Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that causes a person to experience uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and/or urges to perform repetitive behaviors (compulsions). These obsessions and compulsions can be very time-consuming and distressing, causing significant problems in a person’s daily life.
Here at Verve Counselling and Wellness, we understand how disruptive OCD symptoms can be. Our team of OCD therapists uses evidence-based approaches to help you manage your OCD and improve your quality of life.
Understanding OCD
While many people experience occasional unwanted thoughts or engage in repetitive behaviors, these are usually not bothersome. But for people with OCD, the thoughts are intrusive and distressing, and the behaviors are felt as necessary to reduce the anxiety caused by the thoughts.
OCD can significantly interfere with daily life, work, relationships, and overall well-being. People with OCD may spend hours each day engaged in compulsions, or they may avoid situations that trigger their obsessions.
Here are some of the common signs and symptoms of OCD:
- Unwanted and intrusive thoughts that trigger anxiety or distress (obsessions)
- Repetitive behaviors that reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes (compulsions)
- Spending a significant amount of time (at least one hour a day) on obsessions or compulsions
- Obsessions or compulsions that cause significant distress interfere with daily life or make it difficult to function at work or school.
Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts, images, or impulses that enter your mind repeatedly and cause you anxiety or distress. They can be violent, sexual, or profane, and they can be very upsetting to the person experiencing them.
For example, someone with OCD may have intrusive thoughts about harming a loved one. They may then feel compelled to repeatedly check on their loved one’s safety or engage in mental compulsions, such as silently praying that they won’t harm their loved one.
It’s important to remember that intrusive thoughts themselves are not OCD. Everyone has intrusive thoughts from time to time. However, for people with OCD, the intrusive thoughts are unwanted and cause significant distress. People with OCD may also feel a strong urge to act on their intrusive thoughts, even though they know that these actions are wrong or harmful.
OCD Therapy
OCD is a very treatable disorder. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the gold standard treatment for OCD. CBT helps people with OCD identify and challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs. It also teaches them coping skills to manage their anxiety and resist compulsions.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is another effective treatment for OCD. ERP involves gradually exposing people to their triggers and resisting the urge to perform compulsions. ERP can help people learn that their fears are unfounded and that they can tolerate anxiety without having to act on their compulsions.
Living with OCD
If you think you might have OCD, it is vital to seek professional help. A therapist can help you develop a treatment plan. With treatment, most people with OCD can learn to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.
At Verve Counseling and Wellness, we are committed to helping people with OCD live happy and healthy lives. Our therapists are experts in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders. We offer a variety of treatment options, including CBT and ERP.
Conclusion
OCD is a severe mental health disorder, but it is treatable. With professional help, you can learn to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling life. If you are experiencing OCD symptoms, please don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional.
If you are struggling with OCD, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our Nationally Certified therapists today to schedule an appointment. We are here to help.
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