If you have crippling OCD, particularly with a focus on checking, it's essential to consider your individual symptoms and how they might impact your ability to pursue certain degrees or careers. OCD can vary significantly in severity and how it affects different individuals, so the impact on your education and career choices can be unique to you. However, there are some degrees and career paths that might be more challenging for individuals with severe checking OCD. Here are a few examples:
Engineering or Technical Fields: Degrees or careers that involve safety-critical systems, where accuracy and precision are essential, might be challenging for someone with severe checking OCD. Constantly rechecking or doubting one's work could be problematic in such fields.
Medicine and Healthcare: Similar to engineering, healthcare professions require high accuracy and attention to detail. For individuals with severe checking OCD, the anxiety and time spent checking and rechecking could interfere with their ability to provide effective care.
Accounting and Finance: These fields often involve handling numbers and financial data, and any excessive checking behaviors could cause significant stress and inefficiencies.
Aviation and Transportation: Careers involving aviation, driving, or transportation require a high level of focus and precision. OCD-related checking behaviors may not be conducive to such professions.
Criminal Justice or Law Enforcement: Roles in criminal justice or law enforcement may require quick decision-making and the ability to handle stressful situations. OCD-related checking and doubt might hinder optimal performance in such roles.
It's important to note that while these fields might present challenges, individuals with OCD can still pursue these degrees and careers with proper support, coping strategies, and treatment. With the right treatment, therapy (such as Exposure and Response Prevention - ERP), and accommodations, many people with OCD can manage their symptoms effectively and achieve success in various fields.
When choosing a degree or career, consider seeking guidance from a mental health professional who is familiar with OCD and its impact on education and work life. They can help you assess your specific situation, provide coping strategies, and assist in making informed decisions about your academic and career path. Additionally, consulting with career counselors or advisors can be beneficial in exploring alternative options that align with your interests and strengths while accommodating your OCD-related challenges.