How to Stop Counting in Your Head

Are you somewhat obsessive about counting things? Did this act begin sometime in childhood and while other childhood behaviors disappeared this one seemed to stick? You are not alone. In fact, this is a fairly common yet mostly hidden activity. You might be surprised to find that many of your family members count things in much the same way that you do. So, how do you stop this compulsive urge?

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

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1. The first step is realizing what you are suffering. Continually counting and counting in conjunction with various other daily activities is a sign of an obsessive compulsive disorder. It does not mean something is "wrong" with you. It simply means that this activity is so common that it has a specific classification.
   
   An obsession is something that you have strong urges to perform or experience. Compulsion is when you perform these obsessions. Counting is therefore the compulsion of the obsession.
2. What causes obsessive, compulsive disorders (OCD)? Various things such as traumatic experiences, experiences of lack of control, illnesses or even genetics.
   
   Specific causes are not completely understood at this time but believed to be related to serotonin in the brain.
   
   Because it is a chemical function it can be hereditary.
3. There are treatments including exposure treatment. This is an act of performing, or not performing the compulsion repetitively. This is best done under a physicians care as the sufferer often experiences fear or anxiety to various degrees in conjunction with this treatment.
4. Medications may also help to alleviate some of the OCD urges. OCD often can be treated with antidepressants that prohibit serotonin reuptake.
   These medications usually show some affect in 4 to 6 weeks.
   Although prescriptions may offer partial relief, symptoms may reoccur after medication is stopped. Therefore, medications should be combined with behavior therapy.
5. Cognitive therapy may also be required. Often the sufferer performs behaviors with the belief that their failure to perform may in some way injure or affect others or themselves. This type of therapy addresses how the sufferer thinks verses how they behave.
6. Although this article is a mere glimpse into counting and other behaviors associated with OCD, it will help you to recognize a possible issue, to address that issue and to seek medical assistance when necessary.