Obsessive thoughts and obsessive behavior can interfere with your life, and it is wise to explore the treatment of its symptoms and seek help. However, you might not control OCD yourself as you might need expert advice in OCD in New York. Your doctor should educate you on the symptoms of OCD, how to identify the obsessions and how to self-help yourself from the disorder. Read this article further to know how to cope with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Table of Contents
What Is OCD?
OCD is characterized by obsessive thoughts and behavior which consume an individual and interferes with their lives. It can be difficult for an individual to control unwanted thoughts. It makes an individual ritualize repetitive actions they feel compelled to perform, which becomes behavior; even when an individual does not feel like undertaking some actions, they might find it difficult to resist and break free. The brain gets stuck on the same thought, making an individual stressed out.
Obsessions and Compulsive Behavior
Obsessive behavior involves involuntary thoughts, images, and other impulses which affect an individual. Obsessive thoughts are challenging to control and can distract an individual from accomplishing everyday activities. People have a vicious cycle of thoughts that fall under different categories. Some are washers who are afraid of contamination, and they often have a cleaning and hand-washing compulsion. Others are checkers who repeatedly check things such as doors and ovens associated with harm and danger. Doubters and sinners are afraid of not performing given tasks perfectly, and they fear that something terrible can result from an action. People with counters and arrangement disorders are obsessed with symmetry and others and are likely to have superstitions associated with colors, numbers, and arrangements.
How to Self-Help from OCD
- Identify the Stressors
You can easily control OCD when you know the triggers, such as thoughts and situations that bring the compulsions. Record the triggers you feel during the day and the obsession felt, and you can rate the intensity of the fear and anxiety. You can close the doors with extra attention the first time and make a solid mental picture and a mental note which insists that the door is closed. When the thought arises when you feel like going to check the door, you will know that it is an impulsive thought.
- Reach Out For Support
OCD can be overpowering when you feel powerless and alone, and it is wise to seek strong support. Talking to an understanding person is critical to overcoming OCD. You can stay connected to family and friends, and it is wise to have face-to-face interaction as it makes the compulsion less threatening. You can also join an OCD support group, which can remind you that you are not struggling with OCD alone. Sharing your experience can help you learn from others how to cope with the condition effectively.
The Bottom Line
OCD can make you indulge in some actions such as over-cleaning, or checking doors for fear of getting harmed. Although an individual might not feel like engaging in these behaviors, the thoughts, and images that stick in the brain make them engage in compulsive actions. You can self-help yourself with OCD by connecting with loved ones and people with OCD as it makes the thoughts appear less threatening.
