Intrusive thoughts, ritualistic behaviours, repetition, and anxiety are all part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). OCD is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by the above mentioned. It can be a debilitating disorder, causing the affected to become so consumed with their “rituals” that they are no longer able to focus on anything else. It may be hand washing, counting, hair pulling, picking. OCD takes many forms and affects each person differently.
Whatever they cause (s) might be, OCD is an extremely difficult disorder for a bystander to understand. To the average person your behaviours may seem “silly”, “irrational”, and “unnecessary”. Little do they know that you are well aware that your rituals are irrational and unnecessary, but you are compelled to perform them anyways.
So what can you do? Seeking treatment for your disorder is the first step towards a brighter future. I will work with you in exploring your compulsive behaviours, digging towards the root cause of the anxiety.
Together we can look at developing new and healthy coping strategies for this anxiety. OCD is a manageable disorder, and there is hope for a day when you are not debilitated by your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours.
OCD is a daily struggle for many people. Let’s work together towards making your dreams a reality.