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  • 3 CBT tips to deal with self criticism and depression

    3 CBT tips to deal with self criticism and depression

    Self-criticism has been found to be related to depression in a number of studies. One study found that people who were high in self-criticism were more likely to be depressed, even after controlling for other variables. Another study found that self-criticism was a significant predictor of depression, even when other variables were taken into account.

    Depression and self-criticism

    Self-criticism is thought to be related to depression for a number of reasons. First, self-criticism can lead to negative thinking, which can in turn lead to depression. Second, self-criticism can lead to low self-esteem, which is a risk factor for depression. Finally, self-criticism can lead to social isolation, which can also contribute to depression.

    I am a student who suffers from self-criticism and depression. I am constantly critical of myself and my performance. I feel like I am not good enough and that I am not reaching my potential. I am always comparing myself to others and feeling like I am not measuring up. This has led to me feeling depressed and down on myself.
    I used to be a straight-A student, but ever since I developed self-criticism, my grades have suffered. I’m constantly second-guessing myself and my abilities, which has made it very difficult to focus on my studies. I’ve even considered giving up on my degree altogether because I’m afraid I’ll never be good enough.

    Sivan, US

    Early studies by Aaron T. Beck

    Dr. Aaron T. Beck is a world-renowned psychiatrist who has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking treatments for mental illness. His research has shown that self-criticism is a major contributor to depression, and that by helping people to learn to be more accepting of themselves, we can help them to overcome this debilitating condition.

    Dr. Beck’s work has helped to change the way that mental health professionals view and treat depression, and his theories have been proven to be highly effective in treating this widespread condition.

    Tip 1: alter your mindset

    If you’re like most people, you’re probably your own worst critic. You constantly beat yourself up for not being good enough, for making mistakes, and for not reaching your goals. This can be a major source of stress and can prevent you from achieving your full potential.

    Fortunately, there is a way to reduce self-criticism and become your own biggest supporter. It starts with changing your mindset. Instead of thinking of yourself as inadequate or unworthy, start thinking of yourself as capable and deserving. Focus on your strengths and accomplishments, and remind yourself that everyone makes mistakes. Be patient with yourself and give yourself credit for the progress you’re making.

    As you start to think more positively about yourself, you’ll find it easier to let go of self-criticism. You’ll be more motivated to achieve your goals, and you’ll be more likely to reach your full potential. So start changing your mindset today, and see the difference it makes in your life.

    Tip 2: learn new things

    One way to reduce self-criticism is by learning and trying new things. This can help build self-confidence and remind you that you’re capable of more than you give yourself credit for.

    When you’re open to new experiences, it’s easier to see your mistakes as learning opportunities instead of failures. It can also be helpful to give yourself permission to make mistakes and not be perfect all the time. This doesn’t mean that you should accept mediocrity, but rather that you should cut yourself some slack and remember that everyone makes mistakes.

    Finally, try to focus on your positive qualities and accomplishments instead of dwelling on your flaws. This will help you feel good about yourself and remind you that you’re not as bad as you sometimes think you are.

    Tip 3: being active

    Another way to reduce self-criticism is to be active. When we’re active, we’re focused on what we’re doing and not on our thoughts.

    Our thoughts can’t control us when we’re focused on something else. This doesn’t mean that we should be active all the time. We still need time to relax and reflect on our lives. However, being active can help us to reduce the amount of self-criticism we experience.

    It can also help us to feel better about ourselves.

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  • Postpartum OCD: 3 common themes

    Postpartum OCD: 3 common themes

    Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder in which people have unwanted and repeated thoughts, feelings, images, or sensations (obsessions) that make them feel driven to do something (compulsions).

    Postpartum OCD is a type of anxiety disorder that can develop after the birth of a baby. It is marked by obsessive and intrusive thoughts about the health and safety of the baby, as well as excessive worrying about the mother’s own health and well-being. Postpartum OCD can interfere with the bond between mother and child, and can make it difficult to care for the baby. Treatment for postpartum OCD usually involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication.

