I define obsessive-compulsive disorder as being captive to your own thoughts. You are imprisoned by your own thoughts, and guess who the warden is? You!
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that is characterized by repetitive actions that seem impossible to stop. What this means is that you keep doing things over and over again to perfect them even when they are already perfect. There are different stages of obsessive-compulsive disorder, and people who are struggling with OCD are dealing with trauma that emanates from different levels and aspects of their lives.
I am suffering from this disorder, and it has been a struggle with a lot of things. I believe that as I begin to share and seek help, I will be on my way to recovery. I know this doesn't happen overnight, but if you know anyone with OCD, just know that these are their struggles.
The mind of an OCD sufferer
Growing up, I always desired my own room. I wanted my space to be neat, tidy, and just the way I envisioned it in my mind. What I can vividly remember when I started using hand sanitizers was when my mom's friend brought a mini pocket hand sanitizer to my house and told my mom about this pocket sanitizer, which was advertised at her workplace by a seller, and how important it is to always carry around a hand sanitizer. She also told my mom that she could eat without washing her hands if there wasn't any resource available at that point to wash her hands; that she could use the sanitizer in place of water in that case; and that it was safe. I was standing at the gate with my mom, and to me, that was a very good product. I was still growing, but I do not remember how old I was when this happened.I had mild OCD growing up, and during my secondary education at a boarding school facility, I couldn't stand a lot of things. I got easily irritated and always arranged my cupboard over and over again.
Getting to Ukraine I lived alone for the most part, but my OCD gradually worsened with time. When the coronavirus outbreak was announced, it progressed even further. I was terrified and got all the products recommended to kill germs and bacteria. I didn't go out during the quarantine. I obeyed every COVID-19 rule, but the bad side of this was that my OCD became worse, and I think even along the line, a lot of people developed OCD.
As a person suffering from OCD, my brain keeps running 24/7. I get stressed out easily, and I just can't help myself but make sure everything is just the way I want it to be.
For me, OCD happens this way.
It's not just about what the people around me see. It's a struggle to resist the urge to wash, clean, and rearrange a place over and over again. My brain is never at rest when I am awake. I keep imagining the worst scenarios for how I could be infected with bacteria. People around me sometimes don't understand. It affects my mood, and I just want you all to know that people with severe OCD are struggling and need to be treated nicely.
If you know anyone suffering from this condition, please be nice to them, and encourage them, and one strong tip to help them is to stop scattering what they have arranged or put in place. Be neat and tidy around them, and avoid things that cause triggers, because this will help them stay a long time without having to arrange or do something with regards to repetitive actions. When the brain is less exposed to the activities that cause you to do things with prolonged absences, you tend to gradually forget these activities. I call it the "gradual step-down" method of OCD recovery.
There are things I do not do as a person suffering from OCD. In the past years, I have only had four visitors in my house, and these were three friends and the house owner. Their visit wasn't regular because I felt having people in my house increased my exposure to germs. I am not comfortable with giving handshakes; I give side hugs; I don't touch handles and rails. I don't use public toilets, etc. I get scared easily, and when I touch something that isn't clean, I get terrified and very uncomfortable. I am no longer able to concentrate until I wash my hands. I often have vaginal disbalance due to excessive washing, which results in changes in the pH and the natural microflora present in the vagina.
Oftentimes, I am afraid of using the restroom in my house, even as clean as it is. I have a lot of restrictions that I know I can be free from, but the more I try, the less it works because my imagination keeps screaming at me and it is hard for me to express myself sometimes. It makes me anxious and unhappy sometimes, and occasionally I keep pacing around as a result of this.
Life can sometimes be selfish and all about me, which I know is wrong, but how can I help myself?
Please take note that this can affect men, women, and children. You should be careful not to unintentionally propagate this disorder in children and help them as soon as you notice it.
