How can i calm down my ocd??

Question

its getting pretty bad, its like my mind is controling its self. will someone please tell me that if i do not do any of my rituals then it will not affect me and any of the people around me in any kind of way, meaning that nothing bad will happen. thanks.

Answer 1

Taking a logical approach is a good idea. If you can realize that millions of people every day do NOT perform these rituals and nothing bad happens to them, then logic dictates the same would apply to you. There is no good reason for you to have to go through life feeling so bad. Please see a doctor and get some help with this. There is every chance you could feel better very soon.  

Answer 2

It may not be possible to remove the stress from your life if you are suffering from ocd, however managing your stress may help you to get things done. Below are some ideas that help me managing  my stress:

Go for a Walk or Run- Exercising can be a good way of relieving stress. It helps to get rid of all that pent up energy and can leave you feeling much calmer. Any sort of exercise can be good. You may want to go and kick a footy with friends or head to the gym.

Hang Out with Friends - If you are feeling stressed you may need to take your mind off things for a while. Hanging out with friends is one way of doing that. It may be that similar things that stress you out, also stress your friends out, and so talking about your problems with them may be helpful.

Taking Some Deep Breaths - Deep breathing can help to relax the body and hence calm you down. Taking deep breaths before an exam, game, job interview or before going on stage may help to calm you down and focus on what it is you are about to do.

Setting Realistic Goals - Becoming over-stressed may make it harder to keep things in perspective. Setting realistic goals (both for the short-term and long-term) and priorities and time management may be useful ways of managing your stress. You may want to check out the fact sheet on Stress at Exam Time, Time Management and Setting Goals for more information.

Have Multiple Options to Achieve your Goals - There is never just one way to achieve something. It's important not to put all your eggs into one basket - investigate and plan other ways to get to where you want to go, whether it's a uni degree, job, or holiday vacation.

Try to Avoid Smoking, Alcohol, and Caffeine - It may be tempting to use smoking and alcohol as a means of managing your stress. Try to avoid using these things as a way of coping, as in the long run they may make you more stressed out.

Watch What You're Thinking - Your outlook, attitude, and thoughts influence the way you see things. Is your cup half full or half empty? A healthy dose of optimism can help you make the best out of stressful circumstances. Even if you're out of practice, or tend to be a bit of a pessimist, everyone can learn to think more optimistically and reap the benefits.

Speaking to Someone - If you are finding you are always stressed and it is hard to carry on with day to day stuff, it may be helpful to talk to someone about it. Parents, teachers, a school counsellor or youth worker are people that may be able to help you cope.

Take care