    How does it feel to suffer from Postpartum OCD?

    It took me a long time to accept that I have postpartum OCD. I didn’t want to believe that something was wrong with me, but I couldn’t deny that my thoughts and behaviors were increasingly becoming obsessional and intrusive.

    I was constantly worried about my daughter’s safety and health, to the point where I was checking her breathing and heartbeat constantly. I was also afraid of harming her in some way, even though I would never dream of actually doing anything to hurt her. I was exhausted from lack of sleep and my anxiety was through the roof. I finally reached out for help and was diagnosed with postpartum OCD. I started medication and therapy and slowly but surely I started to feel better. It’s been a long road but I am grateful to be on the other side of it.

    Paula F

    After the baby is born, the new mother is going through a lot of changes. She is sleep deprived, hormonal, and may be experiencing some postpartum depression. On top of all of that, she now has a tiny human being that is completely dependent on her. It is a lot of responsibility and can be very overwhelming. For some women, this can trigger OCD symptoms.

    This can obviously put a lot of stress on the relationship between the parent and the child. It can also affect other relationships within the family, as the OCD can become all-consuming.

    When our son Ryan was born, my wife developed postpartum OCD. She was constantly worried about him becoming sick or being hurt. She would check on him dozens of times a night, to make sure he was breathing.

    This type of OCD can be very debilitating for a young family. It can make it difficult to get out and do things as a family, and can cause a lot of stress and anxiety.

    Adam

    Postpartum OCD: common themes

    Postpartum OCD can occur after the birth of a child. It is characterized by obsessions and/or compulsions related to the fear of harming oneself or one’s child. Common themes include fears of:

    • harming the baby through shaking, dropping, or accidentally stabbing them with a kitchen knife
    • contamination from germs or illness
    • losing control and hurting oneself or someone else

    OCD can be a very disabling condition, causing significant impairment in work, school, and other areas of functioning. For women with postpartum OCD, the fear of harming their baby can be all-consuming, making it difficult to care for their child.

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  • 5 tips for mental preparation to the holiday season

    5 tips for mental preparation to the holiday season

    The holidays can be a tough time for people for a number of reasons. Studies have shown that the holidays can take a toll on people’s mental health, especially if they are struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.

    First, there is the pressure to spend time with family and friends, which can be difficult if relationships are strained.

    There is also the pressure to buy gifts and make plans, which can be difficult for people who are struggling financially.

    And finally, there is the pressure to be happy and festive, which can be difficult for people who are dealing with personal problems or who are simply feeling down. All of these pressures can lead to stress, anxiety, and even depression.

    OCD and the holidays

    OCD can be a mental challenge during the holiday season for several reasons. For one, the holiday season is generally a busy time of year, and people with OCD may have a hard time keeping up with their usual routines and rituals. This can lead to feeling anxious or stressed, which can exacerbate OCD symptoms.

    Additionally, the holidays can be a triggering time for people with OCD due to all the holiday-related activities and events (e.g., gift shopping, decorating, attending parties).

    This can make it difficult to stick to one’s treatment plan and can cause an increase in OCD symptoms. Finally, the holiday season is often a time when family and friends get together.

    For people with OCD, this can be a triggering and stressful event. This is because they may feel like they have to “perform” for their loved ones and bePerfect. This can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress.

    I have OCD and during the holiday season, I find it difficult to be around all the people and the hustle and bustle. I tend to want to stay in my own space and not be around others. I also have a hard time with all the food around and the temptation to eat everything. I try to stay on my diet and exercise routine, but it is hard with all the holiday parties and gatherings. I am also aware that I need to be careful of my spending during the holidays, as I can get carried away. Overall, I find the holiday season to be a difficult time for me, but I try to make the best of it and enjoy the time with my family and friends.

    Paul M.

