Do you have obsessive thoughts? If so, you’re not alone. OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and it affects millions of people around the world. In this blog post, we will discuss 10 common OCD obsessions and how to deal with them.
Contents
What Are Obsessions?
Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, urges, or images that cause distress and repetitive behaviors. They are intense and intrusive thoughts that can be difficult to ignore or control. This can be of any type or form and can be related to a person’s physical or mental health.
Obsessions are usually irrational, exaggerated thoughts that can cause distress and anxiety. The focus of these thoughts is usually on safety, cleanliness, symmetry, orderliness, or sometimes something else entirely. People may have difficulty concentrating on tasks due to the intrusive nature of their obsessions.
Therefore, if you feel like your thoughts are out of control, it is important to seek help. People may find comfort in talking to a professional about their obsessions. And implementing techniques that can help them manage the intensity of their obsessions.
What Are Common OCD Obsessions?
If you understand the meaning of OCD, then you likely understand the obsessions associated with it. Here are the top 10 common OCD obsessions that one should be aware of:
Fear of contamination or illness
The very common OCD obsessions revolve around the fear of contamination or illness. People who suffer from this obsession often obsessively wash their hands and avoid public places and surfaces. And constantly worry about getting sick or passing on germs to others. This can be especially hard to deal with if the person is a healthcare provider. Or has a profession that requires them to come into contact with people or environments.
Excessive doubt
People with OCD often have excessive doubts, which can take the form of worrying about if they are doing something wrong or failing to do something. They may constantly question their decisions and doubt their own judgment. Further, they may become overwhelmed with anxiety if they are unable to make a decision.
Perfectionism
Another common OCD obsession might be perfectionism. People with this obsession may have an overwhelming need to do everything perfectly and be absolutely perfect in all aspects of their life. They also feel intense pressure to get everything “just right” and may become frustrated if they are not able to achieve this goal.
Concerns about religion
When someone with OCD starts to obsess over religious thoughts and ideas, this can become an obsession. They may worry if they are following the “correct” religion or obsess over the details of their faith. For example, someone might become overly concerned with the rules of their faith or the interpretation of religious texts.
Fear of harm
This seems to be a more common obsession with OCD. People may worry that they are going to harm themselves or someone else and become overwhelmed with fear. They might obsess over carrying out harmful acts and become preoccupied with thoughts of causing harm. It is more likely for this obsession to appear if the person is going through a difficult period in their life.
Unwanted sexual thoughts/images
This is another type of obsession with OCD, which can be extremely troubling and often embarrassing. People may have intrusive thoughts or images that they find distressing or offensive, such as sexual thoughts or images. For instance, someone with this obsession might feel guilty or ashamed if they have an unwanted sexual thought.
Order/Symmetry
Some people with OCD may become obsessed with order and symmetry. They might obsess over organizing their house or setting up items in a certain way. They might also try to perfectly align things or have the urge to keep everything neat and tidy. This obsession can be particularly difficult if it takes a lot of time and effort to maintain order.
Fear of losing control
Well, the common OCD obsessions also include a fear of losing control. People with this obsession may feel like they are not in control of their own thoughts or actions. And become overwhelmed by fear. This can be especially difficult for someone if they feel like their anxiety is always one step ahead of them.
Extreme superstitions
People with OCD may become overly superstitious and start to obsess over certain rituals or beliefs. They might believe that doing a certain action will bring about an undesired outcome, or that not doing something will lead to positive results. For example, certain people may become convinced that they must knock on wood or avoid stepping on cracks in the sidewalk to avoid bad luck.
Hoarding
Finally, common OCD obsessions include hoarding. People with this obsession may become overly attached to certain items and feel unable to let go of them. They might collect large amounts of objects that have no real value and become overwhelmed if they are asked to get rid of them. This obsession can be especially difficult if it prevents someone from functioning normally or living in a safe living environment.
Regardless of the type of obsession that someone with OCD experiences, it can be an incredibly difficult situation to manage. It is important to remember that there are treatments available and people can learn ways to cope with their OCD symptoms. With the help of a mental health professional, people can learn how to challenge their thoughts and find ways to manage their obsessions.
What Triggers These Obsessions?
There are always some triggers that eventually lead to the development of OCD obsessions and compulsions. Some of these triggers may include:
- Stressful life events such as bereavement, change of job, loss of a relationship, family problems, or any other major life changes
- Traumatic experiences such as physical or sexual abuse
- Exposure to certain religious or cultural beliefs that instill fear of contamination, punishment, or thoughts of harm
- Low self-esteem and feelings of inadequacy
- Perfectionism and an inability to cope with uncertainty
- Genetics or a family history of OCD
It is important to note that no single factor can cause OCD obsessions. But a combination of biological, psychological, and environmental factors may be responsible for its development. In addition, some individuals may be more prone to OCD due to pre-existing psychological or genetic conditions.
How Do I Manage Common OCD Obsessions?
When it comes to managing OCD obsessions, it is essential to understand the root cause and develop a comprehensive treatment plan. But still, here are some tips to deal with common OCD obsessions:
1. Awareness and Self-Observation: The first step is to be aware of your obsessive thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Knowing the triggers of your OCD will help you to better manage them.
2. Reframe Your Thoughts: It is important to challenge and counteract obsessive thoughts with healthier perspectives. Whenever a negative obsession occurs, ask yourself “What is the evidence that it’s true?” This helps us to reframe our worries and doubts.
3. Distraction Techniques: Doing something completely different like reading a book, listening to music, or playing video games can help distract you from your obsessive thoughts.
4. Talk to Someone: Talking about your experiences with OCD can be quite helpful in managing your symptoms. You may also try cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.
5. Managing Stress: It is important to be mindful of stress levels as they can significantly worsen OCD symptoms. Make sure to practice relaxation techniques such as yoga or deep breathing exercises.
Overall, managing common OCD obsessions requires patience, persistence, and hard work. With proper treatment and support, it is possible to control these obsessions and lead a fulfilling life.
If your OCD symptoms are disrupting your day-to-day activities, please seek professional help right away. Talk to a mental health expert or join an OCD support group for additional guidance and support. With the right kind of help, you can learn to manage your OCD and live a more meaningful life.
Conclusion
To conclude, common OCD obsessions are actually quite common. They can range from intrusive thoughts to compulsive behaviors. And often interfere with day-to-day activities. It is important to identify the triggers of these obsessions before developing a comprehensive treatment plan. The right combination of treatment and lifestyle changes can help to manage common OCD obsessions.
Just make sure you seek professional help if your obsessions start to interfere with your daily functioning. With the right kind of support, it is possible to control these obsessions and lead a more fulfilling life.
For more information and guidance, please contact MantraCare. OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions and compulsions. If you have any queries regarding Online OCD Counseling experienced therapists at MantraCare can help: Book a trial OCD therapy session
