Zane Gonzalez, the kicker for the Washington Commanders, has gained widespread attention on social media due to his obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Videos showing him adjusting his socks and running his hands through his hair during a recent game sparked a range of reactions from sarcastic to cruel. However, Gonzalez has been dealing with OCD since childhood, and these behaviors are simply part of his pre-kick routine. “It’s kind of a little routine, going through it every time,” Gonzalez explained before the Commanders’ NFC divisional-round game against the Detroit Lions. “For me, it’s just more of the same.”
OCD is described by the National Institute of Mental Health as a common, chronic, and long-lasting disorder that can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships. Clinical psychologist Juanita Guerra, PhD, who practices in New Rochelle, New York, has noted that OCD affects around 1-3% of the global population, spanning children, adolescents, and adults.
Describing OCD, Guerra explains that it is a mental health disorder where individuals become trapped in a cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. These thoughts are intrusive, unwanted, and irrational, leading to intense discomfort. People with OCD engage in repetitive behaviors in an attempt to alleviate these thoughts and feelings, often disrupting their daily lives.
Gonzalez shared his perspective, expressing the challenges of living with OCD: “I just wish more people would understand, like, it’s hard to describe the mindset that’s going on in the OCD. So it’s like, whenever you’re having one of those situations come up, you truly – whatever it may be – you think the worst possible situation’s going to come of it.” The symptoms of OCD can vary, including behaviors like frequent counting, repeated checking, obsessive cleaning, recurring distressing thoughts, and more.
It’s important to differentiate between true OCD and behaviors that are mistakenly labeled as such. Psychologist Amanda Darnley, PsyD, based in Philadelphia, emphasizes that OCD is more than just a desire for order or cleanliness. For those truly dealing with OCD, their obsessions and compulsions can significantly impact their ability to fulfill daily responsibilities.
It is important to exercise caution in the way we speak about mental health. Casual phrases like “being OCD” can be damaging to individuals with mental health conditions or struggling with addiction. When it comes to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), recognizing the difference between everyday preferences for cleanliness and true OCD symptoms is crucial.
For individuals experiencing symptoms of OCD without a formal diagnosis, there are strategies to help manage anxiety. These may include mindfulness practices, physical exercise, meditation, and yoga. Seeking guidance from a mental health professional is recommended, particularly if OCD criteria are met. Trained therapists can offer cognitive-behavioral therapy to address OCD systematically, along with the potential for medication to manage underlying anxiety or depression.
Zane Gonzalez, discussing his journey with OCD, sheds light on the challenges individuals face when dealing with this condition. By acknowledging the complexity of OCD and the importance of professional support, those affected can find ways to cope and improve their quality of life.
Contributing: Daryl Austin and Chris Bumbaca
This article was originally published on USA TODAY: Zane Gonzalez opens up about his battle with obsessive-compulsive disorder. What is OCD?