    OCD and the holiday season: some tips

    For people with OCD, the holiday season can be a difficult and stressful time. The holiday season can be a trigger for OCD thoughts and behaviors. OCD can make it hard to enjoy the holidays and can make it difficult to participate in holiday activities. Here are some tips for dealing with OCD during the holiday season:

    1. Be prepared for triggers. If you know that certain holiday activities or situations are triggers for your OCD, be prepared for them. Have a plan for how you will deal with the trigger.
    2. Stick to your treatment plan. Don’t let the holiday season throw off your OCD treatment plan. It’s important to stick to your treatment in order to keep your OCD under control.
    3. Reach out for support. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by OCD during the holiday season, reach out to a friend, family member, or therapist for support. Talking about your OCD can help you feel better and can help you find ways to cope with your symptoms.
    4. Take a break from holiday activities if needed. If you’re feeling really overwhelmed by OCD, it’s OK to take a break from holiday activities. Don’t feel like you have to force yourself to participate in holiday activities if it’s too difficult.
    5. Focus on the positive. The holiday season can be a difficult time for people with OCD, but it’s important to focus on the positive. Spend time with loved ones, enjoy your favorite holiday foods, and take some time to relax.
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    6. 3 CBT tips to help boost confidence

      3 CBT tips to help boost confidence

      Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps people change their negative thinking and behavior patterns. CBT has been shown to be effective in treating a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and eating disorders.

      I was always a shy person and I never felt confident enough to speak up in a group or to put myself out there.

      I always felt like I was inadequate and that I wasn’t good enough. As a result, I never got the jobs I interviewed for because I was too scared to sell myself or to speak up.

      I felt like I was always missing out on opportunities because I wasn’t confident enough to take them.

      I decided to try CBT after reading about it online. I started by challenging my negative thoughts and beliefs about myself. I told myself that I was just as good as anyone else and that I deserved the job just as much as anyone else.

      I made a list of all of my positive qualities and accomplishments, and I read it every day to remind myself of how great I really was. I also started practicing visualization techniques, picturing myself nailing the interview and getting the job.

      I would see myself walking into the room with my head held high, shaking everyone’s hand confidently, and answering all of the questions perfectly. After doing this for a few weeks, I started to notice a difference in the way I felt. I was more confident and I felt like I could actually do it.

      I went into my next interview feeling prepared and confident, and I got the job! I’m so grateful that I found CBT and that it helped me to overcome my lack of confidence.

      Maria S.

      3 CBT based tips

      One of the CBT techniques that can help boost confidence is called cognitive restructuring. This involves identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs that are contributing to low self-esteem. For example, if you believe that you are not good enough, you can challenge that belief by thinking of times when you have been successful.

      Another CBT technique that can help with confidence is exposure therapy. This involves gradually exposing yourself to the things that you are afraid of or that make you anxious. This can help you to confront your fears and to learn that you can handle them.

      Finally, CBT can also help you to develop healthy coping and problem-solving skills. This can involve learning how to deal with stress in a healthy way, how to set realistic goals, and how to communicate effectively. These skills can help you to feel more confident in yourself and in your ability to manage your life.

    7. 3 tips for using mindfulness to help OCD

      3 tips for using mindfulness to help OCD

      When I was first diagnosed with OCD, I was really scared. I had no idea what was happening to me or how to deal with it.

      But my therapist suggested I try mindfulness, and it has completely changed my life. Mindfulness has helped me to be in the moment and to not worry about things that are out of my control.

      I used to obsess over everything and I would constantly worry about what could happen in the future. But now, I’m able to focus on the here and now and to let go of those worries. I’m also able to be more present with my family and friends.

      I used to miss out on a lot of things because I was so focused on my OCD. But now, I’m able to be in the moment and to enjoy my life. I’m so grateful to have found mindfulness and to have made it a part of my life. It has truly helped me to heal and to live a more joyful life.

