Josie Oldham, LMSW, discusses Obsessive Compulsive Disorder with Kat. They explore the basics of OCD, common self-diagnosis trends, and coping strategies. They also delve into the importance of recognizing different forms of OCD for effective support.
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Quick takeaways
Compulsions in OCD can range from checking rituals to mental activities like counting or praying, aimed at reducing anxiety.
Managing OCD involves delaying, limiting, or altering compulsions rather than giving in immediately, encouraging gradual changes.
Deep dives
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by obsessions, which are persistent and unwanted thoughts causing anxiety, and compulsions, repetitive behaviors or mental acts aimed at reducing anxiety. Compulsions can range from checking rituals to mental activities like counting or praying. OCD presents as interrupting the quality of life, but not everyone with related behaviors is diagnosed with OCD. Genetic factors play a significant role in OCD development, but it can also arise as a response to trauma or as a coping mechanism.
Navigating Obsessive Thoughts and Compulsions
Obsessions are thoughts that provoke anxiety and are often tied to fears, like the irrational fear of causing harm or contamination. Compulsions, meant to ease the anxiety, can include checking behaviors, counting, or avoidance rituals. A crucial aspect of managing OCD is learning to delay, limit, or alter compulsions rather than giving in to them immediately, encouraging gradual changes.
Tackling Shame and Seeking Help
Shame often accompanies OCD symptoms, but it's essential to realize that having these thoughts or behaviors doesn't make someone a bad person. Seeking therapy can provide vital support for those struggling with OCD, especially if the symptoms significantly impact daily functioning or cause distress. Normalizing the experience can reduce the stigma surrounding OCD.
Coping Strategies and Breaking the Cycle
Coping with OCD involves sitting with discomfort, refraining from engaging in compulsions immediately, and learning to address root anxieties. Scaffolding interventions, such as gradually modifying compulsions, can help break the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. Addressing shame, seeking therapy, and adopting coping strategies are crucial steps in managing OCD.
This week, Josie Oldham LMSW, joins Kat to talk about Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Josie walks us through the components that are present in OCD and gives us a sneak peak into some strategies that can help manage some of the distress invooved within the disorder.