Jump directly to:
If you can’t let go of your “just right” obsessions and compulsions, you are not alone; there is a name for it. It’s called OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
Around 2% of the population suffers from OCD, making it one of the most common mental disorders. So what is “just right” OCD, and how can you cope with it?
ERP therapy and medication are the two most commonly used treatments for “Just Right” OCD; only about 35% to 40% seek treatment, and less than 10% receive evidence-based OCD treatment.
“Just Right” OCD: What it is and how to cope
Have you ever felt the need to have everything just right?
I know that it can be challenging, but if you have OCD, then this can feel like a significant problem.
This article will explore what “Just Right” OCD is and how it affects people who suffer from it.
It also provides tips on coping with this disorder to avoid getting overwhelmed by your compulsions. If you have OCD and suffer from “Just Right” compulsions, this article is for you.
What is OCD, and how does it manifest in people’s lives?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder that can cause intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or both. Repetitive behaviors such as checking and counting are common manifestations of OCD.
OCD often manifests itself in the form of compulsions such as seeking relief by checking and rechecking things, ordering and arranging items in a specific way, or hoarding.
What is “Just-Right” OCD?
For people with “Just Right” OCD, the need to have everything perfect can be highly debilitating.
People with this type of OCD will often experience the need to have things in order or arranged just right so that they can feel secure. The problem is that there is no “just right” because their definition of perfect may be different than other people’s definitions.
People with “just right” OCD often feel immense anxiety and stress because of their need for perfection.
Typical symptoms of “just right” OCD
– Repetitive behaviors such as checking and counting
– The need to have things in order or arranged just right
– Feelings of isolation and depression
– A sense that there is something wrong with you or that you are “crazy.”
-Obsessive thoughts about things being just right and a feeling that everything needs to be perfect for you to feel secure-
People close to you may say things like: “Stop worrying about it and move on.”
If you are struggling with “just right” OCD
If you can’t let go of your obsessions and compulsions, you are not alone; and there is a name for it. It’s called OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.
There are many different ways OCD can manifest itself.
Treatments for “Just Right” OCD
If you are struggling with OCD, don’t hesitate to seek help. Exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP) is considered the gold standard for treating OCD; it has shown to be very effective in helping people overcome their symptoms.
ERP therapy and medication are the two most commonly used treatments for OCD; only about 35% to 40% seek treatment, and less than 10% receive evidence-based OCD treatment.
Part of that is due to a stigma attached to mental illness, but it’s also because many people don’t know how effective treatment can be. The good news is that those who do get help will usually see a significant improvement in their symptoms.
Other treatments For Just Right OCD
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
– Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
– Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
If you are struggling with OCD, help is available. Treatment can be very effective, and most people see a significant improvement in their symptoms.
How do you cope with just right OCD?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, but here are a few tips that might help:
● Seek professional help can be incredibly helpful in managing your OCD and giving you the tools you need to cope.
● Recognize that your thoughts and compulsions are not reality. Just because you have a thought or compulsion doesn’t mean that it’s true.
● Challenge your thoughts and beliefs. If you can question the validity of your thoughts, then it will be easier to resist compulsive behaviors.
● Practice self-compassion. Remember that you are doing the best that you can.
● Surround yourself with supportive people. Having a support system can help you cope when your OCD is acting up. If possible, try to connect with others who have just OCD so that you can understand what they are going through and learn how best to deal with the disorder.
Behavioral strategies for “Just Right” OCD
– Recognize the urge to act on your compulsions and resist them. It’s not easy, but it is possible with practice.
– Refocus your attention on something else when you feel the urge to act on your compulsions; waiting just 5 min can make a big difference.
– Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or yoga.
– Make a list of your compulsions and rank them in order of severity. Start working on the list from the bottom.
Common triggers for “Just-Right” OCD
People with “Just Right” compulsions can experience obsessive thoughts, stress, and anxiety in all sorts of situations.
However, some common triggers are listed below.
If you have this type of obsession, it may be helpful to keep a trigger list on hand so that you can better prepare yourself for when these situations arise:
● When you are not in control of a situation and feel like something terrible might happen.
● When your physical senses (sight, touch, smell) tell you that things aren’t “just right.” For example, if someone or something is dirty or messy.
● When you have to make a decision or take action. (Note: Some people with “just right” OCD may also suffer from Decisional Avoidance, which can make it even more difficult for them to decide how they should respond in certain situations.)
The anxiety of not knowing the “right” answer can be overwhelming.
Treatments for “Just Right” OCD?
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often the recommended treatment for OCD. This type of therapy helps people recognize their compulsions and learn how to change how they think about things.
– Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is another type of CBT that is very effective in treating OCD. This therapy involves exposing people to the things that make them anxious and helping them to learn how to resist their compulsions.
