A big part of taking care of our mental health is having an understanding of the things our brains are experiencing. We sometimes think that it’s our own fault that we feel a certain way, but very often, these challenges can be part of a chemical imbalance in the brain. Know that you are not alone, and that along with a better understanding of your mental health comes a greater awareness of how to take care of it.

Today we’ll be taking about obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While many people many experience obsessive thoughts, OCD can sometimes feel too unbearable and overwhelming to function normally throughout daily life. Let’s get into the basics of identifying symptoms of OCD and providing some ways to address it.

What is OCD?

According to psychiatry.org, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a disorder in which people have recurring, unwanted, and intrusive thoughts, ideas or sensations that make them feel driven to do something repetitively (these are known as compulsions).

What are some OCD symptoms?

While many OCD symptoms look different from one another depending on the individual, a few common symptoms include repetitive handwashing and fear of contamination, needing constant reassurance from others, extreme concern with order, symmetry, or precision, fear of not being able to control yourself and blurt out obscenities, and repetitive unwanted thoughts.

OCD Treatment

Treatment varies based on individual needs. Some people might benefit from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (or CBT) or medication, or a combination of both. It’s helpful to speak with both a therapist and psychiatrist to address OCD from multiple angles.

Self-Care for OCD

While treatment may be necessary, your own self-care can drastically help you manage symptoms of OCD and help make daily life more manageable. Being open with a trusted friend or confidant about your OCD can help you feel less alone and more understood. There is absolutely nothing at all to be ashamed about when it comes to mental health, and letting someone you trust know what you’re experiencing can help you feel a lot less alone. Opening up can also create a feeling of connection, which is known to boost your general mental health.

Another important self-care practice for OCD is making sure to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Remember to drink water often (it’s helpful to set hourly reminders on your phone to remind yourself to drink water). Try to eat nourishing meals and protein-filled snacks throughout the day. Many times, when our blood sugar is imbalanced, it can affect our mental health. That’s why it’s essential to keep your body nourished.

Exercise is also a key to move through uncomfortable feelings and get out of your head and into your body. Sometimes when our bodies are sedentary, our minds can feel more active. Getting your body active can help bring balance to your whole self.

Once your body is nourished, then you can focus on your mind. Take “brain breaks” and set aside a few moments throughout the day to take a few deep breaths, ground yourself a bit, and step away from technology. A nice stretch can feel really good and restorative, and it’s something that is so simple.

Spiritual nourishment can come from connection to others and a sense of community. If there’s a time when you are struggling and could use support, call up a friend or perhaps try group therapy. Another option is to engage in consistent group activities such as a book club, volleyball league, art class, or singing group. I know with the pandemic it can feel difficult to cultivate meaningful connection, but there are many diverse online communities as well!

Coping with OCD

The first thing to remember is that you are not alone. There are people who understand you and can help and support you. Therapy and medication can be incredibly helpful when it comes to coping with OCD, in addiction to the self-care practices listed above. Here at Healing Pathways of Houston, we are here to support and help you with your mental health. We encourage you to reach out to learn more about the therapy services at Healing Pathways and how we can help you cope with OCD. To connect with our team, email hello@healingpathwayshouston.com.