      Sharon, Canada

      Mindfulness benefits

      When it comes to mental health, mindfulness is often heralded as a powerful tool. And for good reason – mindfulness can offer a number of advantages for people struggling with OCD anxiety. Here are just a few of the ways that mindfulness can help ease OCD anxiety:

      1. Mindfulness can help break the cycle of anxiety.
        For many people with OCD, anxiety can become a vicious cycle. The anxiety leads to obsessive thoughts and compulsions, which in turn leads to more anxiety. Mindfulness can help break this cycle by teaching you to focus on the present moment and accept your thoughts and feelings without judgement. This can help you to start to see your anxiety in a more realistic light, which can ultimately lead to reduced anxiety and fewer obsessions and compulsions.
      1. Mindfulness can help you to manage your anxiety in a more constructive way.
        Mindfulness can also help you to manage your anxiety in a more constructive way. Rather than trying to fight your anxiety or suppress your thoughts, mindfulness teaches you to accept them and work with them. This can help you to develop a more constructive relationship with your anxiety, which can lead to improved mental health in the long-term.
      2. Mindfulness can help you to identify and challenge your anxiety-provoking thoughts.
        Another advantage of mindfulness is that it can help you to identify and challenge your anxiety-provoking thoughts. Once you become more aware of your thoughts, you can start to question whether they are really true or helpful. This can help you to start to see your anxiety in a different light, which can lead to reduced anxiety and fewer obsessions and compulsions.

      Easing OCD anxiety

      If you’re looking to ease your OCD anxiety, mindfulness can be a helpful tool. Here are a few tips to get you started:

      1. Make time for mindfulness.

      One of the best things you can do is to make time for mindfulness. Dedicate a few minutes each day to sit quietly and focus on your breath. Once you get used to this, you can start to extend the length of your mindfulness sessions.

      1. Be patient.

      Mindfulness can take time to master, so be patient with yourself. Don’t expect to see results overnight – it takes time and practice to see the benefits of mindfulness.

      1. Find a mindfulness method that works for you.

      There are a number of different mindfulness methods out there, so find one that works best for you. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach, so experiment until you find a method that you’re comfortable with.

      Combining mindfulness with CBT

      It is well known that mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are both effective treatments for a variety of mental health conditions. What is less well known is that these two approaches can be combined to create an even more powerful treatment.

      Mindfulness is a form of mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) that focuses on the present moment. It teaches people to be aware of their thoughts, feelings, and body sensations in order to gain a better understanding of themselves. CBT is a type of therapy that helps people to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors.

      When these two approaches are combined, people are able to learn how to be more mindful of their thoughts and feelings, and how to change their negative thought patterns and behaviors. This combination of mindfulness and CBT can help people to reduce their stress, anxiety, and depression, and to improve their overall mental health.

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    8. 10 most common obsessions of OCD

      10 most common obsessions of OCD

      There are many different types of OCD, and each person with OCD may have different obsessions, or things that trigger their OCD. However, there are some common obsessions that many people with OCD experience.

      I obsessively worry about making mistakes. I also obsessively worry about being embarrassed or humiliated. These obsessions cause me a great deal of anxiety and distress. I have to do certain things to try to relieve my anxiety, such as washing my hands over and over, checking and rechecking things, arranging things in a certain way, and avoiding people and places that I fear will trigger my obsessions.

      Thomas, MI

      Here are 10 of the most common OCD obsessions, and a brief explanation of each:

