OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Check, Check and Check Again!
OCD or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is a common condition which starts in the mind, causing a person to have obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviours. It affects, men, women and children and can develop at any age. OCD can be very distressing and can cause a lot of disruption with a persons life not to mention the time it can take for you to feel ready to leave the house or complete the daily rituals!
There are many ways that OCD can manifest such as checking that a door is locked several times even though the person knows that they did originally lock it., checking windows are shut, flicking a switch on and off several times, often voicing the words on/off aloud or in their heads. Unplugging all the plugs from the wall sockets over and over – Washing hands repeatedly feeling that they are still dirty even though its impossible for them to be so, having to straighten a picture many times until it is just right and the list goes on and on. Many people I have previously worked with have said how embarrassed they feel about OCD. I have been told often that they hide their habit from their loved ones, causing even more anxiety at the thought of being found out. The compulsive thoughts are very powerful and real to the person with OCD. As a bystander or member of any family who live with someone with OCD the rituals and compulsions would be hard to understand but are felt deeply but the person with the condition.
What causes OCD?
Everything we do or feel starts in the mind. The way we think commands the way we feel. We cannot feel an emotion or do an action unless we think it. Often these thoughts are thought unconsciously. The thoughts will trigger a signal to the body to feel/act in a certain way. Often OCD is a response to unresolved stress sometimes from long ago. Stress causes sensations in the body. Once a pattern of negative thought is fixed in the mind, the physiology (body) will respond in a certain way. For example, if through OCD you think the words “have I locked the door” the thought will trigger uncomfortable feelings in the body and the feeling of compulsion comes over you to go and check just in case. Once the OCD pattern is playing in your mind, you will not be able to relax until you are sure that door is locked. I have known many people who take over an hour a day to leave the house for work. So much time is wasted, and many people with OCD feel ashamed about their habits but the feelings are so strong they have to go through their ritual before they feel right again.
How does Hypnotherapy help?
Hypnotherapy is very effective in treating and resolving OCD. Since Hypnosis works with the thought process of the mind, it is a very easy way to change the unwanted pattern. By breaking the connection between their thoughts and feelings with certain techniques, the person can eliminate the uncomfortable feelings of compulsion. It is easier than you may think to get back in control and learn to relax and become calm. Hypnotherapy is a very gentle but powerful way to release you from unwanted negative patterns. Imagine how good its going to feel to do something “just the once” and move on without giving it a second thought.
Choose to let go of OCD – call now to book an appointment on 07922 222011
Thanks for reading – Carol