How Do I Stop OCD Anxiety?

Fighting OCD and anxiety can be exhausting. As you fight off intrusive thoughts and persistent worries, each day may seem like a struggle. However, remember that you are not alone and that asking for help is okay. “How do I stop OCD anxiety?” you may ask. We have your back. 

Let’s  explore basic yet successful methods to control anxiety and find relief. Remember, finding serenity in the storm is a step-by-step process. Just breathe. You can do this!

What is OCD Anxiety?

Before we explore how to treat OCD anxiety, let’s define it. Obsessions and compulsions are symptoms of OCD, a mental illness. While everyone has obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors periodically, persons with OCD struggle to control them, and anxiety often drives them.

Steps to Stop OCD Anxiety

Here, we outline several steps that have been proven to help manage and reduce OCD anxiety. Rest assured that when you choose Empire Psychiatry, we will carefully tailor treatment to your unique needs.

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT, which changes negative beliefs and actions, is useful in treating OCD. By discovering the links between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, we may change harmful thinking patterns and form healthier mental habits.

2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is a form of CBT specifically designed to treat OCD. It involves gradually exposing you to the thoughts, images, or objects that trigger your obsessions while preventing you from engaging in your compulsive behaviors. Over time, you will become desensitized to these triggers, reducing your OCD anxiety.

3. Medication

OCD anxiety treatment can benefit from mindfulness and relaxation. Yoga, meditation, and deep breathing can help you manage stress and anxiety.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques

Incorporating mindfulness and relaxation techniques as part of your OCD anxiety treatment plan can be beneficial. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing exercises can help you develop skills in reducing anxiety and managing stress.

5. Support Groups and Self-Help

Joining self-help organizations and connecting with others in similar situations can assist. In a safe and supportive setting, sharing your experiences and learning from others might help you overcome OCD anxiety.

Understanding OCD: Signs, Symptoms

Experiencing obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors doesn’t automatically imply the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For people suffering from OCD, these thoughts and behaviors aren’t just repetitive tendencies. They cause immense distress, consume significant time (at least an hour daily), and disrupt everyday life and interpersonal relationships.

In most cases, OCD patients exhibit both obsessions and compulsions, though some may only manifest one of them.

Obsessions: The Unwanted Intruding Thoughts in OCD

OCD-related obsessive thoughts vary widely in nature, but some common examples include:

• Fear of contamination through germs or dirt, or inadvertently contaminating others.
• Dread of losing control, leading to self-harm or harm to others.
• The invasion of sexually explicit or violent thoughts and images.
• Hyperfocus on religious or ethical concepts.
• Fear of misplacing or not possessing necessary objects.
• The need for order and symmetry, believing everything must be in perfect alignment.
• Superstitious beliefs and excessive attention to ‘luck-based’ items or activities.

Compulsions: The Repeated Behaviors in OCD

Likewise, OCD patients often display compulsive behaviors such as:

• Excessive double-checking of objects (locks, appliances, switches, etc.).
• Continuous verification of the safety of loved ones.
• Counting, tapping, word-repetition, or other seemingly pointless actions to reduce anxiety.
• Spending significant time washing or cleaning.
• Ordering or arranging objects ‘just right’.
• Engaging in excessive prayer or rituals provoked by religious fear.
• Accumulating ‘junk’ items like old newspapers or empty food containers.

OCD Symptoms in Children

Some younger children exhibit OCD-like symptoms. OCD symptoms can match those of ADHD, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome. Therefore, any diagnosis should begin with a complete medical and psychological evaluation.

Importantly, severe OCD symptoms can also signify pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) or PANDAS.

 These conditions emphasize the varying complexities within the realm of OCD and the importance of comprehensive, professional diagnosis and treatment.

How to Help Someone with OCD

Assisting a loved one with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a tricky endeavor. Yet, how you handle their OCD symptoms profoundly affects their attitude and recovery trajectory. A negatively charged environment can exacerbate OCD, while a calm and supportive ambiance can enhance treatment outcomes.

Avoid Personal Criticisms

It is paramount to differentiate between the person and the disorder. Keep in mind that OCD-driven behaviors are symptoms of the disorder, not character flaws. Refrain from personal criticisms that can unnecessarily distress and alienate them.

Don’t Pressure Them to Stop Rituals

Resisting the urge to tell your loved one to stop their OCD rituals is vital. They are likely unable to comply, and such pressure can worsen the behaviors.

Demonstreate Patience and Kindness

Patience and kindness go a long way in this journey. Everyone has to overcome challenges at their own speed. Ensure to praise any successful attempt to resist OCD and direct attention to the positive aspects of their life.

Discourage OCD Rituals

While it’s critical to support your loved one, participating in their OCD rituals or ‘rules’ isn’t helpful and could reinforce the problematic behaviors. Uphold the person, but not their compulsions.

Embrace Clear and Positive Communication

Fostering open and positive communication can provide equilibrium between supporting your loved one and standing against their OCD symptoms. This balance helps prevent causing further distress.

Use Humor Wisely

Humor, applied thoughtfully, can ease tensions and help them detach from their symptoms. Laughing together at the funny or absurd aspects of OCD should involve ensuring they feel respected and included in the joke.

Don’t Allow OCD to Dominate Family Life

OCD shouldn’t overshadow family life. As a unit, decide how you’ll collectively tackle OCD symptoms. Strive to maintain normal family life and a low-stress environment in the home. Seek professional help when needed, such as from Empire Psychiatry.

How Empire Psychiatry Can Help

At Empire Psychiatry, we’re dedicated to ensuring that your treatment plan is tailored specifically to your needs:

• Comprehensive Assessment: We start with a thorough assessment to understand your OCD anxiety and other variables.
• Individualized Treatment strategy: Based on your strengths and problems, we build a customized treatment strategy.
• Wide Range of Services: Our services include individual counseling, medication management, and specialized programs tailored to your needs at every level.
• Your Own Path to Improvement: With our help, you may take charge of your own recovery and self-improvement to overcome OCD anxiety.
• Experienced, Compassionate Professionals: Our team of mental health professionals supports you throughout your journey to better health.

We use a customized approach to OCD anxiety treatment to help you reclaim control of your life and progress toward recovery.

Ready to Begin Your Journey to Stop OCD Anxiety?

If you’re struggling with OCD anxiety, remember — you’re not alone, and there is hope. Empire Psychiatry helps you regain control and enhance mental health.

Schedule an appointment with one of our skilled mental health practitioners now. We love compassionate, evidence-based care and want to help you conquer OCD anxiety. We can overcome it together.