Do you obsessively clean your house? Are you always worried that there is a speck of dirt or dust that you may have missed? If so, you may be struggling with OCD cleaning. This type of obsessive cleaning can be extremely disruptive to your life and can cause a lot of stress. In this blog post, we will discuss some tips and tricks for conquering OCD cleaning. We will also provide some helpful advice on how to get the job done without letting it take over your life.
Contents
What Is OCD Cleaning?
OCD cleaning is a type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder that is characterized by an intense focus on cleanliness and order. People with OCD cleaning often feel like they need to clean their environment in a certain way or else it will be considered “dirty.” This can lead to spending hours cleaning the same area or object, even if it does not appear to be dirty. OCD cleaning can also cause people to avoid touching certain objects or surfaces for fear of contaminating them.
Causes
There is no single cause of OCD cleaning. However, some risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing this type of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. These risk factors include:
•Having a parent or close family member with OCD
•Experiencing trauma or abuse
•Going through a major life transition (such as starting a new job or moving to a new house)
•Having another mental health disorder (such as anxiety or depression
Symptoms of OCD Cleaning
There are a variety of symptoms that can be associated with OCD cleaning. Some common symptoms include:
- Spending hours cleaning the same area or object
- Avoiding touching certain objects or surfaces
- Constantly worrying that something is dirty or contaminated
- Feeling like you need to wash your hands multiple times throughout the day
- Obsessively organizing things in a specific way
- Constantly feeling like your environment is dirty or cluttered
- Worrying that you will contaminate yourself or others if you do not clean
- Avoiding certain activities or places because you fear they will be dirty
- Cleaning for long periods, even if there is no visible dirt or debris
- Feeling anxious or stressed if your environment is not “perfectly” clean
Effects Of OCD Cleaning
OCD cleaning can have a significant impact on your life.
- This type of obsessive-compulsive disorder can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships.
- It can also cause a great deal of financial stress.
- OCD cleaning can be extremely time-consuming and can take away from important activities or hobbies that you enjoy.
- Increased levels of stress, paranoia, and anxiety around the idea of cleaning and contamination.
- In severe cases, OCD cleaning can lead to social isolation and agoraphobia (a fear of leaving your home).
Conquering OCD Cleaning
If you think you may be struggling with this disorder, it is important to reach out for help. This condition can be very difficult to deal with on your own. Remember, there is no shame in seeking further treatment for a mental disorder!
Self-Help Tips
There are a few things that you can do to help conquer your OCD cleaning:
- Set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t try to achieve perfection, as this is impossible. Instead, focus on doing the best that you can.
- Create a cleaning schedule and stick to it. This will help you to focus on specific tasks and prevent you from spending too much time cleaning.
- Use clutter-free storage solutions. This will help to reduce the amount of time that you spend cleaning and organizing your belongings.
- Delegate tasks to other family members or hire a professional cleaner. This will take some of the pressure off of you and allow you to focus on other areas of your life.
Doing Things In Moderation Without Obsessing
It is possible to get the job done without letting OCD cleaning take over your life. Here are a few tips for doing so:
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. This can be from a professional cleaner or a family member or a friend.
- Focus on one area at a time. Don’t try to do too much at once or you will become overwhelmed.
- Take breaks when needed. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take a few minutes to yourself to relax and rejuvenate.
Therapy
If you feel like your OCD cleaning is starting to take over your life, it may be time to seek professional help.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that is effective in treating OCD. CBT can help you to change the way that you think about cleaning and can teach you how to better manage your compulsions.
If you are struggling with OCD cleaning, please reach out for help. There is no shame in seeking treatment and there are many resources available to you. Mantra Care offers accessible and affordable therapy sessions from all over the world.
Conclusion
OCD cleaning can be a difficult thing to deal with, but it is possible to conquer it. By using the tips and tricks in this blog post, you will be on your way to getting the job done without letting OCD take over your life. If you need additional help, please seek professional assistance. Mantra Care offers affordable and accessible therapy sessions that can help you to manage your OCD.
A Word From Mantra Care
Your mental health — Your psychological, emotional, and social well-being — has an impact on every aspect of your life. Positive mental health essentially allows you to effectively deal with life’s everyday challenges.
At Mantra Care, we have a team of therapists who provide affordable online therapy to assist you with issues such as depression, anxiety, stress, workplace Issues, addiction, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