      1. Fear of contamination: This can include a fear of dirt, germs, or other substances that might cause illness. People with this type of OCD may obsessively wash their hands or clean their homes to try to avoid contamination.
      2. Fear of harm: This can include a fear of injury or death. People with this type of OCD may obsessively check things like appliances or locks to make sure they are safe, or avoid activities that could be potentially dangerous.
      3. Fear of losing control: This can include a fear of losing control of one’s emotions or actions. People with this type of OCD may obsessively check themselves for signs of anxiety or anger, or avoid situations that could trigger these emotions.
      4. Fear of making mistakes: This can include a fear of making mistakes at work, school, or in other areas of life. People with this type of OCD may obsessively check their work or re-do tasks to make sure they are perfect.
      5. Fear of dirt and germs: This can include a fear of contamination by dirt, germs, or other substances. People with this type of OCD may obsessively wash their hands or clean their homes to try to avoid contamination.
      6. Fear of being judged: This can include a fear of being judged by others for one’s thoughts, feelings, or actions. People with this type of OCD may avoid social situations or obsessively seek approval from others.
      7. Fear of harm to others: This can include a fear of harming others, either physically or emotionally. People with this type of OCD may avoid contact with others, or obsessively check on them to make sure they are safe.
      8. Fear of losing things: This can include a fear of losing important possessions or forgetting important information. People with this type of OCD may obsessively check their belongings or make lists to try to avoid losing anything.
      9. Fear of change: This can include a fear of change in one’s life, such as a change in job, relationship, or living situation. People with this type of OCD may avoid making changes or obsessively plan for every possible outcome.
      10. Fear of the unknown: This can include a fear of what might happen in the future or a fear of the unknown. People with this type of OCD may avoid new situations or obsessively plan for every possible outcome.
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    9. 5 tips to reduce OCD checking

      5 tips to reduce OCD checking

      It can be difficult for people with OCD to resist the urge to check for things. They may feel like they need to check things over and over again to make sure they are safe or to prevent something bad from happening. This can interfere with daily activities and make it hard for people to focus on other things.

      Opinions on the matter of checking are naturally varied. It is normal to check, and everyone does that. But at the same time, people dealing with OCD have a tendency to check excessively to deal with their anxiety. Various Reddit posts discuss this matter, and while the community has a plethora of ideas, not all of them are actually helpful as a long term solution.

      I’ve suffered from OCD for as long as I can remember. Checking has always been one of my main compulsions. I’ve spent hours every day checking locks, appliances, and making sure everything is in its place. It’s been a constant battle to try to stay ahead of the OCD and keep my anxiety at bay. Over the years, I’ve learned some techniques to help me cope with my OCD, but there are still times when it gets the best of me.

      A year ago, I started using a checking app on my phone to help me keep track of everything I need to check. While this has been helpful in some ways, it has also increased my OCD distress. I found myself constantly needing to check the app to make sure I haven’t missed anything. This has led to more anxiety and more checking. I was in a cycle of checking that is even harder to break than before.

      When I realized this was becoming a problem, I started working on finding a balance with the app and trying to use it as a tool to help me rather than something that exacerbates my OCD.

      Malina, Greece

      Checking and distress

      For people with OCD, checking can actually increase distress. This is because the act of checking can reinforce the person’s beliefs that something bad will happen if they don’t check. Checking can also lead to more anxiety and intrusive thoughts. It’s important for people with OCD to understand that checking won’t make things better and can actually make things worse. If you or someone you know has OCD, it’s important to seek out professional help.

      Tips for reducing checking

      1. Use a timer: Set a timer for a specific amount of time and only allow yourself to check once that time has passed.
      2. Distract yourself: Find something else to focus on that takes up your attention and time.
      3. Create a barrier: Put something physical in between you and what you’re trying not to check.
      4. Let go of perfection: Remind yourself that it’s okay if things aren’t perfect and that you can still function even if things aren’t exactly as you want them to be.
      5. Seek professional help: If you’re struggling to resist the urge to check, it may be helpful to talk to a therapist who can provide you with additional tools and support.
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    10. 3 tips for OCD and dating

      3 tips for OCD and dating

      It’s not easy living with intrusive thoughts and OCD. Trying to date people and run a normal life can be even harder.

      Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, intrusive thoughts that can cause a great deal of anxiety. OCD is a mental health condition that can cause people to have obsessive thoughts and compulsions.

