I can't believe how many people i've come across in the last year with serious unchecked OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder). I know in the church it's taboo to get help but maybe this will wake you up to yourself or those around you.
Warning
Signs of OCD
• Do you wish you had an “off” button so you could
stop thinking about the same thing over and over?
• Do you feel the need to repeat a ritual that would
be embarrassing if others knew what you were doing?
• Are you so competitive that if you are not the
winner or the absolute best you feel deeply upset?
• Do you need to control everything and everyone?
• Do you worry about your sexuality, your
performance or your orientation?
• Do you wash your hands repeatedly? Do you take
several showers a day? Are you a neat freak? Does mess, disorder or dirt bother
you a lot?
• Do you unplug your appliances when you go to bed at
night or when you go away for a few days?
• Do you bite your nails, pick scabs or pimples,
pull skin, pull out hairs, or mutilate your body in some other way?
• Do you hoard items, especially things that are not
really needed, or in amounts that are excessive?
If you answered yes to these questions you may have
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Interventions and treatments for obsessive-compulsive
symptoms can bring you relief and a new lease on life.
Treatment Options for OCD
There are several kinds of treatment for OCD.
Psychotherapy, behavior therapy, and medicines are available for people who
have obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Most research and psychiatrists recommend Cognitive
Behavior Therapy (CBT) as the therapy of choice for this condition. CBT is not
concerned with the reasons that someone is OCD instead they focus on
extinguishing the symptoms and changing the negative self-statements that often
occur. CBT is most successful when the patient practices the techniques that
are taught by a qualified therapist. CBT is often used with children who have
OCD.
Some people want to understand the underlying sources of
anxiety that contribute to their obsessive thinking, rather than focusing only
on symptoms. Talking therapies, such as interpersonal psychotherapy or
psychoanalysis are recommended for patients who are willing to use insight,
reflection and analysis to explore their issues.
Medicine may be necessary and is prescribed by a
psychiatrist or internist to alleviate symptoms of OCD. SSRI’s such as Prozac
are often used because they reduce anxiety which helps change obsessive
thinking and compulsive actions. Other kinds of prescription medications are
also available.
Alternative remedies, such as teas or valerian root can
help.Acupuncture, relaxation and yoga, may reduce anxiety, which in turn,
allows an individual to manage their obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
