Living With OCD

Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common anxiety disorder that afflicts millions of Americans. The American Psychiatric Association reports that more than two million people get an OCD diagnosis each year. A person with OCD often has obsessions (thoughts) and compulsions (behaviors) that take over and disturb most aspects of their life.

Whether it’s excessive cleaning, non-stop rearranging, or obsessing over worries or fears, OCD can seem to consume your life, but it doesn’t have to. With proper therapy, you can manage your OCD so that your symptoms don’t interfere with your work or relational life. At Thriving Center of Psychology, our mental health practitioners can help you get your OCD under control.

OCD Symptoms and Risk Factors

Obsessions and compulsions are two related but distinct concepts. The National Institutes of Mental Health defines obsessions as unwanted thoughts, images, and urges that can be difficult to control or stop. Obsessive thoughts can trigger compulsions, which are repetitive and sometimes harmful behaviors that someone with OCD might engage in to relieve anxiety and stress.

When it comes to OCD, most people think of compulsive behaviors like constant hand washing, cleaning, counting, or checking to make sure the lights have been turned off. Many of these behaviors are common symptoms.

Most people experience invasive and unwelcome thoughts once in a while. They might even feel the need to check one more time that the doors have been locked or that they’ve turned off the oven. However, people with OCD spend an hour or more a day doing these things. They spend so much time fixating on their obsessions and compulsions that their studies, work, and relationships often suffer.

Tips for Dealing with OCD

People with OCD shouldn’t expect this disorder to decrease or fade away on its own. Getting control over OCD requires proper mental health care as soon as symptoms start to emerge. Most people with the condition get diagnosed at around 19, but the signs can show up much later in life. Thriving Center of Psychology offers several OCD treatment options:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Neurofeedback
• Group therapy
• Psychotherapy (talk therapy)

Working with your psychologist or therapist can go a long way in managing your symptoms. You can also do several things on your own, such as: 

• Get sufficient sleep
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants
• Eat a well-balanced diet
• Stay physically active, even if it’s just walking for 15-20 minutes
• Engage in relaxing activities, such as reading, writing, or painting

No one-size-fits-all treatment for OCD exists. Rather, it’s vital to get mental health care and find a treatment plan that fits your needs.

If you think you suffer from OCD, contact Thriving Center of Psychology for help or to learn more. Schedule an appointment today by going online or calling the office to speak with a team member.