      Dating can be difficult for anyone, but it can be especially difficult for someone with intrusive thoughts or OCD. It can be hard to open up to someone new about your thoughts and compulsions. You might worry that they will think you’re weird or crazy.

      I was really excited when I met her. She was funny, smart, and beautiful.

      We hit it off right away. I asked her out on a date, and she said yes. I was thrilled. But then I started to worry.

      What if I said something wrong? What if I did something wrong? I tried to push the thoughts away, but they kept coming back. I didn’t want to screw this up, so I decided to cancel the date.

      I was really disappointed, but I just couldn’t shake the feeling that something would go wrong.

      Ben, US

      It can also be challenging to keep up with the demands of a relationship while also dealing with OCD. You might have to miss out on date nights or other activities because you need to spend time compulsively washing your hands or checking the locks on the door.

      I wanted to go out with a woman I liked but struggled because of weird OCD rituals I was ashamed of. I would avoid touching anything that might be dirty.

      I would also compulsively check things to make sure they were safe. This made it difficult to be around other people and I often felt isolated. My OCD made it hard to relax and enjoy myself. I was always on edge, worrying about whether or not I was doing something wrong.

      Simonne, New Zealand

      It’s important to find a partner who is understanding and supportive. They should be willing to listen to your concerns and help you find ways to cope with your OCD.

      Tips for OCD and dating

      1. Don’t try to hide your OCD from your date. It’s important to be honest and open about your condition from the beginning.
      2. Be upfront about your needs and expectations. Let your date know what works for you and what doesn’t.
      3. Relax and be yourself: The most important thing is to relax and be yourself. Your date will be able to sense if you’re tense and it will make the evening less enjoyable. Just take a few deep breaths and remember that you’re a great catch!
    11. Treating your body as an object: What it means and 4 tips on how to fix it

      Treating your body as an object: What it means and 4 tips on how to fix it

      We all have bodies, and we all have to take care of them – but sometimes it can be easy to forget that our bodies are actually living, breathing things that deserve our attention and care. It can be easy to treat our bodies like they are objects, and when we do this, we can start to forget that they are actually part of us. This can lead to all sorts of problems, both mental and physical.

      I was always treating my body like it was an object. I would neglect it and not take care of it the way I should have.

      I would use it to get what I wanted from other people and then I would just discard it. I didn’t realize how much I was harming myself in the process.

      It wasn’t until I started working on myself and healing my relationship with my body that I realized how much I had been mistreating it.

      I started to think about my my body as a sacred vessel that deserved my love and care. I began to treat it with the respect it deserved and I started to see the benefits almost immediately.

      Diyane Blissong, UK

      If you find yourself treating your body like an object, it’s important to try and change your perception. Your body is not an object – it’s a part of you, and it deserves your care and attention. Here are some ways to start changing your perception of your body:

      1. Talk to your body. This may sound silly, but it can actually be really helpful. When you start to see your body as a living, breathing thing, it can be easier to start taking care of it. Talk to your body like you would talk to a friend. Thank it for all the things it does for you, and tell it that you’re sorry for the times when you haven’t treated it well.
      2. Listen to your body. Your body knows what it needs, so try to listen to it. If you’re feeling tired, maybe you need more sleep. If you’re feeling thirsty, maybe you need to drink more water. Pay attention to the signals your body is sending you, and act on them.
      3. Treat your body with care. This doesn’t mean you have to go out and buy all new clothes or anything like that. But it does mean that you should start treating your body with the respect it deserves. That means taking care of it – both physically and mentally. Exercise regularly, eat healthy foods, and get enough sleep. And, when you do something that you know is bad for your body, like smoking or drinking too much, try to cut back or stop altogether.
      4. Be proud of your body. This one can be tough, especially if you’re not used to it. But it’s important to remember that your body is amazing, and it deserves your pride. Be proud of what your body can do, and of the way it looks. Accept your flaws, and love yourself – body and soul.

