Millions of Americans misuse prescription opioids annually, putting themselves at risk for addiction. Learn more about how an opioid addiction starts and the impact it can have on your closest relationships and social life.
Even if you’re receiving treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), there are other things you should be doing to manage your condition.
As a skilled psychiatrist, Richard E.Repass, MD, offers comprehensive general psychiatry services at Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment to diagnose and treat OCD. Dr. Repass can also help you address other OCD-related mental health disorders, like anxiety and depression.
While you may not be able to overcome OCD totally on your own, Dr. Repass can work with you on self-care habits you should practice to keep your symptoms in check.
OCD is a chronic, long-lasting disorder that causes obsessions (uncontrollable, recurring thoughts) and the urge to repeat certain compulsions (behaviors). People with OCD can experience a wide variety of symptoms that range from mild to severe.
Some of the most common are obsessions about germs, unwanted thoughts about sex or religion, or aggressive thoughts about themselves or others.
Those thoughts occur alongside repetitive behaviors, like excessive hand-washing, touching objects a certain number of times, or constantly reorganizing objects in a certain way.
Repetitive thoughts and compulsive behaviors can interfere with your daily responsibilities and overall quality of life. But with the right treatment plan, you can learn to manage your symptoms, better control your thoughts, and reduce the frequency of repetitive, compulsive behaviors.
Dr. Repass offers customized treatment plans using psychotherapy (talk therapy), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other strategies to treat OCD. He also works with you on a self-care plan to improve your quality of life. He provides these services in-office and through a convenient telemedicine platform.
There are several things you can do to better care for your general physical and mental health that also support relief of OCD symptoms. Here are some effective self-care tips you can try:
Stress can make your OCD symptoms worse. If you feel you’re often under pressure or stressed out, it may be time to reevaluate your lifestyle, your job, and other factors that contribute to your stress.
There are also a number of mindfulness techniques Dr. Repass can teach you to help you cope with stress more effectively. You may benefit from incorporating more exercise into your daily life to blow off excess stress. Yoga and meditation can also help you ease stress.
Just like stress, anxiety can worsen your OCD symptoms. The relaxation techniques you learn for OCD can also help keep your anxiety under control.
If you feel as if your anxiety is unmanageable on your own or completely out of your control, Dr. Repass may recommend medications along with CBT or psychotherapy to treat your symptoms.
In addition to exercise for stress reduction, you should exercise for at least 30 minutes every day to support your overall physical health.
Eat a healthy diet that incorporates a lot of fresh produce and limits processed foods. Practice a regular sleep schedule to ensure you get at least eight hours of sleep each night.
Connecting with loved ones you trust to openly discuss OCD and its effect on your life can take some of the weight off your shoulders. Social connection is also essential for your overall mental health.
It can also help to connect with peers who are working to manage their own OCD. There are groups that can offer the support you need from people who understand what you’re going through.
If you need help managing OCD, call us at Revolution Psychiatric and Addiction Treatment today to schedule a diagnostic consultation at our Mercer Island, Washington, office.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Millions of Americans misuse prescription opioids annually, putting themselves at risk for addiction. Learn more about how an opioid addiction starts and the impact it can have on your closest relationships and social life.
Excess alcohol use not only increases your risk for chronic illness, it can also lead to addiction. Learn how to recognize the warning signs of alcohol addiction and how medication-assisted treatments can support your recovery.
If you’re missing too many of your medical appointments because of work or transportation issues, you can benefit from the convenience telemedicine offers. Learn what services are available through the online telemedicine platform.
If you’ve tried quitting marijuana on your own without success, it may be time to consider the benefits of a natural detox program that reduces your cravings for up to two years. Learn more about cannabis addiction and how to overcome it for good.
Battling a kratom addiction on your own can be intimidating and overwhelming. If you can’t fight kratom cravings, it may be time to consider the benefits of BR+NAD™ infusion therapy. Here’s what you need to know.
Vaping has been touted as a safe alternative to smoking cigarettes, but what we already know shows the opposite may be true. Learn more about the dangers of vaping and how BR+NAD™ infusions can help you overcome a marijuana addiction.