Tag: CBT
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OCD During the Holiday Season: Understanding Patterns, Triggers, and Resilience
Living with OCD during the Holidays: Ruth’s Story I never realized how different my holiday anxiety was until that Christmas morning three years ago. Standing in my kitchen at 6 AM, I’d already checked the turkey temperature a few times. My sister Amy found me in tears. The turkey was overcooked because I couldn’t stop…
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Revitalizing Digital Mental Health: Evidence-Based Interventions, Gamification, and the Power of Family Support
Foreword The COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst for a rapid transformation in many sectors, with digital mental health emerging as a promising frontier. As the world grappled with lockdowns, social isolation, and unprecedented stress, the demand for accessible mental health support soared. Digital interventions appeared to be the ideal solution—offering scalability, convenience, and the…
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OCD.app: Using AI for Personalized Mental Health Support
In the ever-evolving landscape of mental health apps, OCD.app stands out by leveraging artificial intelligence to provide a truly personalized experience for its users. Let’s explore how AI is revolutionizing the way we approach mental health support through this innovative application. Tailored Tracks: Your Unique Path to healthier thinking One of the most exciting features…
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Understanding Self-Esteem Through the Lens of the Cognitive Model
Self-esteem is a cornerstone of our emotional well-being. It influences how we view ourselves, interact with others, and cope with life’s challenges. But what exactly shapes our self-esteem? And why do some of us struggle with it more than others? The cognitive model offers some compelling insights into these questions, particularly when it comes to…
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Understanding Feelings and Dealing with Feelings in Anxiety
Understanding Feelings and Dealing with Feelings in Anxiety: Focusing on Maladaptive Beliefs What is Anxiety? Anxiety is a natural emotional response to perceived threats or stress. While occasional anxiety is a normal part of life, persistent and excessive worry can interfere with daily activities and well-being. It often manifests through feelings of nervousness, restlessness, or…
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Thinking Your Way Out of Pain
Chronic pain is a prevalent and complex condition affecting millions worldwide. Defined as pain lasting more than three months, it often persists beyond the usual course of an acute illness or injury. The experience of chronic pain is not only physical but also deeply intertwined with our thoughts and beliefs. Understanding the cognitive aspect of…
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Mind Over Pain: Harnessing the Power of Cognitive Therapy to Overcome Chronic Pain Disorders
What Are Pain Disorders? Pain disorders, often classified under chronic pain syndromes, involve persistent pain that goes beyond the typical healing time of an injury or illness. This pain can affect any part of the body and may not have a clear physical cause. Common types include fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, and tension headaches. Pain…
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Understanding Fear of Sin (Scrupulosity) in OCD
What is Scrupulosity? Scrupulosity is a subtype of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) characterized by an overwhelming concern with morality, sin, and religious purity. Individuals with scrupulosity often experience intrusive thoughts about committing sins, offending God, or failing to adhere to religious practices. These intrusive thoughts lead to compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety or seeking reassurance.…
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Understanding PTSD and the Role of Cognitive Exercises in Reducing Symptoms
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. This condition can profoundly affect an individual’s life, influencing their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. Fortunately, cognitive exercises have shown promise in helping individuals with PTSD by targeting and modifying maladaptive beliefs and thought patterns…
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Understanding and Overcoming “Not Just Right” Feelings in OCD
What Are “Not Just Right” Feelings in OCD? “Not just right” (NJR) feelings are a common experience for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). These feelings are characterized by a pervasive sense that something is off, incomplete, or not quite right. Unlike typical obsessions and compulsions, NJR feelings are not always linked to a specific fear…
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Mind Traps: Unveiling the Harm Obsessions in OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often characterized by intense, persistent fears and compulsions that are rooted in maladaptive beliefs about harm. These beliefs, which can distort an individual’s perception of risk and safety, significantly contribute to the anxiety and repetitive behaviors typical of the disorder. This article delves into the specific aspects of maladaptive beliefs about…
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Beyond the Surface: Exploring the Depths of Contamination in OCD
What is OCD with a Fear of Contamination? Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a common, chronic mental health condition characterized by unwanted, persistent thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Among the various themes of OCD, the fear of contamination is one of the most prevalent. This subtype involves an excessive fear of becoming contaminated by germs,…