Stop Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Are You Ready to Commit to Change?
If you’ve ever felt that you can’t keep up with the demands of life, you may be dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This condition manifests in different ways, but it all has the same result: a sense of inner pressure and dread.
Compulsive behavior is triggered by an obsessive thought or urge. For example, some people may feel compelled to check locks to ensure their home is locked. Besides, they can repeatedly count things in an effort to prevent them from being stolen. If these compulsions cause distress for you and your family, it’s time to commit to changing your life! Read some practical tips below.
Be Aware of Your Triggers
This is so that you can avoid these triggers as much as possible. Your triggers could be anything, it may be a particular place like a subway station or specific people, or it could be a particular thought. Once you are aware of your triggers, you can try to avoid them. This will reduce your OCD symptoms. It is important to talk to your doctor or therapist about this so you can get support.
Practice Mindful Breathing
OCD is caused by the activation of your ‘fight or flight’ stress response when there is no real danger or threat. This means that many people with OCD experience high levels of stress, anxiety, and fear on a daily basis.
One of the best ways to help reduce these feelings is to practice mindful breathing. You can do this anywhere, anytime. You have to focus on your breath and try to focus on the moment. You can also try to visualize a place that makes you feel calm and relaxed. This will help to reduce your symptoms and make you feel less stressed.
Go for Exercise and Mindfulness Sessions
Exercise has been found to be very effective in reducing OCD symptoms. It helps to reduce feelings of anxiety and aids in the production of serotonin, the ‘happy hormone’. It helps you to feel good about yourself by boosting your self-confidence and self-esteem.
Mindfulness sessions are also very helpful in managing the symptoms of OCD. It is a type of therapy in which you focus on the present moment, and your senses and bring acceptance to your feelings. Detailed mindfulness exercises can be found on the Internet, social media, and apps such as Sensera, for example.
Talk to a Professional Therapist
If you are unable to control your OCD symptoms with the above tips, it is best to talk to a professional therapist. A therapist will help you identify your triggers and help you to get over this. You can also learn certain techniques that will help you to cope with your symptoms. There are medications available for OCD but they are not very effective and have many side effects. So, practicing the above tips daily with some therapy techniques in the complex can be the most beneficial treatment.
OCD is a mental health condition that causes people to have unwanted thoughts or fears so often that they interfere with their everyday life. To help you manage your OCD, it is best that you are aware of your triggers and practice mindful breathing. It is also best to talk to a professional therapist who will help you identify your triggers!
