OCD - Godaelli Psychiatric & Mental Health Center

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Understanding OCD is the first step towards treatment and recovery. Learn more below.

Almost like Bees buzzing in your head all the time

Intrusive thoughts enter your mind, haunting you daily. They make you over-analyze everything and everyone. Constantly questioning and constantly doubting, as if there’s two versions of yourself in a never ending tug of war. It’s a war of uncertainty, with thoughts and questions that have no satisfying conclusions or answers. Both of you know this, yet one of you refuses to stop.

The constant stress of not knowing whether your concerns are true and logical makes you lose trust in yourself. Worst off, the bad thoughts make you question whether you are a good person. Sometimes they’ll quiet down, but then it starts again, over and over: a cycle of questions, anxiety, and self-hatred.

How much joy have these distracting thoughts taken from you, in work and relationships? Always ruminating on intentions and fearing harm, you end up pushing people away. And all this constant mental buzzing makes it hard to focus on work.

Living with OCD is a torturous cycle of intrusive thoughts, guilt and repeated behaviors to calm the anxiety. But remember, you don’t have to live life in fear. True relief begins with self forgiveness and self compassion. You’re on a journey to find joy again, see the world without fear, and fix broken relationships. It’s a path to freedom, peace, and a life less controlled by OCD.

You’re on a journey to find joy again, see the world without fear, and fix broken relationships. It’s a path to freedom, peace, and a life less controlled by OCD.

Symptoms of OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves a loop of distressing, intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors to alleviate anxiety.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex mental health condition that goes beyond common habits or worries, it involves a loop of distressing, intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors to alleviate anxiety. OCD can make you wake up every morning feeling like the worst person ever.

OCD symptoms are not a matter of choice; they stem from a neurological disorder, often overwhelming, isolating, and consuming. Despite trying to ignore or suppress these unwanted thoughts, they continue the cycle of increased ritualistic behavior.

OCD usually involve both obsessions and compulsions though only having one type is possible.

Obsessions include recurring, persistent, unwanted thoughts, focusing on themes like contamination fears, doubts, orderliness needs, fears of harm, or unwanted thoughts on aggressive, sexual, or religious topics. Compulsions, on the other hand, involve repetitive actions aiming to alleviate anxiety but providing only temporary relief. They include excessive cleaning, checking routines, counting rituals, strict routines, seeking reassurance, or silently repeating phrases. OCD usually surfaces in adolescence or early adulthood, with symptoms varying from mild to debilitating, often worsening under stress. Its exact cause remains unclear but is believed to result from a mix of genetic, neurological, behavioral, cognitive, and environmental factors.

Though battling this invisible enemy everyday can be exhausting, OCD is treatable, offering the possibility of a life free from its grasp.

Treatment for OCD

Treatment starts with understanding your history and ruling out other conditions.

OCD can look like other conditions, treatment starts with understanding your history and ruling out other conditions. Afterwards, primary treatment typically involves a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy known as “exposure and response prevention.” While this therapy is not provided at Godaelli Psychiatric and Mental Health Center, we may be able to refer you to a qualified therapist who can. Combining therapy and medication prescribed by a psychiatrist can prove effective in managing OCD symptoms. These medications improve mood but also reduce anxiety levels making it easier to live without all the instrusive thoughts. Therapy, can be highly effective, becuase it focuses on finding and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors, addressing self-hatred and shame. Relaxation exercises and mindfulness meditation techniques can also help to manage stress. In addition, peer support groups can also foster a sense of community and social support which can be highly beneficial to treatment.

Care at Godaelli

At Godaelli Psychiatric, we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms.

All the buzzing thoughts can turn into emotionally stinging patterns that are painful. At Godaelli Psychiatric we believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms. We understand that managing OCD is more than a single-step process; it’s a journey that requires a comprehensive and personalized approach. There is no obsession, thought, feeling, image or sensation out there that would make you untreatable or unworthy of support. Recovery is possible and our team is committed to guiding you with evidence based medication management and talk therpay, to empower and educate you to manage OCD effectively.

If you or a loved one is facing the challenges of OCD, remember, you’re not alone. Hand in hand, we will navigate through OCD, exploring patterns, understanding triggers, and developing coping strategies.

Don’t let OCD rule your life; embrace control and transform challenges into triumphs.