How Can I Stop My Obsessive Compulsive Behaviors?

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SUMMARY

This discussion centers on obsessive-compulsive behaviors and the challenges faced by individuals who suspect they may have Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Participants emphasize the importance of professional diagnosis and suggest coping strategies, such as wearing a rubber band to manage compulsions. The conversation highlights that while many exhibit obsessive-compulsive tendencies, clinical diagnosis requires specific criteria, including the impact on daily life. Overall, the consensus is to seek professional help for proper evaluation and treatment options.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms and criteria
  • Knowledge of coping strategies for managing compulsive behaviors
  • Familiarity with the role of mental health professionals in diagnosing disorders
  • Awareness of the difference between clinical OCD and general obsessive-compulsive tendencies
NEXT STEPS
  • Research effective coping strategies for OCD, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP)
  • Learn about the role of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in treating OCD
  • Investigate the types of medications available for OCD treatment
  • Explore resources for finding qualified mental health professionals specializing in OCD
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for individuals experiencing obsessive-compulsive behaviors, mental health professionals seeking insights into patient experiences, and anyone interested in understanding OCD and its management strategies.

Noxide
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Hope this isn't in the wrong forum, but I couldn't quite find a place to put this.

Do any of you have OCD?

I think I might have it because I often engage in repetitive behaviours. I'm not satisfied with myself unless I do every question in a section and get every question correct. I find myself visiting the same few websites every 5 or so minutes to check for updates. If I am given a question which peaks my interest I will spend countless hours thinking/researching it.

If you guys have some tips for breaking out of habits, then by all means let me know.

Admittedly doing every question is a good thing, but I can't have a life because of this...

Thanks
 
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We can't diagnose here, but I'm really not sure your symptoms meet OCD. You should be properly diagnosed before you start to try to cure yourself. Have you seen a professional about this?
 
Yep. My doc suggested it.

There aren't really any medications for it. Just coping strategies.
Was just wondering if some people had them, OCD or not.
 
Did your doctor suggest anything to help you?

My sister-in-law has this (a very mild case). What helps her is

  • really, really wanting to change
  • wearing a rubber band around her wrist. Any time she feel compelled to do something she doesn't want to do, she snaps the rubber band, three-four-or more times.

This seems to work for her, but I'm surprised your doctor didn't give you some treatment options.
 
I'll try the rubber band out.

I was just told to look it up as I walked out the door, and that if anything applied to me we'd discuss it next visit.

Most of it fits.
 
When I was a kid, I would continue doing same thing over and over again continuously until I become competent in it (sometimes which was like more than 50 times).
https://www.physicsforums.com/showpost.php?p=2452100&postcount=3

I got the problem you described very early in the age as I just posted in one other thread unconsciously. I am reluctant to change because I don't see the other side attractive enough, currently I am happy, and lastly I fail to determine what would be best for me but then sometimes I do feel like I should change when I am not happy. Another thing is that I fail to maintain close relationships (family/close friends who stay with after work). It is hard to find a benchmark against which you can compare and evaluate your life so I continue to live as such and find happiness in the means available to me.

I cannot advice anything other than providing personal opinion about this issue.
 
Noxide said:
Hope this isn't in the wrong forum, but I couldn't quite find a place to put this.

Do any of you have OCD?

I think I might have it because I often engage in repetitive behaviours. I'm not satisfied with myself unless I do every question in a section and get every question correct. I find myself visiting the same few websites every 5 or so minutes to check for updates. If I am given a question which peaks my interest I will spend countless hours thinking/researching it.

If you guys have some tips for breaking out of habits, then by all means let me know.

Admittedly doing every question is a good thing, but I can't have a life because of this...

Thanks

Something to keep in mind, there are many disorders which have "obsessive-compulsive" as a symptom. In order for it to be obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it has to be intrusive thoughts/compulsions (unwanted). There are many other disorders out there. Plus it has to take up at least an hour of your day, as listed in the symptoms. Everyone has obsessive-compulsive tendencies in some area of their live, but it has to be clinical to make it as a diagnosis.
 
Everyone has obsessive-compulsive tendencies in some area of their live
That's what I always assumed. Like if I have a string hanging off my shirt, it'll continuously bug me until I can cut it.
I can't just simply not think about it until I can cut it; it keeps bugging me until I forget about it or I pull it out with my hand and make it a lot worse.
 
Noxide said:
Yep. My doc suggested it.

There aren't really any medications for it. Just coping strategies.
Was just wondering if some people had them, OCD or not.

Go see a specialist if your regular doctor suspects it. There ARE medications if it IS OCD, but often a GP can just say that they suspect it could be what you have, not that you definitely have that. A psychiatrist can make a better diagnosis and provide treatment if you need it.
 
  • #10
Hi!
The question is what is the life you want to lead?

If you know the life you want to lead, then it's easier to break out of it since you know of something else you can be doing.

Or, apply the cold turkey method. Say for one day. Then you can tell yourself, "since I managed to pull it off for a day, I can similarly do it again. It's not that difficult".

Hope that helps. :)
 

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