I have had obsessive-compulsive disorder all my life. Even as a child, my devoted mother, Dorothy Irene Welker, would say to me, “Billy, you dwell on things too much.”

I still do, but it wasn’t until my late 20s that I was finally diagnosed with OCD by Dr. Dorothy Jones, a clinical psychologist.

In the United States, approximately 2.5 million people have been diagnosed with OCD. And those are only the reported cases. Millions of other Americans just try to cope with it. They are embarrassed to tell their friends about their condition. But keep in mind, OCD is an emotional affliction. People with OCD are by no means mentally ill because they are completely aware of their problem.

Since OCD is rarely discussed, I decided to research the affliction. The result is a booklet I published entitled “The Emotional Battle” to help others struggling with the disorder. And to let them know, they are most definitely not alone.

The booklet exposes readers to the major symptoms of OCD, which include worry, feelings of quilt and unwanted thoughts. It also gives examples of minor symptoms such as the fear of germs, strict routines, repetitive behavior, concerns with forgetting something, the need for closure regarding personal endeavors, etc.

People with OCD are compassionate and have a forgiving nature for their fellow human beings. The problem is they have trouble forgiving themselves for past mistakes in judgment. Thus, throughout the booklet there are inspirational Bible quotes and stories to comfort OCD individuals.

It also brings to light the power of prayer and love in one’s life. The verses assist in teaching OCD individuals to forgive and love themselves instead of dwelling on negative thoughts.

I am not a psychiatrist, but I have nearly 80 years of experience dealing with OCD. So, I possess a deep understanding of what a person with this emotional affliction experiences on a daily basis. I know OCD symptoms can be unbearable at times and just as painful as a person with a physical ailment.

Believe it or not, OCD does have one very positive trait for those of us confronted with this emotional problem. Whenever we are deeply involved in a project of one kind or another, we do not quit until that endeavor reaches fruition. In fact, many people with OCD are high achievers.

Howie Mandel, the famous comedian and actor, is just one example of high achievers. He was diagnosed with OCD in his 40s. Mandel has publicly addressed the issue to let others become more aware of the emotional ordeal that OCD individuals face.

Although there is no current cure for OCD, The Emotional Battle booklet shares with the readers ways to cope with the disorder. The booklet is sponsored by Joey Maroon, manager of Abbey’s Restaurant and Lounge in Wheeling.

In the booklet’s Introduction, Maroon states, “One of my relatives had obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and I have witnessed many customers who have displayed numerous OCD behaviors. Bill Welker is one of them. Thus, I challenged him to write about how he deals with the emotional dilemma. He immediately accepted the challenge.”

In closing, it is now time for you who are struggling with OCD to face the reality that it is not something to be ashamed of. It’s not your fault. You can learn to cope with OCD in a positive manner and live a more productive and enjoyable life.

Never ever forget: “You Are Not Alone.”

(To receive a free copy of “The Emotional Battle,” you can contact Welker by phone at (304) 218-1950 or by e-mail at mattalkwv@hotmail.com. Welker, EdD, is a retired educator who has 40 years of experience as a K-12 classroom teacher in public and private schools.)