Types
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Phobias
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Anxiety about Flying
- Social Anxiety Disorder
- Agoraphobia
- Fear of Flying
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Commonalities Among Disorders
Categories
Self-Help for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
As the name implies, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a specific anxiousness based upon an obsession and the compulsive need that stems from this obsession. A person who is obsessed with cleanliness might therefore have the compulsion to constantly wash his/her hands or to avoid touching things that many other people touch such as doorknobs. Like many anxiety disorders, OCD has been widely lampooned in modern society. There are many books, movies and television shows in which a character will be shown to have some sort of compulsive tic which is often played for laughs. Still, obsessive compulsive disorder can be a serious problem which may have devastating consequences in a person’s life.
As with any anxiety condition, it is important to seek professional help for a complete and accurate diagnosis. The exact cause of OCD is not known and its symptoms may be disguising other problems. However, while under the supervision of a doctor or other mental health care provider, there are ways a person can lessen the grip of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
First and foremost, an OCD victim must realize that his/her suffering is real. The condition should be openly discussed with family members and valued friends while those who cannot be supportive should be avoided. The additional stress of stigmatizing oneself or allowing others to stigmatize a person with OCD only adds to the disorder.
A person with OCD should become educated about the condition. All disorders are better managed by a person who is knowledgeable and feels that he/she has some measure of control over the situation. While fully combating OCD will generally require professional therapy and possibly medication, the full treatment will be most effective when the patient understands OCD and any regimen for its management.
It is necessary to cooperate fully with the treatment plan. Be aware of what works and what does not so you can honestly report all of your feelings to your caregivers.
Consider joining a support group. People who do not have OCD may not fully comprehend the fact that the person who suffers from OCD does not engage in obsessive compulsive behaviors by choice. Others with OCD will be more understanding and may be able to offer insights and self-help therapies from their own experiences.
As with any anxiety condition, it is important to seek professional help for a complete and accurate diagnosis. The exact cause of OCD is not known and its symptoms may be disguising other problems. However, while under the supervision of a doctor or other mental health care provider, there are ways a person can lessen the grip of obsessive-compulsive disorder.
First and foremost, an OCD victim must realize that his/her suffering is real. The condition should be openly discussed with family members and valued friends while those who cannot be supportive should be avoided. The additional stress of stigmatizing oneself or allowing others to stigmatize a person with OCD only adds to the disorder.
A person with OCD should become educated about the condition. All disorders are better managed by a person who is knowledgeable and feels that he/she has some measure of control over the situation. While fully combating OCD will generally require professional therapy and possibly medication, the full treatment will be most effective when the patient understands OCD and any regimen for its management.
It is necessary to cooperate fully with the treatment plan. Be aware of what works and what does not so you can honestly report all of your feelings to your caregivers.
Consider joining a support group. People who do not have OCD may not fully comprehend the fact that the person who suffers from OCD does not engage in obsessive compulsive behaviors by choice. Others with OCD will be more understanding and may be able to offer insights and self-help therapies from their own experiences.
