For many OCD sufferers, when an onset of OCD strikes we become highly anxious and stressed. As a result, we often try to flee from the thoughts and compulsions and go into panic mode. Rather than trying to suppress OCD thoughts and tendencies, it’s better to look them in the face and give them a name.
I’ve created an OCD Trigger Identification Worksheet to help you track and monitor your obsessions and compulsions (ready to print). Keep this handy and jot down your OCD thoughts as they manifest. Try to identify what triggered each episode.
Spend a few weeks or so tracking your compulsions. At the end of two weeks, spend some time analyzing your results. Are there any similarities or patterns? Did certain compulsions happen at the same time each day? The more thorough you are in writing down what’s happening and how you’re feeling, the better you can address each compulsion on an individual basis.
Now take a look at the column marked Intensity. On the back of your worksheet, list your compulsions from least intense to most troublesome. The goal is to take small steps by tackling the least significant compulsions first. If you’re able to isolate a minor compulsion and institute a coping strategy that works or one that eliminates the OCD tendency altogether, imagine how good you’ll feel! It will be a major victory and give you the motivation you need to tackle a more intense compulsion.
OCD Moms, here’s our mantra for the week: “I will not run from fear. I will look it in the face and give it a name.”
This is a good idea and will be helpful. I wanted to stop by and thank you for linking up at the Aloha Friday Blog Hop. I’m a new follower.
Have a lovely week!
With Smiles,
Angie at http://snackcupsandsmiles.blogspot.com/
Angie Brewer (@snackcupsmiles) recently posted..Share The Love Blog Hop
Thank you for stopping by, Angie! I hope you have an amazing week as well.
Love the mantra. Hope people will print it out and tape it to their mirrors. Applies to everyone, honestly.
-The Dose Girls
thedoseofreality recently posted..This Should Get Us On Oprah!
The mirror is a good place to tape it as a reminder for sure!
Thanks for this. I wonder if at times I am mildly OCD. It’d be helpful to know any way what triggers my stress.
Tanya @ Mom’s Small Victories recently posted..It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? March 4, 2013
Yep! Another great use for the worksheet. Stress triggers. Thanks for posting and stopping by, Tanya!
Pretty awesome. Like some previous posters said, this can easily apply to everyone as I think most people have a touch of OCD, in the least. Me included. Thanks for such a thoughtful post.
Tamara Camera recently posted..Pizza Dreams.
You are very welcome!
What a great idea…I’m not ocd but I do have high anxiety and I think something like this would help calm me down as most of my anxiety stems from “what if” scenarios rather than real things…yikes! Following along from the hop!
noel @ highheeledmama recently posted..Anchors Away
Thanks for stopping by and for your support!
Good idea! I think this will help a lot of people! I love that you are writing about this!
Michelle recently posted..Lobster Bisque {From Giddu’s Kitchen}
Someone very close to me has OCD and it’s such a hard struggle, particularly with the stigma we have on it in society. Kudos to you for writing about it!
Blond Duck recently posted..Dinner for Two
Thanks! I’m hoping to break down some walls with being open and honest about living and parenting with OCD. Mine is mild compared to others, but no one should have to feel like there is something wrong with them because they suffer from this disorder. Glad you stopped by!