Keeping a clean home is something that all of us aspire to, and in fact, some of us even enjoy it! However, for some individuals, cleaning can feel like a compulsion and can even take over their lives. Knowing when you are cleaning too much can be hard to recognize though, especially if you live alone and have no other input from family members or friends, or you simply never discuss your cleaning habits with anyone. The sad reality is that sometimes, cleaning becomes an obsession and can jeopardise valuable relationships with loved ones, and when this starts to happen, you know you need help:
What if you clean every day even with a hectic work/life schedule?
For those who are obsessed with cleaning every day and have an uncontrollable compulsion to do it even when they are rushed off their feet with other aspects of their life, it’s clear that unless they can cope with these demands they may have a problem. If you get home after a busy day at work or are pooped after caring for young ones all day, the last thing you might want to do is clean, but you may not be able to relax until you’ve done it.
For some folks like this, their partners can feel as if they’re part of the problem if they don’t, or are unable to maintain, their partners standards of cleanliness. A controlled partner is usually not a happy one, and if you’re pushing your partner to perform cleaning tasks to an unreasonably high standard or when they don’t have the time or energy to do it, they will quickly begin to resent you, and this can lead to all sorts of relationship problems.
Is your obsessive cleaning making you sick?
Cleaning for pleasure is usually no problem, others may find it strange, but that’s about it! However, when your obsession and compulsion to clean is making you feel angry, frustrated or even sick, then it really is time to get help. Couple that with a resentful partner who is having their own struggles with your levels of cleanliness, and it’s a recipe for disaster and ill health.
Do you have an OCD, or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
If you feel uneasy, unwell or out of control if you don’t perform certain cleaning tasks at certain times, and your compulsion to do so overtakes everything else, then you may be suffering with an OCD. OCD’s are no laughing matter and there is no shame in seeking help to cope with them.
What should you do if you have an OCD?
Seek professional as soon as possible if your compulsions are damaging your health or your relationships with others. Make an appointment with your GP or go straight to a qualified counsellor who can begin some talking therapies with you.
If an OCD is taking over your life and you feel as if you’re losing control, then please know that you are by no means alone, in fact, it’s more common than you may think. Talking about this will help you to rationalize your compulsions, and with the help of a trained professional, you’ll soon regain control over your life and begin to repair damaged relationships, too.
