Obsessions can change in nature and severity and do not respond to logic. Obsessive fears usually move beyond a specific trigger – for example, a bottle of coolant – to include anything that might look like it or have been near it, such as cars, car keys, a puddle on the road, supermarket shelves and petrol stations. They may also be triggered by physical objects, situations, smells or something heard on television, radio or in a conversation. Obsessions may be constantly on a person’s mind. excessive concerns about illness, religious issues or morality.excessive concern with symmetry, exactness and orderliness.intrusive thoughts and images about sex, violence, accidents and other issues.This may include an excessive sense of responsibility for preventing this harm fear of harm from illness, accidents or death that may occur to oneself or to others.fear of contamination from germs, dirt, poisons, and other physical and environmental substances.Obsessions are usually exaggerated versions of concerns and worries that most people have at some time. However, they feel unable to control their obsessions or resist their compulsions. People with OCD are usually aware of the irrational and excessive nature of their obsessions and compulsions. They also perform repetitive and ritualistic actions that are excessive, time-consuming and distressing (compulsions). People with OCD experience recurrent and persistent thoughts, images or impulses that are intrusive and unwanted (obsessions). It usually begins in late childhood or early adolescence. Contact us today and learn how we can provide support and healing.Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder that affects two to three percent of the population (more than 500,000 Australians). At MidCities Psychiatry, we can help you or someone you know who is having obsessive thoughts find calm. In any case, it’s still best to seek professional help from a psychiatric expert. As you do so, focus on your breathing so as to break your mind’s concentration on these thoughts. Look for a peaceful place, sit comfortably down, close your eyes, and take long deep breaths. If you feel overwhelmed by obsessive thinking, consider doing deep breathing exercises. These include talking to friends and family, doing a wholesome creative activity, or taking a stroll around town. Take note of the scenarios that act as triggers to these episodes.Īpart from recording these episodes, you should also practice mindfulness and keep track of the things that bring mental calm. It helps to write down how these thoughts are affecting how you act and communicate with others, so consider getting a journal to document your thoughts as they occur. From there, it becomes easier to determine how your thought patterns, and the triggers that bring out these patterns. Denial won’t solve the problem, so it’s best to confront the condition. Treating obsessive thoughts starts with acknowledging the problem. What to do when you have obsessive thoughts? These can also trigger depression and panic attacks in some people and may lead to social detachment.įortunately, like many mental health conditions, obsessive thinking can be dealt with through mindfulness and professional intervention. Left untreated, obsessive thoughts can interfere with a person’s performance at work and in social situations. ![]() When it happens, a person may experience intense anxiety and an inability to stay focused on a certain task or activity. Whereas overthinking occurs in the short term, obsessive thinking can recur during certain times. It’s healthy, but it becomes unhealthy when we start to obsess over thoughts that may or may not pose a direct threat. After all, it’s part of our fight-or-flight instinct to analyze a potentially fatal or worrisome situation. ![]() Overthinking comes naturally to a lot of people. ![]() What are the effects of obsessive thoughts? In any case, paying too much attention to unwanted thoughts can have serious implications for individuals who suffer from obsessive thinking. This can lead to a condition we all know as obsessive-compulsive disorder. People who experience this condition mention a feeling of inadequacy when such thoughts bring up past errors and mistakes.Īt times, the same people may obsess over small details. Too much mental clutter as a result of obsessive can affect your ability to perform in day-to-day life.Ĭonsidered as a form of anxiety disorder, obsessive thinking is defined by the occurrence and recurrence of negative and distressing thoughts. Much to this remarkable feat, however, we can only do so much with the thoughts that play up in our heads. ![]() From daydreams to past memories, the human brain is capable of performing operations faster than a personal computer. According to a Canadian study from Queen’s University, the average person processes close to 6,200 thoughts per day.
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