How to Stop Obsessive-Compulsive Thoughts

When someone is diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), they have a name to put to the series of intrusive thoughts throughout their day. As they continue dealing with this ongoing condition, they want to know if there is any way to stop it and take control of their life back. Before you can figure out how to prevent your OCD-fueled thoughts, you need to understand better what they are to find the right treatment option.

Defining OCD Thoughts

OCD symptoms can vary on a case-by-case basis; however, there are still ways for people to define what these unwanted thoughts look like and what to look out for. While other anxiety disorders may present more subtly, people with OCD often showcase outward physical signs associated with their compulsions.

Many people have reported that they have experienced an odd intrusive thought recently. These instances can vary wildly from person to person and frequently get dismissed almost as soon as they arrive. However, sometimes these can venture from a passing fancy into something more intrusive over time.

As these thoughts begin to fester and relentlessly attack your mental health, they can start causing high anxiety and more conditions that seriously affect your overall well-being. They feel the response to these thoughts with their mind and body, and the more they focus on that thought, the more anxious they become.

How Do We React to Them?

People dealing with OCD often feel indebted to their intrusive thoughts and don’t have any options to counteract them. However, with the right anxiety disorder treatment program in Los Angeles, California, you can begin to learn the necessary coping mechanisms to deal with these obsessive thoughts and stop them before they worsen.

How Physical Compulsions and Obsessive Thoughts Manifest

When you or a family member are dealing with OCD, knowing and understanding the reasoning behind the physical tics can help you fully understand the situation. These behavioral actions represent an attempt to alleviate the mind of the current intrusive thoughts running wild. People with OCD often recognize that these compulsions have no rational basis; however, the fear of what will happen if they do not perform that action remains a strong and compelling factor.

Can These Compulsions Be Mental Too?

Dealing with a mental health disorder like OCD can present itself in myriad ways that can prove difficult to understand. While more people associate this condition with physical tics and actions, the compulsions used to disperse the intrusive thoughts can be mental.

These types of tics could mean that the person analyzes the thought in question to the point where they can neutralize or balance it out. While it can feel like you’re using your problem-solving skills to address the issue, in reality, the amount of attention you give to the unwanted thought is causing both mental and physical anguish.

How to Deal With OCD Thoughts Productively

While it may feel like an uphill battle dealing with these unwanted and intrusive thought patterns, you have options to deal with them adequately. Without the help of a mental health professional, people may try to suppress the thought in question—however, this rarely works. Instead, the thoughts tend to come back more aggressively after a time and can generate new ones. Instead, here are some possible solutions you could try after consulting a therapist:

Recognition

When you begin to feel an intrusive thought, take a breath to recognize the sensation instead of immediately giving it your attention. Part of the power OCD thoughts has over us stems from our quick responses once we feel one coming on.

Objectivity

Looking at these unwanted thoughts from a distance, either by delaying how long it takes to address them or otherwise, allows you the chance to look at them more objectively. This newfound awareness and objectivity can help you recognize how these thoughts aren’t doing you any good and view them from a different perspective.

Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself

When recovering from any mental illness, one of the most important things for people to remember is to not be too hard on themselves. Recovery looks different for everyone and is rarely a straight line. There will be ups and downs, periods of success, and places where you stumble. So, instead of focusing on the negative and beating yourself up over perceived failures, take some time to show yourself compassion.

Separate Your Thoughts From Your Identity

Many people dealing with OCD can begin to truly believe that the most defining trait for them as a person is their mental health disorder. That’s because their mind causes them to engage with these intrusive thoughts in such a disruptive way to everyday life that they aren’t worthy of empathy, compassion, or thinking well of themselves. However, if you actively move toward separating your OCD from your identity, you can begin to take more control of how you view yourself and see a boost in self-esteem.

Don’t Be Afraid of Getting Professional Help

People suffering from OCD can feel intense guilt and shame about handling their condition. They believe they aren’t strong enough to deal with the intrusive thoughts and that if others found out, they would look down on them. This can prevent them from seeking the professional help they need to face it head-on. However, an OCD treatment program in Los Angeles, California, can provide you with the guidance and support you need to navigate your recovery.

Trust Clearview Treatment With Your OCD Recovery

Learning how to stop obsessive-compulsive thoughts on your own can prove challenging for most people. Finding ways to look at the situation from an outside perspective and determine what treatment methods work best for you can prove incredibly difficult if you live with it every day. Having a mental health professional work with you to learn more about your particular case and help you figure out the best course of treatment can provide the relief you desperately need.

If you or a loved one needs help with OCD treatment, contact Clearview Treatment to learn more about our available mental health therapy programs in Los Angeles, CA, at 866-339-3544 and make an appointment today.