This will be useful if you...
- frequently have unwanted thoughts or compulsive behaviours
- think you might have OCD
- want to manage and control OCD
What's obsessive compulsive disorder?
Everyone has occasional unwanted thoughts. But obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder where you have repeated inappropriate unwanted thoughts, or feel like you absolutely have to do certain things. There are two parts to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – obsessions, and compulsions. People with OCD will often also feel more stressed, frustrated and depressed than people without it.
What's an obsession?
An obsession is any intrusive, unwanted or inappropriate thought that comes back repeatedly. Common obsessions are cleanliness, symmetry or religion.
What's a compulsion?
A compulsion is an activity that you have to complete to feel like things are going to be alright. You might feel like you have to do things in a certain order, clean things repeatedly, count things, or hoard a certain type of object.
What causes OCD?
Like a lot these things, the exact causes aren't clear. But it's likely brain chemistry, brain structures, stressful events and hormones all play a part.
What can you do about OCD?
There are a few different ways to manage OCD, and the best and easiest way to do it is to work with a psychiatrist or psychologist. By working with a professional, you’re most likely to find the approach, or combination of tactics, that's going to work for you.
Some tools to manage OCD include:
- Medication
- Exercise
- Talking to others with OCD
- Keeping a journal
- Relaxation techniques
You can't expect too much up-front. It's something that's going to take a lot of time and a bit of tinkering before you'll see massive results. But they'll happen over time.