From a personal aspect, you may also want to know what to do when my OCD is out of control. It can be a very scary and frustrating experience. The thoughts and compulsions can feel like they are taking over your life, and you may not know where to turn for help. In this blog post, we will provide some information on how it affects your life. We will also discuss how to deal with OCD when it gets out of control.
Contents
About OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that affects millions of people all over the world. People who suffer from OCD experience unwanted, intrusive thoughts and feelings of distress. These unwanted thoughts often cause them to do something over and over again in order to ease their anxiety.
What Happens When OCD Gets Out Of Control?
Here we have stated some of the instances in different cases that happen when an OCD attack rises and gets out of control.
Stress, Depression, And Anxiety
When OCD gets out of control, it can often lead to depression and anxiety. This can worsen the symptoms of OCD as people with this disorder tend to get stuck in their thoughts and feelings.
People with OCD may feel the urge to do certain activities over and over again in order to reduce their anxiety. These could include checking doors, counting objects, washing hands, or repeating phrases in their head. This behavior can become so intense that it begins to interfere with daily life and disrupts routine activities.
Excessive Trauma
In some cases, when an OCD attack gets out of control, it can lead to excessive trauma. This can manifest in panic attacks and flashbacks which can be emotionally devastating. It is important to address these issues with professional help if they continue to occur.
Recurring Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior
You may experience an increase in symptoms, such as more frequent intrusive thoughts, more intense anxiety, or increased ritualistic behaviors. It will become difficult to concentrate on tasks or activities other than the obsessive thinking and compulsions that are consuming your life. This will make you so consumed with your OCD that it interferes with daily activities such as eating, sleeping, and socializing.
Possibly mood can suffer significantly, and you may feel completely overwhelmed by the condition. There is a higher chance of isolating yourself due to the fear of judgment or ridicule from others. You may even start to feel hopeless and fear that your OCD will never get better.
How Untreated OCD Affects People’s Lives?
If left untreated, OCD can have a huge impact on your life. It can lead to problems in relationships due to the symptoms associated with it such as obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior. Furthermore, it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy which may further fuel the disorder.
This could lead to social isolation as the person stops interacting with friends and family due to fear of judgment or ridicule.
Finally, if left unchecked for a long period, OCD can increase depression and anxiety levels significantly which can lead to suicidal thoughts or attempts.
OCD can also affect performance and productivity in the workplace. For example, employees with OCD may find it difficult to concentrate on tasks or spend too much time completing them. Furthermore, their behavior may be seen as odd or inappropriate by their colleagues and supervisors.
How To Treat When My OCD Is Out of Control?
Check these few points which can be useful to you if your OCD is getting out of control:-
Therapy & Medication
- Talk To A Mental Health Professional: Seeking help from a qualified therapist, such as a psychologist or psychiatrist, is one way to manage OCD. They will conduct a diagnosis to understand your symptoms and develop an appropriate treatment plan for you. They can provide guidance and support in developing coping strategies and managing symptoms.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps people learn how to identify and challenge negative thoughts, recognize patterns in behavior, deal with stress, and develop healthier ways of thinking.
- Exposure Response Prevention Therapy: ERP therapy exposes people to their fears and teaches them how to react differently in order to reduce anxiety levels. The goal of this type of therapy is to help people gradually become less afraid of their obsessions and compulsions.
Certain medications such as antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or antipsychotics may be prescribed by a doctor to help manage OCD symptoms. It’s important to discuss the pros and cons of each medication with your doctor before starting any medication.
Self-Help Tips To Manage OCD
- Practice Relaxation And Mindfulness Techniques: Practicing relaxation and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels and improve coping skills. This could include deep breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, guided imagery, meditation, or yoga.
- Stick To A Routine: Creating a daily routine can help reduce anxiety levels as it gives structure to everyday life and helps keep OCD symptoms under control.
- Seek Out Social Support: Having a strong social network of supportive family or friends can be beneficial for managing OCD symptoms as it gives you an outlet to talk about what you’re going through and get the support you need.
- Challenge Unhelpful Thoughts: It’s important to recognize when your thoughts are unhelpful or irrational, such as thinking that having OCD is a sign of weakness and challenge them with more helpful thought patterns.
- Get Enough Rest And Healthy Diet: Make sure that you get adequate sleep and eat a nutritious diet as this can help reduce stress levels and improve your overall well-being.
Conclusion
OCD can be a debilitating disorder and having it can feel overwhelming. However, with proper treatment and support, it is possible to manage the symptoms of OCD and live a full and productive life. It’s important to remember that you are not alone in your struggles and there is help available. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, reach out to a mental health professional or an OCD support group for assistance. With the right treatment and effort, it is possible to gain control over OCD and live a more balanced life.
Take care, and don’t forget that you are not alone! OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. If you have any queries regarding OCD treatment, ERP therapy experienced therapists at OCDMantra can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
