Special Gifts

[WinnieTheDog]

You know, I've been thinking about OCD (obviously. What else can fit in my brain with all that OCD in there?) and its portrayals in pop culture and there's something I've decided is not helpful: the idea that one's mental illness actually gives them gifts beyond the normal human. Like in that show "Monk," where the main character has OCD (among other things) and it's his meticulous attention to detail that makes him such a good detective. Well, I think that's bullpoop (I've noticed they bleep out actual curses on here.) I understand the appeal of mental illness having a "good side," but it's just not real.

I understand that people with certain disorders often correlate with people with higher "intelligence" or "creativity," but I don't think that's the mental illness. I think that the very idea is just a neurotypical excuse for romanticizing pain. We shouldn't let our disorders get the credit for our accomplishments, talents, skills, etc. I am not smart because of my OCD. I'm smart because I've worked for it.

Well, that's my rant for today. Also, hello to those who don't know me. I'm kind of new.

[bulldog71]

I agree and welcome.

[crochetaway]

I absolutely agree with you! If I didn’t have OCD I could still have attention to detail or various other traits that people view as positive for OCD.