Do you have OCD? Do you like to count things? If so, you’re in luck! In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about OCD counting. We’ll cover the different types of counting compulsions, as well as some tips for overcoming them. We’ll also provide a few resources that can help you get started on your journey to recovery. So, if you’re ready to learn more about OCD counting, keep reading!
Contents
What Is OCD Counting?
OCD counting is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by repetitive and ritualistic counting behaviors. People with OCD counting often feel the need to count certain objects, people, or even actions. This can be done for no specific reason or purpose but may be triggered by anxiety or fear.
For example, someone with OCD counting may feel the need to count how many steps they take each day, or how many times they blink their eyes. In fact, they may even start to feel anxious if they are not able to complete their counting ritual. OCD counting can often interfere with daily life and activities, as well as cause distress and anxiety.
In some cases, a person with OCD counting may feel the need to count out loud or in their head. This can be distracting and disruptive, especially if it is done in public. Additionally, some people might feel the responsibility to count on other people. For example, they may feel the need to count how many bites of food their family members take at dinner.
OCD counting can be a difficult and challenging subtype of OCD to live with. However, there are treatments and strategies that can help manage and reduce symptoms. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD counting, please reach out for help.
What Are The Symptoms Of OCD Counting?
OCD counting is characterized by a preoccupation with numbers, counting, and sometimes arithmetic. Individuals with OCD counting may feel the need to count everything they see (e.g., a number of steps, cars on the road, people in a room) or perform mental arithmetic constantly (e.g., adding up numbers).
This can be extremely distressing and interfere with daily activities. Other symptoms may include:
- Excessive double-checking of math calculations
- Spending a lot of time arranging things in numerical order
- Avoiding situations where numbers are involved
- Constantly needing reassurance about whether something was counted correctly
These are some of the symptoms associated with OCD counting. If you or someone you know is displaying these symptoms, it is important to seek professional help.
Moreover, a person with this condition may also experience the need to:
- Count objects in a particular sequence or pattern
- Touch things a certain number of times
- Step on cracks or lines on the ground
- Avoid numbers, such as 13
- Have everything in their environment symmetrical or balanced.
These compulsions are often time-consuming and can interfere with work, school, and social activities. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD counting, please reach out for help. There is hope and treatment available.
Why Do People Feel Like Counting Everything?
The urge to count can be linked to a need for control. For some people, OCD counting may be a way to quell anxiety or ease uncertainty. Others may feel like they need to count in order to achieve a sense of orderliness or perfectionism.
There are many different reasons why people with OCD might start compulsively counting things. Some of the reasons can include;
Need for control
Counting can be a way to feel like you have power over your environment and the things around you. When everything feels chaotic and out of control, the act of counting can help bring a sense of orderliness and calm. Moreover, it can be a way to take control of your thoughts when your anxiety is running high.
Anxiety
Counting can also be a way to ease anxiety or calm yourself down. For some people, the act of counting can help to quiet their minds and provide a temporary sense of relief from anxious thoughts. As anxiety can be linked to feelings of uncertainty, counting can also be a way to quell these fears by providing a sense of certainty.
Perfectionism
For some people, compulsively counting things may be a way to achieve a sense of perfectionism. Counting can help to ensure that everything is in its proper place and that nothing is out of order. This need for symmetry and organization can often be linked to OCD.
Uncertainty
Another reason why people may start compulsively counting things is that they feel uncertain about something in their life. Counting can help to bring a sense of certainty and stability in an uncertain situation. It can also be a way to avoid making mistakes by ensuring that everything is done in a certain order or manner.
These are some of the reasons why people with OCD might start compulsively counting things. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, it is important to seek professional help. OCD can be a very debilitating condition, but with treatment, it is possible to live a healthy and fulfilling life.
What Are Some Of The Things That People With OCD Count?
People with OCD can count just about anything. Some common things that people with OCD count include;
- steps
- breaths
- road signs
- floor tiles
- number of times they blink
- Sheep when trying to fall asleep
- cracks in the sidewalk
The counting of such things is in response to a worry or fear. For example, a person with OCD might count their steps because they fear that if they don’t, something bad will happen. And, mainly the obsessive thought is, “if I don’t do this thing that I’m obsessing about, something bad will happen.”
More often, OCD counting is done in an effort to neutralize, control, or prevent something bad from happening. It is important to understand that people with OCD are not actually trying to be annoying or difficult when they engage in such behaviors. It’s not about being lazy or seeking attention. Rather, it’s a coping mechanism for managing anxiety.
Unfortunately, it’s a coping mechanism that usually backfires. That’s because the more someone with OCD counts (or engages in any other type of compulsions), the more their anxiety increases, which leads to more obsessions and compulsions. So, it becomes a never-ending cycle of anxiety and fear.
