Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Just Breathe: How to overcome OCD tendencies and habits

Kathrine Kreger — Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health condition that is marked by a person’s tendency to be unable to OCDcontrol intrusive thoughts and compulsions. Many times, this debilitating condition occurs in conjunction with other mental health disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Recognizing the signs of OCD is an important part of being able to seek help for this common condition. Therefore, the following guide is offered to help patients with OCD find prompt relief for their symptoms so that they can enjoy the benefits of positive mental health.

Common Symptoms

OCD can manifest in a variety of different symptoms that can interfere with a person’s normal daily activities. Frequent intrusive thoughts and obsessions are one symptom that is often associated with chronic worry. Many people deal with these intrusive thoughts by acting out a series of compulsions. A person with OCD may engage in frequent hand-washing, checking, or repetitive actions. Often, they will be unable to move on from their activity until they have completed a series of these compulsions.

Managing OCD Tendencies

The symptoms of OCD tend to worsen during times of stress. Many times, the symptoms may appear in response to trauma that a person has experienced either recently or during their childhood. Therefore, people with OCD may find relief from their symptoms by ensuring that they practice effective stress-management techniques. Making sure to exercise and eat a healthy diet can also help to alleviate some of the symptoms of this mental condition.

Methods of Treatment

Treating OCD may involve a combination of relaxation techniques and medications. Generally, sufferers of OCD symptoms find a rehabilitation clinic to be the most effective place to seek help. There, they can find a combination of group and individual therapy programs that can help them to learn more about their condition. Through these programs, their medication can be monitored while they learn effective techniques for recognizing intrusive thoughts and compulsive behavior patterns.

Coping with OCD

After seeking treatment, a person with OCD will be ready to tackle the behaviors and emotions that can exacerbate their anxiety. During their time in a rehabilitation clinic, they will learn how to manage their stress, communicate effectively and handle their emotions instead of suppressing them through their compulsions. Once a person has gained control of their OCD, they can expect to enjoy a normal life that is free from chronic worry and obsessions. Although coping with OCD may require a long journey toward wellness, it is possible to overcome these symptoms by seeking treatment.

 

 

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