Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health issue that limits the functioning of a person in his normal life. It involves unwanted thoughts or repetitive behaviours that seem impossible to stop. Compulsive behaviours are often carried out to relieve extreme anxiety (caused by obsessive thoughts), but this relief is short-lived. So when the anxiety inevitably returns, they will repeat the behaviours.
Nearly everyone has experienced fleeting intrusive thoughts at one time or another, but people with OCD can neither dismiss them nor escape from them. Attacks (leaving aside attempts to suppress them) consist of mechanisms of compulsive behaviour, which, alas, only reassert the disorder and accelerate those affected into the cycle of anxiety.
Obsessive Compulsion Disorder (OCD)
OCD is an anxiety condition characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are distressing ideas, images, or cravings. Compulsions are recurring behaviours or mental acts driven by obsession or rigorous norms.
So that might look like someone with OCD washing their hands seventy-bajillion times a day even though they know it’s foolhardy. The illness can come along and toss a massive wrench into your life, disrupt work, relationships and how you generally feel.
Symptoms Linked With Obsessive Compulsion Syndrome
Obsessions:
- Fear of contamination or germs
- Unwanted thoughts involving aggression or harm
- Intrusive sexual thoughts or images
- Fear of losing control or causing harm
- Excessive focus on morality or religious principles
Compulsions:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Checking things repeatedly, such as locks or appliances
- Counting or repeating certain words silently
- Keeping objects in a particular order or symmetry
- Seeking constant reassurance
Health OCD: A Specific Type of OCD
Health OCD is another type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. This subtype is obsessive about personal health and primarily worries out of control. For example, the person with health OCD who is examined by a physician and told they do not have any severe illness continues to worry that they are suffering from some dread disease.
What is Health OCD?
In the case of health OCD or hypochondriasis, one may simply be more likely to see doctors and have unnecessary or improper medical tests, or they might choose to look up symptoms online. They mistake normal body sensations for disease symptoms, producing a lot of anxiety.
Symptoms of Health OCD:
- Constantly checking the body for symptoms or abnormalities
- Frequent doctor visits for reassurance
- Obsessive research about diseases or symptoms
- Avoiding people or places that might increase the fear of illness
- Compulsive self-examinations
It is natural to be concerned about health now and then, but health OCD makes it worse!
What is The Role of an OCD Counsellor
An OCD counsellor is a mental health professional with expertise in treating Obsessive Compulsion Disorder. They aim to help patients identify their intrusive thoughts and unwanted compulsions.
What an OCD Counsellor Does?
An OCD counsellor is a mental health professional who is an expert in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsion Disorder. They aim to guide patients in recognizing their unwanted thoughts and compulsions.
Why You Should Work with an OCD Counsellor
- Aids in the structuring of coping mechanisms to deal with obsessions and other features of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Offers a safe, judgment-free space to talk about intrusive thoughts
- Helps you learn how to lower stress and cope with anxiety
- Provides an individualized treatment program depending on the severity of symptoms
Ways to Fight With Obsessive Compulsion Disorder
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): CBT helps by teaching people how to combat and ultimately diminish their obsessive thoughts.
- ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention): A type of CBT that makes people confront their fears and prevents them from performing what drives their compulsive behaviour.
- Pharmacotherapy: SSRIs (Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours in some cases.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Learn how to manage stress using relaxation ideas such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.
Overcoming Obsessive Compulsion Disorder
Here are some tips to overcome Obsessive Compulsion Disorder:
- Realistic Goals: People have to understand that recovery is a long-term process. Celebrate the small wins
- Create a support network: You will need family and friends who support you and know that these times are hard on you.
- Do not stop going to therapy: It can range from working with an OCD Counsellor to support groups; scheduling out your days in the correct manner is very important and better helps you manage symptoms.
- Take Care of Yourself: Find activities that help the mind and spirit, like walking or reading a book.
Conclusion
It is often an extremely complicated, involving potentially disabling disease, but with treatment and reinforcing erudition, exciting obsession may provide a meaningful life. OCD Counsellors who have previously treated health-related OCD will be able to guide you on working with the general OCD or a specific subtype like health OCD. However, with some help and recognition of the situation at hand, individuals will be able to escape the endless cycle of obsessions and compulsions that cling to them, taking back control over their mental state.
At Emotion of Life, we support individuals on their journey to recovery from OCD. As a registered firm under MSME in Uttar Pradesh, based in Agra, we provide tailored OCD Recovery programs, including online and in-person therapies. Our team of expert Psychologists, Clinical Psychologists, Therapists, and Wellness Coaches use specialized methods like ERP to help individuals manage their OCD and regain their mental well-being.