Obsessive disorder can be linked to a family history of the disorder, caused by differences in the brain, life events like being bullied, abused, or ignored, and personality traits like being neat, methodical, and having high standards.
The major signs of OCD are:
Obsessions: A persistent, unwanted, and frequently upsetting idea, image, or urge invades your head. emotions: The obsession results in a strong sense of anxiety or distress.
Compulsive: Repetitive actions or thoughts that a person with OCD feels driven to do because of the anxiety and pain caused by the obsession.
Even though I need to take a practical step toward seeing a therapist, I did some research on how OCD can be treated, and here is what I have to share.
There are two main treatments recommended by the NHS, which are:
Psychological therapy. This is a type of therapy that helps you face your fears and unwanted thoughts without having to engage in compulsions to "fix" them. You need to see a GP or therapist.
Antidepressant medication can be prescribed to assist in adjusting the chemical balance in your brain.
These drugs have side effects.
You can also join OCD support groups in your area run by national charities like OCD Action, OCD-UK, and TOP UK.
Today I urge you to see through the eyes, racing brains, and fighting minds of people with obsessive-compulsive disorder and help someone by sharing this article and being nice. This condition can cause people to become suicidal. Be kind and don't judge them because they are constantly fighting a battle you sometimes don't see.
Thank you for taking the time to read. Have a nice day.
Are you depressed? Here are a few ways to cheer yourself up and clear your mind:.
Everyone experiences times when they are depressed, tired, or anxious. These phases eventually pass, but occasionally you can become emotionally and mentally mired in a rut. Here are some ways to help you get out of that situation when it occurs.
Get going.
Exercise increases the release of endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals released by the brain.
The British Journal of Sports Medicine recently published an online review of over 1,000 trials. The review revealed that individuals who regularly engaged in physical activity, such as walking, resistance training, Pilates, and yoga, experienced lower levels of anxiety and improved symptoms related to mild depression when compared to sedentary individuals.
According to additional research, aerobic exercise can have a significant impact on mood. Dr. Darshan Mehta, medical director of the Harvard-affiliated Massachusetts General Hospital's Benson-Henry Institute for Mind-Body Medicine, says that any kind of exercise is beneficial. "Your exercise could be as simple as tending your garden or working on house projects," according to him. "The point is to get moving, and move often."
Spend time in nature.
Not sure if you should apologize?
How do you genuinely apologize?
For an apology to be effective, it has to be genuine. Making an accepted and successful apology acknowledges responsibility by accepting that your actions caused the other person pain that was not good. You want to express to yourself that you truly feel sorry and care about the person who was hurt. Make amends immediately or later, but do not make promises you cannot keep.According to the late psychiatrist Dr. Aaron Lazare, who is an apology expert and former chancellor and dean of the University of Massachusetts Medical School, a good apology has to contain these four elements:
Acknowledge the offense you have committed. Take responsibility for the offense, no matter whether it was physical or psychological harm, and assert that your behavior was not acceptable. Avoid making an apology in a way that downplays the pain or raises doubts about whether the victim was truly harmed, as well as using evasive or ambiguous language.
Explain what happened. Explain what happened without excusing it. In fact, sometimes the best strategy is to say that there is no excuse for what you have done.
Express remorse and be real about it. If you feel sorry or ashamed about your actions and errors, this is all part of expressing how remorseful you are.
Offer to make amends if you can. A good example is if you destroy someone's property, repair it, or replace it.
Example of a heartfelt apology
What is fitspiration?
Why is fitspiration a problem?
A study of #fitspiration: Do these social media updates genuinely motivate exercise?
- They showed nudity or revealing clothing by wearing bikinis at the gym.
- sexualized the person exercising, such as by focusing on a woman's breasts or buttocks.
- Included are pictures of people with extreme body types, like those who are excessively muscular or terribly underweight.
- They did not focus on health; their messages promoted thinness or other negative messages.
- contained fitness information in three or fewer posts out of 15.
