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Obsessions

Obsessive anxiety disorders

Obsessive anxiety disorders can be very difficult to live with. One that many people struggle with is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, also known as OCD. There is also Obsessive Love Disorder. This can be a very debilitating mental health issue to live with. If you suffer from OCD you will experience unreasonable thoughts as well as fears, that can lead to obsessive behaviors.  People who have OCD might have a fear of germs, therefore they might wash their hands obsessively. Or you might have a compulsion to arrange certain objects in a specific order. You might have obsessions or compulsions or both. This can cause a lot of distress for those who suffer from OCD.

Those who have OCD often obsess about thinks that people wouldn’t normally worry about.  It is not about a person’s character but rather symptoms of an illness. It’s interesting to note that compulsions are often ways to cope with the obsessions a person might be experiencing. OCD can affect anyone at any time. The exact cause of OCD is unknown but certain factors such as a person’s history, biology, and life experiences can contribute towards it.

What are the symptoms of OCD?

  • circle3 Compulsive behavior
  • circle3 Social isolation
  • circle3 Agitation
  • circle3 Compulsive hoarding
  • circle3 Meaningless repetition of words
  • circle3 Hypervigilance
  • circle3 Repetitive movements
  • circle3 Ritualistic behavior
  • circle3 Anxiety
  • circle3 Apprehension
  • circle3 Guilt
  • circle3 Fear
  • circle3 Depression
  • circle3 Panic Attacks
  • circle3 Nightmares
  • circle3 Obsessive thoughts

If you are suffering from the above symptoms, you might feel embarrassed and ashamed, as people might not always understand OCD. Feeling this way can make it difficult to ask for help. It might be taking over your life, as obsessions and compulsions take time. The good news is that there is help for those who suffer from OCD. The choice is yours, but we would love to help you manage your OCD

The following treatments are available for OCD.

  • circle3 Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) works very well for OCD. CBT teaches you how your thoughts and feelings, as well as your behaviors all, work together. You will also learn how to think in a more positive way. With CBT you will learn how to manage stress and work on realistic thinking. Talk therapy can also help. Talking about you feel, can make you feel less alone.
  • circle3 There are also OCD support groups which are very helpful. You might feel alone if you have OCD but seeing others who are struggling with the same issues as you can help you feel less isolated and alone. Sharing experiences can also help you to learn from others.
  • circle3 Medications are also helpful for OCD. Antidepressants are often used to treat OCD. Anti-anxiety medications are less effective.

OCD facts

  • circle3 OCD affects 2% of the population
  • circle3 OCD usually affects families
  • circle3 OCD can start at any age
  • circle3 OCD affects men and women equally
  • circle3 Those who have OCD often exhibit abnormal metabolic activity rates in the frontal lobe and at the basal ganglia of the brain.
  • circle3 Those who have OCD often have clinical depression and panic attacks.

Seek help now to feel better

If you are struggling with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and you would like to seek help, please contact us today. We would love to help you manage your symptoms and help you to feel better. You don’t have to face this alone.

Phone: 204-515-6433

Fax: 204-272-9855

Pembina Location: 200-701 Pembina Hwy, Winnipeg MB, R3M 2L7

St. Mary’s Location: 125 St. Annes, Winnipeg MB, R2M 2Z1