Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

I received a question on Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and thought it would be interesting to write a post on this topic. Many people to some extent (including myself) is affected by OCD. Firstly, I am NOT in the medical field. This is simply based on my research, thoughts, beliefs, understanding and experience.

So what is OCD?

“Obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive thoughts that produce uneasiness, apprehension, fear or worry (obsessions), repetitive behaviors aimed at reducing the associated anxiety (compulsions), or a combination of such obsessions and compulsions.” -Wikipedia

As a result of the compulsion, there are varying different types of behavior associated with the disorder including paranoia, rituals and psychotic behavior.

People who suffer from an anxiety disorder such as OCD, most probably lack CERTAINTY, which is a basic human need.

“Certainty is perfect knowledge that has total security from error, or the mental state of being without doubt” –Wikipedia

From my experience with family and friends who suffer from an anxiety disorder, they feel as if they have no control over whether they suffer or whether they feel pleasure. Also, for the most part, anxiety disorder thoughts tend to be future based. They usually anticipate suffering in the future.

A person, who is constantly having obsessive thoughts that something bad is going to happen, obviously dreads the future. If you dread the future, that means you have a lack of certainty and therefore can suffer from an anxiety disorder.

When you feel compulsive,anxious or worrying behavior, bring your attention to the present moment. This can be done by paying attention to your breathing, or by paying attention to your thoughts. If this is not working, be aware of the exact future thought you are having and change the way you are focusing on the future.

I know this is much easier said than done, so here’s a little tool that I learned that may help you out. Set aside sometime every day to make a list of things that you look forward to about the next day. It could be the tiniest thing like..

“I look forward to my morning coffee with sugar in the raw”

I actually really do look forward to this.

You can also include things you are looking forward to in the near future. If you don’t have anything to look forward to, create something, anything that makes you feel peace. Become imaginative. Write until your thoughts run out and re-read this list whenever you want to a pick me up. You see what this does is turns the sense of dread into a sense of anticipation. This gets the energy you spend worrying, moving in a forward direction. You begin to realize your future is nothing to dread, and a sense of certainty is developed.

You can actually use this tool anytime you want. Experiment and see what works for you. Make it a habit. You start creating your life this way.

Personally for me I do this exercise the moment I begin getting anxious, stressed or compulsive (cleaning for me). I think about the exact future thought I’m having in that moment. Then I start writing down the things I am looking forward to, and eventually a calm washes over me.

Now I know this may not work for everyone, especially people who have clinical and severe anxiety disorders. This is simply meant to be a tool for you to have in your tool box that may help you.

One other thing I found helpful is art. Teal Swan creates beautiful energetic frequency paintings that she believes can help with many different things. Check out her painting to help with OCD.

http://tealswan.com/paintings/sense-of-security

To Your Health & Happiness!

Kim

Science Of Imagery

PS. These abstract frequency painting are awesome.

Image from the Spiritual Catalyst, By Teal Swan