Did you know that over 58 million American adults, which is more than one in five, live with mental illnesses like anxiety, depression, or bipolar disorder? Surprisingly, more women than men seek treatment for these challenges.
However, there's a lingering stigma around mental health, making it difficult for those dealing with these issues. Dr. Arthur Barsky from Brigham and Women's Hospital explains that this stigma can affect people's morale and recovery. Feeling labeled and isolated can worsen depression or anxiety, leading to problems like substance abuse or social withdrawal.
The good news is that science is helping break down these old beliefs. Advances like brain imaging show that certain mental disorders cause structural changes in the brain, reducing the stigma around mental health.
For those dealing with mental health challenges, here are some strategies to overcome stigma:
1. Embrace Treatment: Don't let labels stop you from seeking the help you need, whether it's therapy, medication, or both. There are effective treatments available.
2. Separate Yourself from Your Illness: Remember that your condition doesn't define you. Instead of saying "I'm bipolar," say "I have bipolar disorder."
3. Don't Take Comments Personally: People might say the wrong things, but it often says more about them than you. Consider their perspective rather than internalizing their words.
4. Share Your Story: If comfortable, share your experiences to correct misinformation and help others understand better. It might be challenging, but it can be incredibly beneficial.
Additionally, if you're considering therapy, here are some tips to get the most out of it:
1. Choose Your Therapist Wisely: Look for someone who specializes in your specific problem and with whom you feel comfortable.
2. Treat Therapy as Teamwork: It's a collaboration where you lead initially, but over time, your therapist provides guidance.
3. Be Vulnerable: Open up about your experiences and feelings, even if it's uncomfortable.
4. Take Prescribed Medications: If your therapist recommends medication, take it as prescribed. Ask about side effects and work with your clinician to make the best choice.
5. Define Success: Set goals with your therapist to create a framework for progress, understanding that therapy is a process, not a quick fix.
6. Be Patient: Effective therapy takes time, and it's okay if progress is gradual. Be patient with yourself throughout the journey.
Depositphotos
Seasonal affective disorder can be treated and managed with the use of light therapy and medicines.
The winter season brings chilly days and cozy vibes, but for some, it also ushers in a condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). SAD is a form of depression that kicks in during late fall and winter, easing off with the arrival of spring. While the exact cause remains a mystery, researchers believe a lack of sunlight plays a pivotal role.
Dr. Richard Schwartz, an associate professor of psychiatry at Harvard-affiliated McLean Hospital, emphasizes the significance of recognizing SAD as a serious condition. He notes, "People should not ignore the signs of SAD and should seek treatment if they appear, as left alone, SAD can escalate to serious health issues."
Sunlight and Your Mood
Sunlight exposure has a profound impact on our brains. It stimulates the hypothalamus, a brain region housing our internal sleep-wake clock. Insufficient light disrupts this clock, leading to an overproduction of the sleep hormone melatonin and a decrease in serotonin, the feel-good brain chemical. This chemical imbalance can result in feelings of low energy, lethargy, and depression.
SAD comes with other telltale signs, including diminished sexual desire, an inclination to overeat (especially comfort foods), and sleep disturbances. It also correlates with cognitive challenges like difficulties in concentration and memory. Dr. Schwartz adds, "As you become more lethargic from SAD, you are also less likely to exercise or socialize."
Several factors heighten the risk of SAD, such as a family history of SAD or depression and geographic location. People residing in northern states, where daylight diminishes significantly in fall and winter, are more prone to SAD than those in the south.
Sticky thoughts aren't just a mental annoyance – they can mess with your concentration, fuel feelings of shame and fear, and even harm your self-esteem. Over time, they might lead to social isolation, making some folks reluctant to leave home.
Making friends and improving health by getting over loneliness
These are the tips that will help you.
