How to Deal With OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by a combination of undesirable thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive and ritualized behaviors (compulsions). When you have OCD, you always do things routinely, from washing your hands repeatedly after holding something, to checking the door two to three times even if you already did locked it. All these unreasonable obsessions keep on going through your mind, causing great anxiety. Often when you suffer from OCD, you are afraid to let others know that you have it to avoid being labeled as “insane.” But don't despair, here are some helpful tips on how to properly handle your obsessive-compulsive behavior.

Instructions

1. Search for the best doctor to treat your disorder. Finding a cognitive and behavioral therapist that has a lot of experience in dealing with obsessive-compulsive cases is very essential for the course of your treatment. The therapist will provide you behavioral therapies that is aimed to retrain the patterns of your exaggerated thoughts, confront the things that bothers you every single time, and reduce you anxiety or tension.

2. 

   Learn more about OCD. Being well educated about your own disorder will help widen your mind about the treatments and methods on how to deal with it in the most productive but stress-free way. If you are equipped with the knowledge about OCD, you will be able to participate well when it comes to your treatment plans and management techniques, which will be very beneficial for your healing process.

3. Attend to your therapy sessions and schedules. To properly regulate your OCD in no time, do your best to adhere to your therapy sessions even if you find it very challenging. Some treatment procedures may be discomforting to you, especially when it involves facing the things you dread the most such as dust or dirt. But these challenges will train your mind on how to deal with things in a healthy kind of way without making you anxious or stressed out. All your behavioral or cognitive trainings may require much time, effort, or attention but its worth the sacrifice. So just hang in there and keep on trying until you can get it all under proper control.

4. 

   Take some helpful medications to help alleviate your OCD. Effective psychiatric medications including trycyclic antidepressants such as clomipramine ( Anafranil) and some selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants such as fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft), are prescribed to help ease your state. These antidepressants are very helpful in increasing the amount of serotonin levels which are found to be reduced among individuals with OCD. Serotonin has direct implications on physiological functions of the body, including behavior and mood patterns. If its level is reduced, it will impose imbalance in the body's system resulting to disorders such as OCD and depression.

5. Join an organization that supports people with OCD. Being involved with a support group that focuses on the needs of individuals with OCD will contribute much to your process of healing. You can talk to people who suffer from OCD--which will make you realize that you are not alone and that there are other people who are in the same boat as you do. Constant communication with individuals possessing the same situation you have, will help you learn some new experiences, concerns, or coping strategies that will be very beneficial for your treatment.

6. 

   Keep a strong bond with your loved ones and friends. Talk to your family and friends about your OCD and help them realize what it is--so that they will understand it more and will be able to provide you the support you need. Support from family and friends is very crucial in coping up and overcoming your OCD. It is through them that you will be more motivated to go on and live a better life, a life that's free from anxiety, doubt and fear.

7. Go on socialize and have fun. Having OCD is not a good reason for you to just sit in your room and be alone. Give yourself a break and do something pleasurable with your loved ones and friends. Relax your system and allow it to experience enjoyment for once. Don't feel guilty whenever you are having fun, you need it and you deserve it.

8. 

   Avoid drinking alcohol and taking unnecessary drugs that can hinder the course of your treatment. Some people take refuge in alcohol and harmful drugs as their only way of escaping the distressing effects of OCD. Do not ever try to attempt this as it will only make your situation worse. Instead, stick to your treatment regimens, and focus on what you are trying to correct. Don't allow any type of distractions from stopping you with your aim--which is to be healed from OCD and have a way of living that's happy and worry-free.

9. Ask your doctor if bilateral cingulotomy is an ideal method for your OCD. This type of surgical treatment can be very beneficial for individuals with severe form of OCD and those whose conditions are not responding well on medications or behavioral therapies. The procedure involves using a medical apparatus called the gamma knife to make an incision between the cingular gyrus that triggers emotional arousal and the limbic system that is responsible for moods and strong emotions. This method will help disrupt the cycle that induces the development of OCD, ceasing the occurrence of its symptoms. It is a very safe procedure, without any negative impact over the patients' memory and intellectual or cognitive functions.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to take your medicines as instructed by your doctor and don't fail to report any existing side effects if there are any.

• If you feel like your medications are not helping, talk to your doctor about it so that he can prescribe another type of medicine that is more potent for your case.

• Exercise, do some yoga, and meditation--these are effective ways in easing up your mind and in promoting calmness to your system.