Depression and compulsive behaviors often occur at the same time. In fact, it is estimated that as many as two-thirds of those who have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) will experience depression as well.

Why does this happen?

The answer to this question is more complicated and nuanced than you might realize at first. But there is certainly a link between depressive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This connection can make it more difficult for people who are struggling with either to get the right help.

However, if you have depression and compulsive behaviors, there is hope.

Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding What Depression and Compulsive Behaviors Are

First, it’s important to take a look at what depression and compulsive disorder are.

Depression: A mood disorder characterized by unpleasant thoughts and beliefs about oneself. For instance, feeling sad, incapable of accomplishing things, experiencing a lack of self-worth, or not feeling understood by others. Typically, a person has to experience at least two weeks of these thoughts in order to be diagnosed with depression.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A condition where you have a series of thoughts that you don’t want. However, the only way to be rid of those thoughts is by following through with an specific ritualistic activity (a compulsion). Yet, this only results in a temporary cessation of the distressing thought. Eventually, it comes back, requiring that you once again complete the compulsion.

How OCD Leads to Depression

According to Jonathan Abramowitz, Ph.D., typically, it’s the compulsive disorder that leads to depressive thoughts. In a piece for the International OCD Foundation’s website, he writes that “Most people with both OCD and depression report that their difficulties with OCD started before their depressive symptoms.” He goes on to say that “this suggests that the depression occurs as a response to the distress and devastation associated with having OCD.”

And this certainly makes sense, because OCD symptoms and especially the compulsions can be distressing. For instance, if you are afraid of getting sick, you are constantly on edge, worrying about whether every cough or sneeze is a sign of illness. Also, you may take extraordinary measures, such as washing your hands until they become raw.

Doubting Your Abilities

When you deal with depression and compulsive behaviors, you question your ability and competency to do anything about the situation. In fact, oftentimes people experiencing depression believe that they are not capable of having any control over their lives. They also doubt their worthiness for getting help or feeling better.

Thus, their depression makes it much harder for these people to engage in and stick to treatment. In turn, they continue to struggle with the burden of OCD and depression.

Not Feeling Understood

When you experience a compulsive disorder and have depressive thoughts, you develop a belief that you are different from others. You believe that no one else does the things that you do. Or that nobody has the same thoughts or fears surrounding depression and compulsive behaviors.

This makes you feel very alone, and not understood. It’s an alienating feeling that causes you to retreat further. Yet, the truth is that many people struggle with depression and OCD. In fact, these conditions are well-understood problems that can be treated.

Treatment for Depression and Compulsive Behaviors

In order to tackle this problem, it’s first necessary to address the depressive thoughts before the OCD. The reason why is that depression damages your self-efficacy. In other words, you need to be able to build up that belief that you are capable, understood, and are worth getting help.

To get to that point, you need the help of therapy and a professional who understands depression. Once you’ve begun to address the depression, you can begin to get treatment for the compulsive disorder. Otherwise, the depression will only sabotage your efforts.

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Depression and compulsive disorders occur more frequently together than you might realize. However, compulsive disorders and depressive thoughts are not new problems. They have been studied in-depth, and there are treatments that work for both OCD and depression.

If you are struggling with depression and compulsive disorders, don’t hesitate to reach out for more information on my approach to depression treatment.