OCD Controlling You? Take Back Control!
OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is not something that can be easily cured, but that doesn’t mean do nothing. Taking an active approach to treating your OCD will only bring a positive return into your life. When you decide to take the step toward better health, you would be surprised at the results.
The mind game
Those who have never dealt with mental disorders can have a hard time understanding the mental battle those with OCD face everyday. When your illness dictates your actions and defines who you are, it is not as easy as it appears to break a habit or a behavior.
The feelings that consume your mind with OCD often include negative, anxiety and fear driven thoughts that are impossible to get out of your head. Although mental illness can not go away immediately, if you participate in treatment regularly, over time you will be able to see results.
First step is seeking treatment, and sticking with it
There are many treatment options to consider when you decide to get help. Common options include Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) , which includes exposure to what is feared or obsessed and learning how to cope in healthy ways with the anxiety you feel about it. A licensed therapist will give you the treatment, which should be continued over time. Other treatments that are widely used include prescription medication such as antidepressants. Although these can be effective, they can also cause unwanted side effects and be ineffective in the long term. Acupuncture is an alternative medicine that can have great results for those suffering from OCD and help to lower the anxiety that comes along with it. No matter what options you choose, sticking with them and not giving up is important for the road to recovery.
Get ready for hard work
Overcoming OCD is not easy, and you may feel like your treatments haven’t been effective and you’re ready to quit. At this time, it will the most crucial to stick with your plans and to continue working on lowering your anxiety. There are exercises you can do every day to help little by little including practicing mindfulness and meditation. Bottom line, don’t give up, you’ll be surprised on the results you will see. Overcoming a mental illness is no easy task and life seems to get in the way too often. However, at the end of the day the only person who can help you, is you.
http://beyondocd.org/expert-perspectives/articles/ten-things-you-need-to-know-to-overcome-ocd
