if this is saneism or not but tumblr labeling the tag ‘taboo ocd’ as “mature” for me because im a minor as if, me, a minor, does not and cannot suffer from taboo ocd

i have taboo ocd and i hate that because of it im constantly labeled as a topic that should not be discussed

This is OCD saneism and ageism.

Minors aren’t incapable of taboo thought. Minors can’t consent, but they have brains too. Withholding information from them only makes them more susceptible to manipulation. They should have access to resources to help them navigate difficult situations instead of having adults pretend those situations don’t exist around them.

Your frustration is very valid. You deserve to be heard and find community without being treated like you don’t exist or are somehow an exception to some arbitrary rule.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

undiagnosed ocd to which multiple medical professionals have told me “it sounds like ocd” but my thinking isn’t “magical enough” because it’s health based. I went through a bout of intense compulsions and while I still have some compulsions it is mostly obsessive now.

I pick and bite at my skin constantly as well.

This is OCD saneism and medical neglect.

OCD can present in so many different ways. There is no right way to have OCD, and the fact that medical professionals don’t understand that just shows how healthcare needs a lot of work.

Health OCD is a widely recognized theme. Your experience is valid, anon. I’m really sorry this is happening to you, and I do hope you find the right place that can give you answers and guidance towards improvement. You deserve that kind of help.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

i have developed moral ocd due to the fact that i dont identify as any sort of queer and the demonization i get over it

im also black so its even worse. people (mostly white queers) constantly call me a monster for not having complex identities like theirs and even some queer people of color say im not oppressed enough. and then the same people say they "support" poc and disabled people

youre (general you) not a respectful person if you only support minorities as long as they identify as queer, just saying. i shouldnt be so demonized just because im black and pericishet at the same time

This is OCD saneism and racism.

First of all, I’m really sorry you’re dealing with this, anon. You don’t deserve to be labeled as an awful person just because you don’t identify as queer. You also don’t deserve demonization within your own community because of that.

There is no such thing as “oppressed enough.” It’s not a contest. Any experience with bigotry is worthy of being heard, regardless of how big or how small. Fighting each other doesn’t actually address the source of the problem. Plus, your level of oppression shouldn’t dictate your worth or moral standing anyway. Generalizing only leads to more exclusion.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Hey, everyone! I still have asks that are lined up in the queue, but I’m making this post unprompted as a sort of idea to run by you guys and maybe to be shared if you guys like it.

I get a lot of submissions pertaining to people with moral OCD experiencing triggers by people who are either uneducated or refuse to listen when people voice their concerns about how the content could cause spirals for them. I was thinking about spreading the idea of just tagging things as moral OCD, or OCD unsafe if it discusses a different common OCD theme. I say “common” because it is impossible to know every possible trigger out there for everyone. I know this idea has already occurred to some and there are a handful of folks who do this already, but it’s not very well-known, if that makes sense.

For example, if someone makes a post about their current struggles and how they need some donations, they can ask for the help they need and just tag it as potentially triggering for OCD folk.

No, this is not a way to avoid specific topics. The end goal of OCD treatment is so that people with OCD can engage with their triggers safely and learn to handle anxiety spikes when they occur. Of course, flare ups will always happen sometimes, it’s just a way to minimize them. However, you don’t reach this point by rushing it. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) involves purposefully seeking your trigger and stopping yourself from your compulsions. It’s highly effective and people with OCD are able to live fulfilling lives because of it, even if they need more care, such as more frequent therapy or medication. It doesn’t work if they interact with the trigger on accident, though. It’s just nice to have a warning so it can happen at their own pace. They will get there, they just need full disclosure and some assistance along the way.

Hopefully, this is a good idea and way to prevent further harm.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

ocd saneism is people saying that im a bad person for not reblogging posts related to politics, feminism and general stuff like that, or simply not interacting with them because they trigger me

no idk how to explain it but i simply dont want to reblog posts about minority issues, i just dont get them. im not a "i support every minority" person im a "i support anyone as long as theyre respectful" person, because i had more people from my own minority communities be assholes to me than most majorities. just because someone faces the same discrimination as me doesnt mean theyre a nice person. i simply dislike those kinda posts and wont interact with them, im not evil for having a disorder that causes me to be triggered by them

This is OCD saneism. Moral binaries are very triggering for OCD folk.

I think posts on minority issues are less about claiming that every person in a minority is perfect and more about highlighting the bigotry they experience. However, I definitely see where you’re coming from as I have seen posts that lean in the “minority good, majority bad” direction.

You’re not obligated to engage with a strong trigger, and people are certainly in the wrong for accusing you of bad intentions.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

so am i the bad one for not wanting to interact with the aspec community for many posts there giving me ocd guilt??? /gen

im aplatonic alloromantic/sexual and honestly, i feel incredibly erased in the community itself. ive seen a lot of aromantics and asexuals be incredibly rude and say stuff like "kys if youre alloromantic/sexual you icky freak", which triggered me and made me not want to interact with the community. ive been also told i wasnt really aspec because im neither aro or ace, and that i was also mentally ill for not wanting friendships (i am mentally ill but using it as an insult is... weird)

so yeah aspec community made me feel like im a disgusting freak and it triggered my ocd. i even find the apl community to be rude sometimes, unfortunately a lot of aspecs ive interacted with are just mean to people just because theyre attracted to something theyre personally not. i hope this didnt offend you since you said youre aroace in one post, but i just wanted to share my ocd experience and hope im not aphobic for feeling this way

You’re not in the wrong here ^^ Nothing was offensive at all!

