Obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviours. That means, some thoughts that often centres around the themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner or lack of sense of security, leads to compulsive behaviour like washing hands too often or checking the door repeatedly.
Being uncomfortable by those repetitive thoughts. These if exceed a limit, hinder our daily activities. This is a call for serious action. Before that let's understand this.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
According to WHO, obsessive-compulsive disorder is characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears (obsessions) that lead to compulsive behaviours. That means, some thoughts that often centres around the themes such as a fear of germs or the need to arrange objects in a specific manner or lack of sense of security, leads to compulsive behaviour like washing hands too often or checking the door repeatedly.
General factors that trigger OCD?
Acknowledgement of the problem
First, it is very important to identify the causes underlying and the factors that trigger the condition in order to overcome them. The more one tries to ignore or get rid of bothersome thoughts or urges, they keep coming back. This leads to more ritualistic behaviour(any repetitive psychomotor activity like hair pulling, handwashing performed by a person to relieve anxiety) — the vicious cycle of OCD.
OCD is not age-specific. Two percent of the worldwide population struggle with intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviour and according to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders, like OCD, are more prevalent in developed countries than in developing countries. Nevertheless, seeking help has made them feel better and function well at school, work, and home. It is usually advised for people suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD) to consult a qualified mental health professional but certain self-help strategies can help an individual cope with the OCD symptoms right now!
What can you do? (SELF HELP)
It is crucial to become aware of an intrusive thought without forcibly trying to stop it. The first step in this process can be simply identifying the thought and putting a pause to the need of performing the compulsive action.
"You are not your thoughts"
People suffering from OCD might feel their thoughts overpowering them. These thoughts become an obsession and cause worry and distress and are mostly against the person's core values and beliefs.
Embarrassment, self-hatred, and guilt are the terms OCD patients can often relate to.
But once they are themselves aware of their thoughts without letting them take over and realize that they do not have to identify with them, it becomes easier to deal with such self-loathing.
Being mindful of distressing or disturbing thoughts may act as a form of exposure to feared obsessions, similar to a hydrophobic person, learning to swim to lessen the fear.
Relaxing is a natural and effective anti-anxiety treatment that helps to control OCD symptoms by re-focusing your mind when obsessive thoughts and compulsions arise.
Deep breathing, exercising, progressive muscle relaxation, and meditation all help you relax. The benefits of these techniques can last for hours. When you practice them each day, your overall feelings of stress may go down. Stress is often a trigger for OCD symptoms.
If you too encounter such problems then you need to have a call or meet the specialist. Therapies can include CBT, support groups, aversion therapy, rational emotive behaviour therapy, medication, etc., or even combinations of two or more that can put a check on the thoughts and behaviour.
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