What Are The Ways To Treat OCD Counting?
There are several ways that you can treat OCD counting. You can use medication, therapy, or a combination of both.
Medication
If you choose medication to treat your OCD counting, you will most likely be prescribed a type of antidepressant. These medications can help to improve your mood and decrease the number of obsessions and compulsions that you experience. The most preferred medications include; selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), clomipramine (Anafranil), and fluoxetine (Prozac).
It’s important to note that it can take several weeks for these medications to start working. You may also experience some side effects when you first start taking them. These side effects are usually mild and go away after a few days.
Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective type of therapy for OCD counting. CBT focuses on helping you to change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to your OCD. However, it’s one type of therapy, known as ERP or exposure and response prevention. That has been found to be the most effective in treating OCD.
ERP therapy works by gradually exposing you to the things that trigger your OCD counting. As you become more comfortable with these triggers, you will learn how to control your anxiety and resist the urge to count. This type of therapy is usually done with a therapist who specializes in treating OCD.
You can try Mantra Care to find the right therapist for you. This is a platform that connects you with mental health professionals who specialize in treating OCD. Book your free consultation today to learn more about it.
A combination of medication and therapy is often the most successful approach to treating OCD counting. If you’re considering treatment for OCD counting, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional who can help you decide what type of treatment is best for you.
Helpful Tips To Deal With OCD Counting
OCD counting can be a real and debilitating problem. It can make simple tasks take much longer than they should, and it can interfere with daily activities. It is important to understand that OCD counting is not the same as simply being a neat freak or wanting things to be done a certain way. OCD counting is classified as a mental disorder, and it can be extremely distressing for those who suffer from it.
If you or someone you know suffers from OCD counting, there are some helpful tips that can keep in mind to help deal with OCD counting. These include:
Be aware of your thoughts
It is important to be aware of your thoughts and when you are feeling most anxious. This can help you better control your urges to count. Being aware of your thoughts can also help you identify any patterns or triggers that may be causing your OCD counting. More often, it helps you to understand your thoughts and behaviors.
Challenge your thoughts
When you have intrusive thoughts about counting, try to challenge them. For example, if you are worried that something bad will happen if you don’t count, ask yourself what is the evidence for this? Is it really likely? This will eventually help to reduce the power that your OCD has over you.
Focus on the present moment
Try to stay in the present moment and be mindful of what you are doing. This can help take your focus away from your obsessions and compulsions. It is very important in order to reduce OCD symptoms. You can try mindfulness meditation or other relaxation techniques to help you focus on the present moment. As this can be difficult to do on your own, there are many apps and websites that offer guidance on mindfulness meditation.
Find a distraction
If you are feeling the urge to count, find something else to focus on instead. This could be another task or activity that takes up your attention. It works best if it is something that you enjoy or are interested in. This will help to take your mind off of your obsessions and compulsions. Moreover, distractions can help to break the cycle of OCD. Hence, it can be very helpful in managing your OCD symptoms.
Talk to someone you trust
It can be helpful to talk to someone you trust about your OCD. This could be a family member, friend, therapist, or counselor. Talking to someone can help you to better understand and manage your OCD symptoms. It can also provide support and understanding from others. In addition, it can help to identify any triggers or stressors that may be causing your OCD counting. More often, it helps you to understand your thoughts and behaviors.
Practice relaxation techniques
Relaxation techniques are a great way to reduce stress and anxiety. They can also help you to better deal with OCD symptoms. There are many different relaxation techniques that you can try. Some examples include yoga, Tai Chi, progressive muscle relaxation, and deep breathing exercises. You can find guidance on how to do these relaxation techniques online or from a book. Try out different techniques to see what works best for you.
These tips can be really helpful in managing OCD counting. However, it is important to remember that everyone is different. What works for one person may not work for another. It is important to find what works best for you and to be patient. Recovery from OCD takes time, but it is possible with treatment and support.
Moreover, do not be too harsh with yourself while dealing with OCD counting. In this condition, it is easy to get caught up in a negative feedback loop. This means that the more you try to fight your OCD, the more it comes back. So, it is important to be gentle with yourself and not try to fight your OCD too much. Just take things one step at a time and focus on recovery.
Conclusion
To conclude, OCD counting is a type of OCD that can be extremely debilitating. If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD counting, it is important to seek professional help. In this condition, people often fixate on numbers and count compulsively in an attempt to relieve anxiety. While there are treatments available that can help, it is important to seek out qualified mental health professionals in order to get the best care possible.
Try Mantra Care today and get the help you need to overcome OCD counting. With our team of professionals, we can create a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you live a healthier and happier life.
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, relationship, OCD, LGBTQ, and PTSD. You can take our mental health test. You can also book a free therapy or download our free Android or iOS app.
