How to Stop Obsessive Behavior

No, people with Obsessive Behavior are not crazy. They are fully aware of the excessiveness of their behavior and thoughts. In order to lessen Obsessive Behavior you must first understand it. Have you ever been in an accident? Remember the feeling as the car was sliding into the tree or spinning uncontrollably? Feeling out of control is probably one of the worst feelings in the world, and experiencing that sensation all of the time is an anxiety disorder. However, the severity can be lessened with some help and knowledge. These steps can in no way completely stop obsessive behavior, but they can give you a good start with your determination to self help.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Books and Internet access
• Friends and family
• Determination

1. Educate yourself. This is probably the most important step in lessening the affects of OCD. Knowledge is power and understanding the problem will help you deal with it. Check out books at the library, read articles on the Internet and learn all you can.
2. Most people believe that in order to stop obsessing over something they need to think about something else entirely. This isn’t necessarily true. Allow yourself to think about whatever you’re obsessing over, but don’t allow yourself to act on that obsession.
3. Telling yourself you won’t think about something is like holding candy in front of a small child. Your brain will dwell on that subject all the more because you’ve told yourself not to think about it. Go ahead and think about it, and then write about it.
4. Keep a journal just for your obsessive thoughts. Once you have written about what is hounding your mind go on to do something else. Writing about your obsession will not totally wipe out that anxiety, but it will lessen the relentlessness of it.
5. Stop yourself from reacting to obsessive thoughts and this will reduce obsessive thinking. A good example: when you get ready to leave the house, if you feel the need to check the front door to make sure it is locked, allow yourself to check it only twice today. Tomorrow, check it only once. Do this type of exercise with your obsessions and over time you will find they will become less intense. With each success you will feel more in control. This is called behavioral therapy.
6. Try family therapy. Getting your family involved will give you support and help. Once they learn about your disorder and understand what you are trying to do, they can help remind you of the treatment and planned outcome. Get your closest friends in on this too. The more support you have the better.
7. Spend more time with family and friends. An obsessive disorder can lead to isolation. Don’t allow this to happen.
8. Do things that help you relax such as yoga, meditation, getting a massage or reading. These are mentally calming relaxation practices and will help you eliminate unwanted thoughts.

Tips & Warnings

• Take comfort in knowing scientists have noted inappropriate activity in the basal ganglia of the brain of people with OCD. Doctors are now positive OCD is a medical disorder. It isn’t the fault of the person with OCD or the result of a weak or unstable personality.
• These steps can in no way help if you have severe Obsessive Behavior. Please get psychiatric help as this anxiety disorder can be treated.