1. Look for people with similar beliefs.You can make friends more quickly with people who like the same things you do.
First, think about what you like. Do you read a lot, watch a lot of movies, study history, farm, eat a lot, have a dog, or play sports? Are you really interested in a good cause, your neighborhood, or your history? Do you collect things? Are you crazy about old cars? Do you like changing the way old furniture looks? You might want to learn something new, like how to cook a Nigerian dish or speak a new language. If you are interested in any of these hobbies or things you want to try, Look for clubs, charity workshops, classes, or online groups that can help you achieve them.
When you join a group, you have to keep going to it so that you can make friends. It would be great if you could be there in person.
2. Learn how to get along with others.
Sometimes the simple social skills that help us really connect with other people get rusty over time. You'll be happier if you're not just hoping that someone will notice how interesting you are.
How to get better:
Make more smiles. When you smile, you make other people feel welcome and at ease.
Make things interesting. Are you ready to talk or ask something? One idea is to talk about the news or why everyone is here (if it's a class, ask someone how long they've been interested in the subject). Or, find something to talk about. That person may be wearing a pretty pin. See if there's a story behind it.
Try your best to listen. As you listen, show that you are interested in what they have to say. You can look at them, nod your head, or say "Mmm" while they talk to help. Feel like everyone is waiting to hear what you have to say.
There are more things you should ask. Don't go away when someone tells you they have an interesting story. If they hint at something, show that you're interested and ask them to go into more detail. They're leaving clues that will lead to a more in-depth talk.
3. Make chances happen.
If you don't want to join someone else's group, make your own. Hold events at your home or somewhere else. It only takes three people. You can say something like, "Let's read books, talk about a TV show, or have dinner together every week."
Here are some other ideas for weekly or monthly get-togethers:
- Nights with games
- A night of trivia
- Hiking in beautiful parks, walks on the beach, trips to museums, cooking, knitting, sewing, or crafting, shopping, day trips to nearby towns, making jewelry, collecting comic books, old dolls, and baseball cards, and showing off your collection
If they want to, set up times and places to get together regularly. The idea might only be thought about unless something changes. Don't be shy.
Even if you don't become friends, chatting can still be useful. The people who interacted with strangers, coworkers, friends, and family the most were happier than the people who interacted with the fewest types of people. This was found in a study from 2022.
Finally, talking to a lot of different people is good for your health, whether it's the cashier at the grocery store, a neighbor, an old friend, or a new friend. All of these connections might make you feel less lonely.
Good morning everyone! Today, I am excited to discuss the fascinating topic of intergenerational friendships and the unexpected health benefits they bring. We often find comfort and companionship within our own age group, but what happens when we step out of our comfort zones and form connections with individuals who are much older or younger than us? These unique friendships can be like rare birds, offering a stimulating blend of experiences, attitudes, and approaches that have the potential to greatly enhance our lives. Not only do these friendships transcend age barriers, but they also contribute to our overall well-being. So, let's dive into the captivating world of intergenerational friendships.
1. Breaking Down Age Barriers:
As Dr. Ronald Siegel, an assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, states, confining ourselves to alliances within our peer group can be a limiting experience. Embracing intergenerational friendships requires us to let go of biases about generations and approach others with curiosity. By doing so, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of intelligence, insights, and awareness that exist across different eras. These friendships allow us to learn and grow as individuals.
2. The Impact on Mind and Body:
Research published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science reveals that friendships, regardless of age, have a positive impact on our physical and mental health. Trust and mutual support in these relationships have been found to lower stress levels and blood pressure, as well as help regulate blood pressure during stressful periods. Dr. Siegel emphasizes that when people have relationships built on trust, they thrive.
3. Embracing a Youthful Outlook:
Interestingly, intergenerational friendships can also influence our perception of age. A study published in the European Journal of Aging shows that older adults with friends who are more than 10 years younger tend to feel younger themselves and have greater satisfaction with the aging process. This self-perception can potentially lead to health advantages and longer life expectancy, as earlier research suggests.