Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Here are some things to think about regarding Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). First of all I believe we all have some obsessive compulsive behaviours or traits. For example which shoe do you put on first? Are you able to look at a picture hanging crookedly without straightening it?

Those who suffer with OCD are usually burdened with huge feelings of guilt and feel responsible for other people and events, whether they have responsibility for them or not. Doubt over perceptions or abilities also play a part in fuelling obsessive behaviours as does an overwhelming fear of consequences.

I often say that at the very core of anxiety is a terrible fear of having no control over something really important. When we feel that terrible fear we often try to compensate by controlling something else, like an action which later develops into a ritual. The obsession to avoid the negative thinking or distressing feelings drives the compulsion to mitigate it through completing the ritual properly. The inability to complete the ritual properly further fuels the anxiety and the obsession causing the disorder where it becomes difficult to function.

However I believe that it can help to take a step back and look at what is happening with OCD. Many clients I work with say they go through these rituals in order to avoid something bad happening later on. In the days before we had labels and terms for attitudes, behaviours, etc I believe we called it superstition. For example the belief that if you have an itchy nose you must shake hands with those around you to avoid getting into a fight. The disorder would come from that overwhelming fear that everyone will attack you if you don’t shake hands and are unable to function without doing it.

Recognising what is really going on, that these doubts and fears cannot be addressed through repetitive behaviours but by facing and addressing the fear is a positive step forward. One useful technique is to recognize that the fear fuelling the OCD is unjustified, and that if you stay with it long enough and learn to regulate your feelings it loses its grip and dissipates on its own.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a useful type of counselling which can help with OCD. A counsellor can help you understand and question your own fears and reframe anxious thoughts and situations.

If you would like further information on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder or would like to arrange an appointment please contact Sentient Counselling.

#OCD

Tags: anxiety, counselling, obsessive compulsive disorder, OCD