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Mindful Tips for OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affects two to three percent of the general population. The stress from this disorder can take a toll on a person’s personal and professional life. If you or someone you love has OCD, there are Mindful treatments and solutions that might be helpful.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is an anxiety disorder in which people have unwanted obsessive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors. According to the Mayo Clinic, this disorder usually results in two types of symptoms: obsession symptoms and compulsion symptoms. Obsessions are “repeated, persistent and unwanted urges or images that cause distress or anxiety.” While compulsions are “are repetitive behaviors that [one feels] driven to perform,” sometimes in order to stop the obsession. Unwanted thoughts, fear of contamination, and repetitive counting and washing are all symptoms of OCD and can cause great stress in a person’s life.

Mindful OCD Tips

Listed below are a few Mindful ways in which people conquer their OCD.
Family Therapy

While one-on-one counseling sessions are the norm, there is something to be said about family therapy sessions. Since a person’s OCD symptoms can impact their life and the lives of their loved ones, family group therapy can help everyone learn and adjust together. Family therapy can also foster stronger support systems for the individual with OCD.

Mindful Diets

Certain foods and drinks can make OCD symptoms worse, that’s why it is so important to eat a balanced diet. Individuals with OCD should be cautious of the amount of sugar, caffeine, and alcohol that they consume. Sugar and caffeine crashes can cause stress and headaches, which can trigger OCD symptoms. And drinking alcohol while stressed can increase anxiety and affect OCD symptoms.

Relaxation Techniques for OCD

If OCD symptoms become overwhelming there are many stress relieving techniques that can help. Breathing exercises, yoga, meditation, music therapy, muscles relaxation, visualization, Tai Chi, massages, and art therapy can all be helpful. It’s also suggested the OCD individuals try multiple relaxation techniques for OCD, in order to pinpoint which treatment works best.

Other Stress Disorders

Many scientists and researchers found a connection between OCD and other, stressed-based, disorders. New mothers, who are overwhelmed with stress or have postpartum depression, often experience postpartum OCD. In fact, it is said to affect 11 percent of mothers in the first six months following giving birth. And people who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), such as veterans, may also suffer from OCD symptoms. That’s why it is so important to learn and understand how stressful life events can affect a person’s OCD.

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