Those of us who suffer from obsessions and compulsions can become stressed when our initial fears surface. As a result, we try to neutralise them by indulging in behavioural patterns (rituals) that we wholeheartedly believe will rid us of anxiety. For example, if we believe that being contaminated by something will cause us substantial harm and flood us with feelings of stress and anxiety, then washing our hands regularly may be a ritual we use to help us.
This is understandable as it’s just a coping mechanism – just not a very helpful one. The truth is that although ritualistic behaviors may provide instantaneous relief, it is only ever temporary as it is part of a vicious cycle of symptoms that do not provide long-term relief. But who cares about long-term relief if you feel better in the moment? Sure, that’s also understandable, but just be aware that the problems will only grow into a glorious boggy swamp of entangled anxieties, feeding off each other’s triggers.
Obsessions and Compulsions will often need highly specialised support to find a way back to a less invasive and debilitating level.
You can get in touch with us here at Arkesie for some qualified support and there are also excellent resources all over the internet.
We also have a free self-help guide that you can work through. You don’t have to just put up with the distress of OCD.
