Of course, as we've discussed, your OCD can have tremendous bearing on at your job. But it can also be a good thing. If you are super-organized, you will probably prove your value to the company quickly. The same is also true if you pay careful attention to your work. If you can't rest knowing that your efforts aren't “right,” you may feel stressed. You may even be kind of a pain to your superiors, employees, or coworkers, but we'll bet you do good work.

Getting What You Need

You've read about reasonable accommodation. Work is not the only situation in which you might need something a little special or different. There are endless possibilities, whether you have OCD or not. You might find that you need to ask your barber for a cleaner towel (or none at all). You might find yourself tormented by the loud music at a restaurant. If so, you can politely ask the staff to turn it down. After all, you're the customer. Don't be afraid to ask for what you need (provided, of course, that your request falls within the boundaries of what would be considered reasonable). Doing so will carry more than one benefit: Not only might you get whatever it is that you've requested, but also, you will probably feel empowered instead of helpless, miserable, alone, and stressed. If you help others to help you, you will undoubtedly enjoy happier relationships with them — and they, with you.

Maintaining a Positive Outlook

Unfortunately, it is very easy to believe, from all the negative influences around us, that much of life really is unhappy, dangerous, and unpleasant. To counteract this, of course, you will need to get some other input, things that tell you life is good and worthwhile and not as hazardous as all that. There are lots of ways you can do this:

• Stop reading, watching, or listening to the news. If something happens that you need to know about, you can be sure the news will reach you soon enough.

• Surround yourself as much as possible with cheerful and contented friends.

• Practice activities you enjoy, such as playing the guitar or learning to do so, writing songs or poems, or whatever you like to spend time doing.

• Reach out to others by volunteering, giving to charity, or showing kindness to a person or persons in need (again, making sure to exercise reasonable caution).

• Travel for enjoyment. Make a list of places you would like to visit.

You can also probably come up with your own ideas for fostering well-being and banishing negativity from your life.