– Medication can help reduce OCD symptoms, but it is not a cure for the disorder. Remember, with medicines; you will probably feel
– Many self-help techniques can help manage OCD. These include things like mindfulness meditation and journaling.
Please seek professional help if you think you have OCD.
It’s a real disorder that can cause a great deal of distress. You are not alone.
The difference between “Just Right” OCD and other types of OCD
People with OCD are often very particular about the details of their compulsions.
The need for everything to be perfect separates this type of OCD from other forms.
Other types of OCD may also require perfection, but it is not as all-consuming as it is for people with Just Right OCD.
With Just Right OCD, the need for perfection can rule your life in a way that makes other areas of your life suffer. You may feel like you are never able to get things done correctly.
How to talk about OCD with family and friends
It is challenging for someone that does not have OCD to understand what goes on in the mind and heart of someone who suffers from OCD.
It is essential to try not to take things personally, as it can be frustrating for people with the disorder when others don’t understand why they need everything to be “just right.”
It may also help if family members do some research on their own about OCD and OCD in particular. This way, they will have a better understanding of what you are going through and will be able to offer more support.
If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, please reach out for help. There are many resources available to those who need them, and there is no shame in seeking assistance. You are not alone.
What are the different types of “just right” OCD?
There are several different types of Just Right OCD, including:
• Perfectionism – This type of OCD is characterized by an obsession with perfection and a need for everything to be just right.
• symmetry – People with this type of OCD are obsessed with symmetry and order. They may need everything in their environment to be perfectly symmetrical, or they may feel uncomfortable if something is not balanced evenly.
• ordering and arranging – This type of OCD involves an obsession with ordering and arranging things in a specific way. People with this type of OCD often have difficulty leaving anything out of place, and they may be uncomfortable if there are any irregularities in their environment.
• counting – This type of OCD involves an obsession with numbers and counting things to a certain number or performing specific mathematical calculations over and over again until they can get the “right” result.
• hoarding – Hoarders have difficulty throwing anything away because it may be needed at some point later. Hoarders often have a strong emotional attachment to their possessions, and they may feel anxious if something is taken away.
There is hope if you have “Just Right” OCD
If you are struggling with Just Right OCD, it is important to know that there is hope. With the proper treatment and support, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a productive life. There are many resources available to those who need them, and there is no shame in seeking assistance. You are not alone.
How are “just right” symptoms triggered?
For people with Just Right OCD, anything that is not perfect can cause a great deal of anxiety. The symptoms of this type of OCD are usually triggered by something in the environment that is just slightly off or not quite “right”.
Can you grow out of just right OCD?
There is no one answer to this question since everyone’s experience with OCD is different. However, many people can manage their symptoms with therapy and self-help techniques.
Causes of “Just Right” OCD?
OCD is not fully understood yet, but a combination of genetics and environment can cause it.
Some people may be more predisposed to developing OCD symptoms if exposed to certain environmental factors (such as stress, anxiety, or trauma).
There is no one answer to what causes OCD, but researchers work hard to understand the disorder better.
How do I know if I have “Just Right” OCD?
If you have “just right” OCD, you will likely: Struggle with things such as checking and counting.
The need to have things in order or arranged “just right.”
How common is just right” OCD?
Just Right, OCD is not as common as some other types of OCD, but it is still a very real disorder. Estimates that around two percent of people will experience OCD at some point in their lives. How many of the two percent suffer from “just right” OCD is not known.
What is the outlook for people with “Just Right” OCD?
The outlook for people with just right OCD is good if they seek treatment. The first step in getting help is to recognize that you have a problem and the second step is to talk to someone about it.
As long as you continue seeking professional help when needed, then your symptoms will likely ease over time. If you are committed to staying on your treatment plan and working on getting better, you will see improvement.
What if I think my family member has “Just Right” OCD?
If you think that someone in your family has just right OCD, it is essential to talk about it. It can be difficult for people with this disorder to admit that they have a problem.
You can provide support for your loved ones by helping them to find a therapist or by attending family therapy sessions.
If you have OCD, then please seek help. There is no shame in admitting that you need assistance, and many people are willing to help. You are not alone.
What else do I need to know about “Just Right” OCD?
Just right OCD can be very frustrating and isolating. It is important to remember that you are not alone, and many people understand what you are going through. You can find support from others who have just right OCD or from a professional therapist. There is no shame in admitting that you need help, so please seek assistance if you struggle with this disorder.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
Hello, I am Jonas Eriksson. I suffered from severe OCD for many years and have now recovered. My OCD is related to an autoimmune disorder called Autoimmune basal ganglia disorder. Sadly I was undiagnosed for 27 years. The inflammation put my brain to be in a state of constant terror. By sharing helpful information, I hope someone will get motivated to seek treatment and learn more about OCD and related disorders.