Do you sometimes feel like you’re being watched? That someone, or something, is always there, just out of sight? If so, you may be experiencing a condition known as “pure ‘o.” This disorder can be extremely debilitating and often leads to feelings of guilt and anxiety. In this blog post, we will discuss what pure ‘O is, the symptoms associated with it, and how to deal with it.
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What Does Pure ‘O’ Mean?
Pure ‘O’ basically refers to the idea of “pure obsessional thinking” or “pure OCD.” It’s a type of OCD that is marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts or mental images (obsessions) that don’t seem to have a clear trigger.
People with Pure ‘O’ often realize that their obsessions are irrational, but they can’t seem to shake them. These thoughts can be about anything, but they’re typically related to harm or contamination. In fact, this condition was previously known as “purely obsessional” OCD.
For example, someone with Pure ‘O’ might have persistent thoughts about germs and contamination. They might worry that they’re going to get sick or that they will contaminate others. These thoughts can cause a great deal of anxiety and can interfere with daily life.
According to studies, pure ‘o’ is actually quite common, affecting about 20% of people with OCD. It’s important to note that Pure ‘O’ is a real form of OCD and not just an obsession with thinking about OCD itself.
What Are The Symptoms Of Having Pure ‘O’?
There are various ways that people with Pure ‘O can suffer. But most of the time it comes down to unwanted and intrusive thoughts. These can be anything from harm coming to yourself or others, to more sexually explicit and graphic thoughts. Other symptoms may include:
- feeling constantly on edge
- struggling to concentrate or focus on anything else
- avoiding anything that could trigger intrusive thoughts
- experiencing repetitive and compulsive behaviors, such as mental rituals or checking things
- intense anxiety and fear
- depression
- insomnia
Pure ‘O is often mistaken for other conditions, like OCD or GAD. But it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis as the symptoms can be debilitating. And have a profound effect on your quality of life. So, if you think you might have Pure ‘O, it’s important to speak to a mental health professional.
Moreover, this is not a condition that you can just snap out of. It’s important to get help and support to deal with the symptoms. There are various ways to do this, such as therapy, medication, and self-help groups. But the most important thing is to reach out and ask for help. Pure ‘O can be a difficult and isolating condition.
How To Deal With Pure ‘O’?
It is important to deal with pure ‘o’ in the most effective way for you. Some people may find that therapy works well for them, while others may prefer to read self-help books or talk to friends about their experiences. There is no wrong way to deal with pure ‘o’, as long as you are getting the support.
Moreover, there are some potential tips in order to reduce the obsessions:
Keep a journal to track pure ‘O’
It is helpful to keep a journal in order to track the thoughts, emotions, and behaviors associated with the obsessions. In fact, keeping a journal can be a form of exposure and response prevention (ERP). It is important to try and write down the thoughts as soon as they occur, in order to get a better understanding of what triggers the obsessions.
Pure ‘O’ can be really difficult to deal with, but it is important to remember that you are not alone. There are many resources available to help you cope with your obsessions and live a healthy life. However, if you find that your obsessions are impacting your quality of life. Then, it is important to seek professional help.
Identify healthy coping mechanisms
Healthy coping mechanisms are important in dealing with any kind of mental health issue. It is important to find activities that help you relax and distract yourself from your obsessions. Some people may find such activities like;
- listening to music,
- exercising,
- spending time with friends and family
- enjoying nature,
- or reading.
Again, there is no wrong way to cope, as long as the activities are helping you in a positive way. Also, it is important to remember that healthy coping mechanisms may need to be different at different times in your life.
Also, it is important to have a support system in order to deal with pure ‘O’. This can be in the form of family, friends, therapy, or a support group. There are many resources available to help you find the right support for you.
Talk to someone you trust
Talking to someone you trust about your experiences can be incredibly helpful. This person can provide support and understanding. This can be a family member, friend, therapist, or anyone else too who you feel comfortable talking. It is important to find someone who will listen without judgment and offer helpful advice.
Moreover talking with someone makes you feel relaxed and decrease the level of stress. According to research, “supportive conversations not only make us feel better in the moment, but they can also have lasting effects on our health.”
For example, one study found that social support can help reduce the risk of death from cardiovascular disease. So, talking to someone about your experiences with pure ‘O can be beneficial for your mental and physical health.
Seek professional help
If the other coping tips are not working, or if the obsessions are impacting your quality of life. Then, it is important to seek professional help. A therapist can help you understand and manage your obsessions. They can also provide support and guidance. These therapies include;
- CBT – In this therapy, you will work with a therapist to identify and change the thoughts and behaviors that are contributing to your obsessions.
- ERP – This therapy involves gradually exposing yourself to the things that trigger your obsessions. This can help you learn to manage your anxiety and reduce the impact of the obsessions on your life.
- DBT – In this therapy, you will learn skills to deal with intense emotions and stressful situations. This can help you better cope with the obsessions and reduce the impact they have on your life.
These therapies are just a few of the options that are available. It is important to work with a therapist to find the right treatment for you.
You can consider Mantra Care for the right guidance. They offer a variety of services, including individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Moreover, Mantra Care offers online courses and support groups. Book your free consultation today for more information.
Consider medication if required
When the condition becomes more severe, medications may be required in addition to therapy. The most common type of medication used to treat OCD is antidepressants. These medications can help reduce obsessions and compulsions.
However, the medications take time to work and may have side effects. So, it is important to work with a doctor to find the right medication for you. In fact, it is often recommended that people with OCD start with therapy and then add medication if needed.
Be patient and positive
The most important thing to focus on when dealing with pure ‘o’ is to be patient and positive. As the journey to recovery is different for everyone, it is important to be patient with yourself. There will be good days and bad days. The important thing is to keep moving forward.
Pure ‘O’ is the condition where a person experiences intrusive thoughts but does not act on them. The thoughts can be about anything but are usually about things that the person is afraid of. And dealing with such a condition is not an easy task but with some effort, it is possible to live a normal life. Just be patient and trust the process. And things will get better eventually.
Conclusion
To conclude, pure ‘o’ is a type of OCD that is characterized by intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can be about anything, but they typically center around themes of contamination or harm.
Moreover, this condition is often accompanied by compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that people with OCD use in an attempt to reduce their anxiety. If you think you might have pure ‘o,’ it’s important to seek professional help. Treatment options for this condition include medication and/or therapy.
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