Obsessive-compulsive disorder, also known as OCD, is a common, chronic, and long-lasting mental health disorder that causes a person to have recurring and uncontrollable thoughts. We refer to these as obsessions. People with this condition also suffer from compulsions that involve the urge to repeat certain actions again and again. Sometimes psychiatrists will prescribe anti-anxiety medication to people with this condition. But what happens when taking medication becomes more of a compulsion than a routine? Learn more about what you can do through our OCD treatment program today.
OCD Is Ruining My Life: What Can I Do?
OCD is a disorder that causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges. As a result, many people who have it engage in repetitive behaviors. It’s often hard for them to live normal lives and maintain healthy relationships. Explaining OCD to people who haven’t heard of it is difficult, and explaining compulsive habits is tiresome.
While OCD is curable, most people show some symptoms for the rest of their lives. Because of that, living day to day is demanding unless they learn how to deal with the disorder. Learning to live with OCD is important because hardship can lead to drug abuse. If you say, “OCD is ruining my life,” you can use some tips from our mental health treatment center to make dealing with it easier.
Manage Your Hunger
When people get hungry, it’s common for them to get a little angry. With that said, studies show that people with OCD tend to get angry and upset faster when they’re hungry. If you have OCD, it’s important to eat small meals more often rather than large lunches and dinners.
However, why does getting hungry affect people with OCD in such an extreme way? Experts believe that it has to do with a drop in blood sugar. It affects people with OCD in a more extreme way than individuals without this disorder.
How can you keep your energy levels up? Try to carry healthy snacks with you, such as seeds and nuts. Also, foods that are high in protein, such as meats, beans, and eggs, provide your body with more fuel. Lastly, eat complex carbohydrate snacks such as whole grains, fruits, and veggies to keep your blood sugar levels steady.
Learn to Relax
OCD is ruining my life. Having this thought frequently can cause extreme stress. Therefore, staying cool and calm is a significant challenge for people with OCD. Once they lose their cool, it’s harder for them to mellow out. For that reason, it’s important to learn coping skills that induce relaxation.
For example, relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation can help. Although, everyone has a different way to relax. Some people go for walks, while others like to talk. Whatever it is that helps you to relax, do it for about 30 minutes to return to normal.
We Can Help You With OCD and Addiction
People who struggle with OCD often develop substance use disorder as well. The reason is that they use the drugs to cover up the symptoms of the disorder. However, the only way to truly get over an addiction is to deal with the underlying issue. At Crestview Recovery, we offer unique programs that help you overcome addiction, including:
For the most part, all mental health concerns provide some kind of challenge that you have to overcome. However, some obstacles seem to be more trouble than others. For example, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can be challenging to control.
Learn more about what to do if you are struggling with OCD. Get treatment for your disorder and overcome addiction. Call or use our contact form to get more information today.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
