Practical Strategies for Handling OCD

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common condition, but that doesn't mean it's easy to navigate. Living with OCD can be a challenge. This condition can impact one's daily life and routine and cause disruptions to multiple areas of their life.

You may not be able to control whether you are diagnosed with OCD or not, but you can work to better manage those signs and symptoms to deal with the OCD moving forward. These are some practical strategies for handling OCD.

Educate Yourself

One of the best strategies to deal with OCD is to first take the time to learn more about it. Understanding OCD is a great step to take towards being able to better manage it moving forward. Educate yourself about OCD as a whole, as well as the causes, signs, and symptoms, and different treatment options. Once you have a better understanding, you'll be able to better identify any potential triggers or unwanted thoughts.

Practice Self-Care

Make sure you're dedicating time in your day to self-care. Self-care is what helps to protect our overall mental health and wellness. Making time for self-care in your day can help to make sure you have enough energy to make it through each day. Self-care looks different for everyone, so make sure you're engaging in activities and hobbies that you enjoy and make you feel fulfilled.

Create and Stick to a Routine

OCD can make your life feel like it's out of your control. You can take back control again by creating and sticking to a routine. A structured routine can help you feel more stable and make your day a little more predictable, which can be a huge relief to individuals who struggle with symptoms of OCD. Your schedule should include a consistent routine of when you're going to bed at night, waking up in the morning, eating meals, moving your body, and relaxing.

Challenge Negative Thoughts

OCD is commonly associated with unwanted and intrusive thoughts. These thoughts are driven by your anxieties and fears, which means they're not always the most truthful or realistic. The next time you're feeling anxious, try to challenge those negative thoughts by questioning them. This can help you not fall victim to these negative thought spirals and see the truth of different situations instead of focusing on the negative.

Practice Mindfulness

A lot of anxiety stems from worry about past events or future events that haven't even taken place yet. You can work to bring your body and mind back to the present moment in time with the help of mindfulness. Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or walking outside can help to boost your overall mood, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a common therapy option and highly effective treatment for OCD. ERP therapy allows individuals to face their fears or obsessions in a safe and secure environment.

With the help of a therapist guiding the way, you will gradually be exposed to your obsessions while working to not complete one of your ritualistic compulsions. While this may seem scary at first, practice makes perfect. Over time, these obsessions will become less anxiety-provoking and you'll be able to control them instead of allowing them to control you.

Next Steps

OCD is a common mental health condition. While it can feel extremely isolating, it's important to know that you're not alone and help is available to you. While there are certain lifestyle changes that you can make to help reduce some signs and symptoms that you're experiencing, one of the best treatment options for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation and to learn more about therapy for ERP and if it can be beneficial to you.