      Changing your perception of your body can be tough, but it’s worth it. When you start to see your body as a living, breathing thing that deserves your care and attention, you’ll be on your way to a healthier, happier life.

    12. OCD, PTSD, and how to cope with both

      OCD, PTSD, and how to cope with both

      After my car accident, I was diagnosed with PTSD. I was having intrusive thoughts about accidents and feeling like I was in danger all the time. I was also hypervigilant and always on the lookout for potential threats. My friends and family were trying to be supportive, but I felt like I was struggling to cope on my own. I still have days where I struggle. I am hopeful that with time and continued progress, I will be able to fully recover and live a normal life again.

      Corinne, Canada

      If you’ve experienced trauma, you may feel like you’re never going to feel normal again. The combination of OCD and trauma can add additional hardship.

      When someone is obsessively thinking about a traumatic event, they are re-living the trauma over and over again in their mind. This can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts.

      The person may also start to avoid anything that reminds them of the trauma, which can make it difficult to function in daily life. This can all lead to a downward spiral of anxiety, depression, and even suicidal thoughts.

      There are studies that show the relationship between OCD and PTSD.

      5 symptoms of OCD and trauma

      1. Unwanted, intrusive thoughts that are difficult to control or stop.
      2. Excessive worry and anxiety about everyday situations.
      3. Compulsive behaviors or rituals that are performed in an attempt to ease anxiety or prevent certain thoughts from occurring.
      4. Avoidance of certain people, places, or things that trigger memories or thoughts of the trauma.
      5. flashbacks or intrusive memories of the trauma that can occur at any time.

      Recovery

      Studies about PTSD and OCD define recovery as strongly related to thinking and rituals: “effective treatment of trauma-related OCD is defined as the reduction in obsessional thoughts and compulsory rituals“.

      The good news is that there are treatments available that can help you recover and heal. One of these treatments is called cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

      CBT is a type of therapy that helps you change the way you think about and react to your experiences. It can be used to treat a wide variety of mental health conditions, including trauma.

      Here are some of the ways that CBT can help you recover from trauma:

      1. It can help you understand your reactions.

      CBT can help you understand why you’re feeling the way you are. It can also help you see that your reactions are normal and that they don’t have to control your life.

      1. It can help you change the way you think about your experience.

      CBT can help you challenge the negative thoughts and beliefs that you have about your experience. It can help you see that your experience is not who you are.

      1. It can help you change the way you react to your experience.

      CBT can help you learn new ways of coping with your experience. It can help you deal with your emotions in a healthy way.

      1. It can help you connect with others.

      CBT can help you build supportive relationships with others. These relationships can provide you with the social support you need to heal.

      1. It can help you take care of yourself.

      CBT can help you develop healthy coping skills. These skills can help you take care of yourself physically and emotionally.

      If you or someone you know is struggling with OCD, PTSD or a combination of the two, it’s important to seek professional help.

    13. 3 Tips for improving your confidence if you have OCD

      3 Tips for improving your confidence if you have OCD

      People with OCD often have issues with confidence because they are constantly doubting themselves and their abilities. This can be extremely frustrating and debilitating, as it can prevent them from enjoying activities or participating in activities that they used to enjoy.

      I have ocd and it really affects my confidence. I tend to second guess myself a lot and it really holds me back from taking on new challenges. I’m always worried about making mistakes and it really affects my ability to just go for it. I’m constantly doubting myself and my abilities, and it’s really frustrating. I know that I’m capable of so much more, but my ocd just gets in the way.

      Mark Romanoff

      Why people with OCD struggle with confidence?

      There are 3 main reasons why people with OCD can have issues with self esteem and confidence:

      1. People with OCD often have intrusive and unwanted thoughts that they cannot control. These thoughts can be very distressing and can make it difficult for them to feel confident in themselves.
      2. People with OCD may also have compulsions that they feel they must do in order to reduce their anxiety. This can lead to them feeling like they are not in control of their own lives and can make it difficult to feel confident.
      3. People with OCD may also avoid situations or activities that trigger their OCD symptoms. This can make it difficult for them to participate in activities that they enjoy or that could help them build confidence.

