Help for OCD

Taking the Initiative to change

When it comes to getting help for OCD, it often seems as if every treatment requires the use of medication. While some favor the approach or believe it is their only option, others find it unacceptable due to personal preference or undesired side effects.

There are reports concluding those suffering with OCD are condemned to a life time of prescription medication, implying they are victims of their own mind. Many have bought into the idea these symptoms stem from irreversible chemical imbalances or genetic defects; meaning there are no choices other than to be medicated.

Fortunately, none of these ideas are scientific fact. While popular, these incomplete conclusions assume those with OCD are incompetent or unable to change without medication. There are many causes of obsessions and at times medication is needed, but this is not the case for a good percentage of people. All one has to do is read the labels on their prescription medications, which in some form or another clearly state “OCD is “believed” to be caused by a chemical imbalance, but some form of therapy should be sought in conjunction to treat OCD.”

If something is believed to be true, it is not a fact, rather an assumption. That therapy is recommended, indicates the medical field also acknowledges the person can influence changes that will improve their lives and alter the condition. That it is necessary the persons thinking and emotional states will be balanced through on their own accord, not over run by medication.

There are also misconceptions about the benefits of therapy or counseling. Some feel it is a waste of time and only weak minded people seek it out.

Others seek alternative methods to combat OCD, such as meditation, prayer, vitamins or herbal supplements. These are wonderful complimentary practices, but on their own will seldom be powerful enough to overcome or change the underlining issues creating obsessive thought processes.

Why Many Needlessly Remain Stuck

The average person with OCD will spend years researching the subject, trying to make sure they don’t approach it from the wrong angle. Others want the magic bullet, the “Give me that one thing that will fix me.” Those with OCD are not broken, nor do they need to be fixed. But they do need to take actions that will produce change. Years of research does not equate taking action.

Any sensitivities surrounding OCD need to be addressed. If overlooked or minimized, altering obsessive patterns can be difficult. At Designed Thinking we not only understand the complexities of obsessive thought patterns, but the emotional support needed to turn sensitivities around. Without a safe and supportive individualize approach, the person may still find themselves seeking help decades later.

Keep in mind everyone obsesses differently. There is no single answer or reason a person becomes fixated on a particular thought, any more than there is a single reason for people feeling anxious. Every obsession is backed by non-supportive thought processes, ones different from the OCD; real issues needing to be addressed.

While we can place people into the categories of different OCD symptoms, how someone creates and experiences OCD is still their own unique process. Their perspectives and how they see the world needs to be respected. Trying force someone with OCD to change to someone else’s standards is an exercise in futility.

When clients with OCD are allowed to create perspectives and habits that truly support their overall well being, neurological shifts can occur. They become more mindful and begin resolving conflicts. They become more effective at dealing with background sensitivities, thus making it less likely to fixate on unwanted obsessions.

Avoidance only prolongs suffering

Avoidance of help only prolongs the process of suffering and over time, obsessions may intensify. Hoping OCD will go away or just stop on its own is wishful thinking. Wishful thinking without appropriate action eventually leaves one feeling hopeless about their situation

It’s no secret, that without action, nothing will change. The unwanted thoughts or behaviors of OCD aren’t going to magically go away. No one becomes more effective at dealing with repetitive thought processes unless they are willing to do something different. This begins by finding someone to work with, someone who understands the structure of OCD

Will Power will not satisfy irrational ideas or behaviors

Those suffering from OCD try to rationalize their obsessions, as if that really addresses their emotional needs. Loved ones speak to them about common sense; yet it goes on deaf ears because no amount of reassurance satisfies the irrational. Unfortunately, the more irrational thoughts become, the more people try to use logic to combat what they don’t fully understand. They get more facts on OCD, yet the information alone doesn’t change how someone processes their thoughts and emotions.

Positive thinking isn’t going to make obsessions disappear. When the mind is locked onto an idea, the illusion of happy thoughts will not make OCD disappear. Strong impulses and urges tend to override the positive outcomes of well intended ideas.

So what options do OCD sufferers have? What really needs to be addressed? How is someone able to create long lasting change without the use of long term medication?

Changing Emotional and Mental Patterns

Each of us has an influence on how we process information and emotions. Our choices; consciously or unconsciously support us or minimize our abilities to effectively respond. Some will subconsciously developed thought patterns which limit choice and become self defeating. With OCD, inner conflicts must be resolved or integrated. Additional cognitive abilities are created to offer alternative choices.

There is help for OCD. Thought patterns are not predetermined. Emotional patterns are not predetermined. How we respond to the world is not predetermined. These complex interactions are created or learned and while we are creatures of habits, these attributes can be changed.

From a neurological perspective, there is little difference between the process of how the mind and body creates positive or negative patterns, other than one offers choice and options, the other inhibits it. This means we have influence on our patterns, if they are addressed in a way allowing for change

When clients begin addressing root causes and structural issues underneath OCD differently; they begin creating new choices, giving themselves the option to cope with stress and unwanted ideas in new ways. While stress may be part of the human experience, staying stuck in what is undesired is not a necessity.

“This time last year I was at a point where I couldn’t help myself. I wonder today where I would be now if I hadn’t begun talking to you and been guided to the place I am now, where I am so grateful for the help you have given.” Julie Pouliot, former OCD sufferer

OCD Symptoms are Not the Real Problem

Our thoughts support us or work against us; the mind has the ability to do either. There is no shame in being stuck, everyone has been there; yet it is a shame for those who stay there and feel life won’t get any better.

Those who have not experienced the relentless horrors of redundant thinking have difficulty understanding OCD. It’s hard to imagine the impact of a focused thought dictating the impulsive need to clean or hoard. It is challenging to comprehend an urge to check something over and over or to count meaningless numbers.

Worrying never changes anything, but you already know that. You want the OCD to stop or at least be manageable. Changing the approach to how we process stressful thoughts and emotions, becoming more mindful in dealing with adversity, stress and none supportive beliefs, alters how we feel. It can’t just be an intellectual process as, our emotions are part of the reality we construct within us.

At Designed Thinking we don’t claim to cure anyone. No one should lead you to believe they can because thoughts can’t be cured, since they are an intricate part of being human. However, we help clients change; change how they process thoughts, how they associate one idea to the next and how to release deep emotional burdens.

Our focus is to help clients utilizes their strengths, to not only stop unwanted thought processes but help them find better choices to navigate life. Our unique methodology of understanding how the mind holds on and releases thoughts and worry allows us to apply a customized format of working thought overwhelm and unwanted thoughts. Our clients’ literally “rework” their thought processes and let go!

Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t change, especially your thinking pattern. There is help for OCD and it is a sad place to be when people believe they are a victim of their own mind, to end up continually searching for intellectual answers while missing out on the ability to enjoy life. But of course, everyone has the choice to believe whatever they want.

Change requires action

It’s the only way meaningful change happens. At Designed Thinking we have helped lawyers, psychologists, CEO’s, top sales people, artists, actors, musicians, craftsmen, housewife’s, police officials, and research engineers, people from all walks of life effectively treat their OCD without medication.

Reading about OCD is the first step. It is why we offer a free 15 minute consultation. You have questions and can call our toll free number (866) 718-9995. Discuss your issues or just find out what options are available for your situation. You may also want to see what past Designed Thinking clients have to say about the changes they’ve made. Choice always exists. Minds can always change, thoughts and emotions can transform