5 Natural Ways to Manage Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD is a mental health disorder where the person goes through a pattern of unwanted thoughts ( mostly negative) that lead them to do repetitive behaviors or compulsions. For instance, a person living with OCD will have the urge to check if they locked a door again and again or if they wash their hands too frequently.
These are compulsions that can interfere with their everyday life and cause significant distress. The ideal treatment option for OCD is a combination of medications and psychotherapy. However, if you think the symptoms are not too severe, you can opt for natural ways to manage your symptoms.
Here are five alternative ways to manage OCD.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is the mental practice of slowing down your racing thoughts, letting go of negative emotions, and learning to calm down your brain and body. It is known to be an effective practice for OCD victims as it allows them to be focused on the present moment, which automatically leaves no space for negative thoughts.
Diet, Exercise, and Sleep
What you eat, your exercise routine and your quality of sleep can have a significant impact on your symptoms. Hence, it is imperative that you follow a healthy diet, work out regularly, and take plenty of rest. Incorporating these changes in your lifestyle will not only be beneficial for your overall health but will also keep you busy so you don’t have enough time to entertain your negative thought patterns.
Natural Herbs
Natural herbs like Kava, st. John’s Wort and Inositol are considered quite effective for OCD. In fact, people have also been using magic mushrooms to boost serotonin production in the brain and relieve the symptoms. Many prefer taking products like https://www.canadacannabisdispensary.ca/product-category/macrodose/*, which are magic mushrooms in the form of capsules. Studies have also shown that psilocybin has the potential to reduce anxiety and depression associated with OCD. So, if you plan to take this herb, make sure to first consult your doctor and see if it’s the right treatment option for you.
Journaling Can Help
Journaling simply means writing down your thoughts and feelings every day to gain a sense of mental clarity and get a clear perspective. Many times, the repeated negative thought patterns can be too overwhelming for the person to the point where they feel like their mind will explode. To avoid such scenarios, it is advised to practice journaling every day as a part of your self-care routine.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is an alternative treatment option for people living with OCD. CBT, or cognitive behavioral therapy is the most popular type of psychotherapy where a therapist examines and understands your thought patterns. After a thorough judgment of your condition, they help you change your outlook toward your negative thoughts and teach you healthier ways to cope with them.
Final Thoughts
OCD can be a severe disorder for many. If you think you’re in the beginning stage, be responsible for talking to someone and making necessary lifestyle changes to manage your condition. However, if you are certain your symptoms are not manageable without medications, consult a doctor at the earliest and get the desired treatment plan.