Communities, even ones that claim to be safe, can be very exclusionary. Exclusionism is also very triggering for OCD.

I’m aroace, and it’s definitely not aphobic to distance yourself from triggers you’re not ready for, especially when the triggers shouldn’t be there in the first place. It’s wrong of them to be hateful towards allo folk. There’s nothing harmful about experiencing attraction, and I’m sorry you were made to feel guilty over it.

(This post could become a potential compulsion to read or reference. I provided reassurance here because it was an initial question. Try not to revisit it too much if it becomes a pattern /nm /info)

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

argh im so scared. ive got a GP appointment where i can tell them about my suspected ocd but what if they tell me i actually do have ocd?? its such a scary thought to me ive had anxiety attacks multiple times in one morning. and i know its treatable and i can go to therapy and i can get medicated. but that idea is genuinely so terrifying i cant think straight, what if i kill myself after the diagnosis? im definitely not strong enough to just live with it or wait it out.

Apologies for being behind on asks. I’m assuming you had your appointment already. I hope it went well and that you’re doing well.

I’m really sorry you’re going through this. A diagnosis is not the end. You’re still a unique individual with things to experience and others to love and be loved by. You deserve to live your life regardless of what disorders you live with. I know it’s really scary, and it seems you’re having fears about harming yourself, but it is best to be transparent because you deserve to find treatment. You deserve to receive help. I hope you were able to be honest with them and find help by this point. You’re strong, anon. The fact that you reached out in the first place is proof.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

something is causing me tics (and im taking this here because it gets worse at the same time as my obsessive-compulsive behaviour and i fear its tourretic ocd). i jerk my head and shoulders quite violently, and pretty frequently, unfortunately more frequently if i know im being looked at or seen. a kid at school (mb 11?) is calling me Tweak because i “keep tweaking out”. its funny but i dont know this child well enough for him to make fun of me as a joke. im fine with offensive nicknames, but for some reason this stung a bit. i genuinely cannot control this and on bad days i injure myself. sorry for the rant, i don’t know what to do.

This is OCD/OCspec saneism.

It’s not okay for him to make fun of you in a way that makes you uncomfortable. Teasing is only okay if everyone is enjoying it, including the one being teased. You’re not in the wrong for being hurt.

You don’t have to apologize! This blog is a safe space for obsessive-compulsive folk to talk about their experiences.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Does anybody else get less ocd flares when they're interacting with people? I feel like all my brainpower goes toward talking to them and there's way less left over to freak out over random things (i still get compulsions, a bit less though, and WAY less intrusive thoughts)

-💫🐕

Yes! Interacting with others, especially those you’re comfortable with, is a great way to ground yourself in a way that isn’t avoidance. It’s not a cure by any means, but it is a nice break from the messiness and noise of an obsessive-compulsive mind.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Ironically, a lot of the posts trying to stop people from being OCD saneist... Are OCD saneist.

I'm still learning to be a better person. I also have moral OCD.

The amount of times I've seen a post saying something like "if you've EVER done this thing in your life, you're a horrible person!!! This triggers OCD!! How could you do that???? Be more respectful, dipshit!"

I understand telling people what they do wrong, but... Idk, maybe they could do it more gently? Instead of calling me an awful person who can't ever be redeemed because I made a mistake.

(Something like "doing this can trigger OCD for a lot of people, so you should try not to do it." would be fine, because it explains the problem and doesn't make you feel like a villain for every mistake you've made. It's just ironic how many posts I've seen trying to stop people triggering my OCD... that trigger my OCD lmao)

This is OCD saneism.

Anything that presents a moral binary is very much triggering for OCD folk. Gentle reminders are great, but once it gets into what actions say about someone inherently, it stops being helpful.

[this-is-ocd-ocspec-saneism]

Tw for moral ocd

I'm wondering how other people with ocd are coping with those Palestinian videos saying stuff along the lines of "do this to save my life" and "I can see if you skip this video and god will punish you"

It sucks because of course I want to do what I can but with every video I help it takes over more and more of my algorithm and sometimes I just have to scroll for my own sanity (and then feel guilty for caring more about my mental health than people's lives who are in way worse situations than me).

I see a lot of people in your asks talking about those "reblog or you ____" posts and moral ocd and Im just curious and worried about how people with more moral ocd than me are dealing with this. (Ofc not more worried than I am for the people being bombed...)

It’s probably either they’re really struggling with it, or they’re using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

ERP is willingly exposing yourself to a trigger and resist performing the compulsions OCD wants you to do. So, I’d imagine that they’d notice the posts and do their best to avoid engaging with it.

This may seem unethical in this situation, but it is impossible to like, reblog, and donate to every post asking for help. Donating when you have the means and doing it because you genuinely want to help is great and I encourage folks to do so. However, if you find yourself feeling immense guilt every time you don’t or feeling the need to engage with every post you see, it’s probably OCD, not a normal willingness to help.

(Note: do not use this last paragraph as reassurance. This was more so to explain why it isn’t wrong to do ERP with these posts. If you start to reread this when you feel guilty, it’s becoming a compulsion instead of helpful)