There’s no denying the challenges of living with OCD. This disorder can have a devastating impact on your life, but it doesn’t have to. An OCD treatment program can teach you coping skills and help you access medications and other therapies to reduce the severity of OCD symptoms.
It’s possible to enjoy a full and satisfying life and cultivate healthy relationships with an OCD diagnosis. Call Promises at 844.875.5609 to enroll in an OCD treatment program today.
Tips for Managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is more than a dislike of germs; it can be an isolating and severe condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Myths about what OCD is or isn’t can be hurtful for those living with the disorder. More than that, social stigma can prevent people from getting the help they need and deserve.
One of the first tips for living with OCD is to educate yourself about the disorder. The more you understand the condition, the better you will be able to advocate for yourself and others when faced with people who misunderstand what obsessive-compulsive disorder really is.
Other tips that have helped many people include:
- Have regular checkups with a mental health professional and follow their recommendations
- Stay committed to your treatment plan and take medications as prescribed
- Occupy yourself with productive activities such as exercise, school, work, and hobbies
- Avoid drugs and alcohol
- Attend and participate in OCD support groups
- Learn stress management skills like yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises
- Practice self-care by eating a healthy diet, getting adequate sleep, exercising regularly, and participating in activities you enjoy, including social activities
Surrounding yourself with supporting and understanding people also helps. You might invite family members and close friends to attend support group meetings with you, for example. This will help them learn how to better support you while also taking care of themselves.
A Word on Substance Use and OCD
Many people with undiagnosed or untreated mental health disorders like OCD self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. While substance use can provide temporary relief from symptoms, it makes matters worse in the long run. If you suspect you have an alcohol or substance use disorder, seek treatment.
OCD and Relationships
OCD can put a strain on personal and professional relationships, but that doesn’t mean you can’t build strong bonds or pursue your career goals.
There’s also a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder known as “relationship OCD.” When OCD symptoms are relationship-centered, a person might have intrusive thoughts that cause them to constantly question the value of the relationship or ruminate on whether the person is a good match.
No matter your symptoms, remember that OCD is a condition you are living with; it is not who you are. When it comes to OCD and relationships, the best approach is to be proactive.
The more you try to hide your symptoms, the more they will get in the way of building trust. Speak to your significant other or employer about OCD. Provide them with resources that will help them understand the disorder. Let them know you are willing to talk about OCD and how the symptoms affect you.
Managing relationships is never easy, and living with OCD can complicate things. If you are committed to building honest, healthy relationships with others, obsessive-compulsive disorder will become a side note in your relationship, not the focus.
Start OCD Treatment at Promises Today
Education and treatment can help you manage OCD symptoms and cope with the stigma that’s often attached to mental health disorders. Practice good self-care, and don’t be afraid to talk openly about the condition with people you trust.
Being diagnosed with OCD doesn’t mean you can’t live a full, happy life with close relationships and personal successes. To learn how our obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment program can help, call Promises at 844.875.5609 or use our online contact form.