OCD Therapy Brisbane Northside
Some people find themselves indecisive whether to seek help or not for their Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder or OCD. Having others find out what is going on in your head can be scary and embarrassing. Ubuntu Medical can provide the support system that Brisbane Northside residents diagnosed with OCD need.
Living a normal life, even with OCD is possible. However, this requires a balance of three factors: understanding what OCD is, having a healthy lifestyle, and undergoing therapy. This balance will enable people afflicted with OCD to set realistic goals and live a stress-free life.
Understanding OCD
OCD is a behavioral pattern of having unreasonable thoughts and fears that leads people to repetitive behaviors. The obsession with this repetitive behavior causes distress and interferes with the daily activities.
A person with OCD may ignore these compulsive behaviors but this increases the urge to do it. These increased urges causes distress and anxiety. Even with great efforts to get rid of the bothersome behavior, they keep coming back until it becomes a vicious cycle.
Having OCD often centers around themes. For example, an person can have a fear of contamination with germs. As a result, he or she may compulsively wash hands until they become sore.
It is important to let people suffering from OCD know it is nothing to be ashamed of. Becoming aware of the symptoms is the first step in recognising OCD and going through an intervention to manage it.
Some of the symptoms include:
- Fear of contamination or dirt
- Need to see things in order
- Inflicting harm to others or to self
- Recurrence of unwanted thoughts, including sexual images or aggression
Having a Healthy Lifestyle
An individual’s lifestyle choices matter. Nutrition greatly affects mood and behavior. Modification on this aspect can produce positive effects if you are suffering from OCD. It is suggested that protein, nuts and seeds, and complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can keep the blood sugar steady. In this way, the energy can also be maintained at sustainable levels. Small, frequent meals are also recommended rather than taking big meals.
Meditation can also contribute to calming OCD thoughts. Meditation can relax the nervous system. It works best with one of the recommended therapies for OCD – the Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.
It is important to consult with a clinical psychologist to make sure these options are added to the treatment plan. Remember, it is best to work on measures that suit your needs.
Undergoing OCD Therapy Brisbane Northside
There are several treatments that an OCD patient can undertake. One of the most common is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy or CBT. This is where the patient is focused on creating strategies to manage negative thinking, behaviour, and emotions. Through this, the patient learns new ways to process the negative stimulus to develop a healthy coping mechanism. Behavioural therapists assist patients in evaluating themselves as well as their thoughts and actions.
There are several CBT methods. Two of the most common are ERP and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT). In administering ERP, patients are exposed to the source of the fear until he or she is desensitized and can act without any compulsions to neutralize the fear. ACT, on the other hand, practices mindfulness. It is applied to develop a more open and flexible thinking.
At Ubuntu Medical, we also do mental health care plans. We also offer other services. For a full list, click HERE.