OCD or obsessive-compulsive disorder is a mental health disorder. With obsessive-compulsive disorder there is a cycle of obsessions and compulsions. It is important to understand the signs and symptoms of OCD because there are habits that individuals have that may seem like OCD but are not. With OCD people are unable to control their compulsive thoughts and behaviors. Compulsive behaviors and obsessive thoughts can range significantly in severity. Those with OCD have repeated and unwanted thoughts, as well as mental and/or physical behaviors.
OCD can significantly impact one’s life and overall health and wellness. Intrusive thoughts can consist of repeatedly checking the stove thinking you left it on, having to wash your hands multiple times out of fear of contamination, and much more. OCD can lead to other health conditions, so it is important to seek help if you feel that you have signs/symptoms of OCD.
Signs and Symptoms of OCD:
- Thoughts of getting sick from germs or contamination
- You feel locked in your mind
- Aggressive or violent thoughts
- Having to constantly arrange and/or rearrange things
- You can’t think about anything other than your obsession
- Having to check if the door is locked multiple times
- Inappropriate thoughts
- You struggle with your identity
- Tics such as shrugging or throat clearing
- Hair pulling
- Your body sits in a state of fear
- & More
OCD can co-occur with:
Mindfulness techniques for those with OCD:
When having obsessive or intrusive thoughts, breathing exercises can help us visualize our thoughts and stress leaving with each breath. Knowing how to breathe properly in highly stressful situations can help us reduce anxiety, helping us through our obsessive or intrusive thoughts.
- Yoga or Tai Chi
Mindful movements in yoga help us stay grounded and focused on the present. This helps us focus on movement, how we feel, what we smell, or even hear, which provides relaxation and grounding when experiencing intrusive thoughts or behaviors.
- Visualization
During visualization we are in a meditative state that is typically guided. During this state we are able to use all of our senses to visualize a specific and calming scene to help us through times of impulse or obsessive thoughts.
- Meditation
During meditation you can sit or lay in any position that is comfortable to you while you let thoughts pass and your mind relax in the present. If your mind wonders, you will learn in meditation to bring your thoughts to the present and be in control of these thoughts. Meditation helps us to relax, be mindful of the present, and reduce our anxiety around our thoughts.
Living with OCD can be extremely difficult. Sometimes you will feel like it is just all in your head. Understand the signs of OCD so that you can take the steps to address your OCD. If you have OCD, make sure you are seeing your primary doctor and a therapist for consistent management. Create a daily mindfulness practice that may help you reduce some of your thoughts or behaviors. Understand that it is important to seek help, OCD cannot be managed by yourself. OCD that is left untreated can lead to other health issues and concerns.
Learn meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga to help calm your mind when your thoughts become too much. Know that there are professionals that can help you create a better life and help you manage your OCD symptoms. Lean on trusted family and friends and know that you are not alone.