      20 examples for common negative thoughts related to confidence

      1. I’m not good enough.

      2. I’m not smart enough.

      3. I’m not pretty enough.

      4. I’m not thin enough.

      5. I don’t deserve to be happy.

      6. I don’t deserve to be successful.

      7. I’m not worth anyone’s time.

      8. I’m not worth anyone’s love.

      9. I’m not lovable.

      10. I’m not good enough for anything.

      11. I’m not talented enough.

      12. I’m not special.

      13. I’m not worth anything.

      14. I’m not worth anyone’s attention.

      15. I’m not worth anyone’s respect.

      16. I’m not worth anyone’s love.

      17. I’m not a good person.

      18. I’m not a worthwhile person.

      19. I’m not a lovable person.

      20. I’m not a good enough person.

      10 Examples for negative thoughts related to confidence that are specific for people with OCD

      1. I will never be able to control my OCD.
      2. I’m so ashamed of my OCD.
      3. I’m disgusting because of my OCD.
      4. I will never be able to lead a normal life because of my OCD.
      5. I will always be alone because of my OCD.
      6. I will never be able to have a successful career because of my OCD.
      7. I will never be able to have a happy and fulfilling life because of my OCD.
      8. I am a burden to everyone because of my OCD.
      9. I am worthless because of my OCD.
      10. I will never be able to be happy because of my OCD.

      So what can I do to improve my confidence?

      Cognitive behavioral methods are a way of increasing confidence by reducing negative thinking and self criticism. The way it works is by changing the way you think about yourself and your abilities. Instead of thinking negatively, you focus not just on your positive qualities and accomplishments, but more importantly, on supportive interpretations of situations. This change in thinking leads to improved self-esteem and confidence.

      The first step is to become aware of your negative thoughts and self-criticism. Once you are aware of these thoughts, you can start to challenge and reframe them. For example, instead of thinking “I’m not good enough,” you can tell yourself “I am good enough.” Once you start to reframe your negative thoughts, you will start to see an increase in your confidence levels.

      3 tips for building confidence

      1. When you feel low confidence, write down your negative thoughts, so you get to better understand your challenges.
      2. Challenge and reframe the negative thoughts. Try to find additional ways to approach a specific negative thought or situation.
      3. Studies show that maintaining LOW self-esteem is actually a very laborious and consuming habit. Just by reducing your self-criticism, your confidence will increase.

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    14. 5 examples of magical thinking when you have OCD

      5 examples of magical thinking when you have OCD

      If you have OCD, it’s likely that you suffer from magical thinking. This is when you believe that your thoughts, emotions, and actions can control events and outcomes that are unrelated to you.

      For example, you may think that if you have a negative thought, something bad will happen to you. Or, you may think that if you don’t perform a certain ritual, something bad will happen.

      I am a sufferer of OCD, and my condition causes me to have what is known as magical thinking. This means that I often believe that my thoughts, actions, or words can influence events in the world around me in mysterious or supernatural ways.

      For example, I might believe that if I think about a certain person too much, I can make them have a car accident. Or, if I don’t perform a certain ritual just so, I might think that something bad will happen to me or my loved ones.

      I now know that my magical thinking can be extremely distressing and can cause me a great deal of anxiety.

      Stephan, Switzerland

      Here are five examples of magical thinking:

      1. Thinking that you can control the weather by thinking positive thoughts.

      2. Thinking that you can influence someone’s behavior by imagining doing something bad to them.

      3. Thinking that you can prevent accidents or illness by worrying about them.

      4. Thinking that you can control your destiny by making sure you don’t do anything that could jinx it.

      5. Thinking that you can influence other people’s thoughts and emotions by thinking about them in a certain way.