The Unpleasant Surprise in Cebu

I was on my way to my teaching demo in one of the ESL schools here in Cebu. The jeepney driver told me, that there is a low pressure area and it is expected to have a typhoon anytime. Suddenly, it began to rain with strong winds. The jeepney I was riding was in Inayawan at that time. Upon reaching Magallanes Street, I was overwhelmed seeing the street and pedestrian lane covered with dirty, dark water with garbage floating on it. Sad to say, I have no choice but to soak into the dark water and transfer to another jeepney for Mabolo. Though my skin is fragile to dirty substances, its a win-win situation for me. I have to get a new job.My saga that day ended with me, arriving in the ESL school soaking wet and still dripping.

Young Violinist

How to Deal With an Abusive Husband

Overview

Domestic abuse refers to various behavioral patterns, all of which aim to give one spouse control or power over his or her partner, according to the National Domestic Violence Hotline. The specific abuse involved may be economic, emotional, physical, psychological, or sexual, and it usually results in the target feeling ashamed, hurt, manipulated, scared or some other negative emotion. Although the various forms of domestic abuse can affect people of any background or type, women subjected to such behavior may feel particularly vulnerable if their husband is the primary income earner or they have dependent children. Women can take specific actions to deal with an abusive husband.

Step 1

Listen and watch for the signs that indicate your husband is about to become abusive. Avoid situations that cause your husband to mistreat you. Compose several legitimate reasons for you to leave your home at any given time and use one when your husband begins to treat you abusively.

Step 2

Participate in activities outside your home as much as possible to interact with people who can help form a support network for you. Contact your local domestic abuse hotline and the domestic abuse shelters in your area to take advantage of their advice and support services. Stay in contact with friends and relatives, and share your experiences with the people you trust so you will not feel alone and helpless.

Step 3

Treat yourself well to maintain your mental health, positive outlook and self-esteem. Pursue activities and hobbies you like, and refuse to let your husband's negative behavior decrease your sense of self-worth. Protect your children and focus on providing them with a happy and safe home.

Step 4

Prepare in advance for abusive situations by establishing a safety plan to protect yourself and any children you have. Identify places you can escape to quickly, such as a room with a window leading outside or a nearby neighbor's home, and rehearse escaping with your children. Select a code phrase, signal or word to use with your children and others so they will know when you are in danger, and compile and memorize a list of essential contact information, such as telephone numbers for local shelters.

Step 5

Pick the option you believe is best: remaining with your husband or leaving him, either permanently or temporarily. Determine the different risks you will face in each case, such as the high likelihood of continued abuse if you stay with your spouse versus financial difficulties if you pursue separation or divorce. Consider the impact your decision will have on any children you have, too, especially since household abuse affects children even if they do not experience it or observe it, according to the New York State Office for the Prevention of Domestic Violence.

Step 6

Visit your local police station to explore obtaining a protective or restraining order if you leave your husband but feel he is still an imminent threat. Pursue other measures to protect yourself and your children, such as getting a post office box or unlisted telephone number, moving, or opening new bank and credit card accounts.

Step 7

Meet with a qualified mental health counselor or support group regularly if you feel overwhelmed, whether you decide to leave or stay with your husband. Learn how to overcome the trauma of domestic abuse, maintain healthy relationships and rebuild your life through such therapy.

How to Deal with a Verbally Abusive Husband

Overview

Domestic violence can occur in your marriage when your husband attempts to dominate you and your actions. Verbal abuse is a type of domestic violence. Ranging from name-calling and insults to screaming and making threats, verbal abuse is emotional abuse. The aim is to make you feel worthless and powerless, so that the abuser can maintain total control and power over you. According to Helpguide.org, you may not have physical scars or bruises but the emotional damage can be extensive and long-lasting.

Step 1

Recognize the warning signs to determine whether you are involved in a verbally abusive relationship. Consider important factors such as whether your husband belittles you, has a bad temper, overreacts to the smallest of slights or threatens to hurt or kill you. Examine how his behavior makes you feel. Does he try to intimidate you or blame you for his behavior? According to Helpguide.org, the term verbal abuse covers a wide range of behaviors. Irrational jealousy, controlling where you go and who you see and making you ask for permission to do anything all fall under this category.

Step 2

Tell someone about the abuse, whether it is a friend, family member or therapist. According to the Mayo Clinic, you will most likely feel relief and find support when you discuss the abuse with someone you trust. Doing this can help you to gain clarity, release pent-up emotions and frustrations and help you develop a plan for dealing with the abuse. Abuse is a cycle that doesn't stop until you do something to stop it. If you don't feel safe, call a domestic violence shelter or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1'800'799'SAFE for free and confidential advice.

Step 3

Talk to your husband about his behavior during a time when you are both feeling calm, if you feel that is is safe for you to do so. If you think your husband would be open to the idea, you may wish to suggest couples therapy or anger management counseling. You also may wish to consider getting your own counseling on an individual basis to help you gain perspective and to help you to decide the best course of action. You can ask your physician, health insurance company or local mental health agency for a referral to a therapist in your area.

The Effects of an Abusive Relationship

Victims of relationship abuse don't just carry physical injuries. Abuse has numerous affects on nearly every aspect of a survivor's life. These affects have far-reaching implications, often affecting her employment, other relationships and mental and emotional well-being. It's not just adult women who suffer these effects. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, 25 percent of adolescents reported experiencing some type of abuse, either physical, emotional, verbal or sexual. Because abuse effects women so deeply, understanding these effects and seeking safe ways to end abusive relationships are crucial to the health, wellness and survival of victims of relationship abuse.

Depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Dependence

According to The National Women's Health Information Center, depression commonly accompanies abuse. This depression can stem from verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. Abuse often triggers feelings of shame, helplessness, panic, regret and fear. Many women feel unable to overcome or escape abuse due to threats of violence or loss of resources and feel trapped and hopeless. Women who have experiences abuse are often diagnosed with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicidal ideation, according to a report called "Women, Domestic Violence and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder" published by the Sandiego State University Department of Health and Human Services School of Social Work. PTST has a wide range of symptoms, from anxiety to flashbacks to sleeplessness to nightmares and depression. There is also a strong correlation between abused partners with PTSD and increased rates of drug and alcohol dependence.

Dimished Self-Esteem

Women who continually face abuse may blame themselves. They may feel on some level that they deserve this abuse, that that asked for it some way. They may also believe verbal abuse they've heard. For example, it's common for verbal abusers to try to make their partners feel worthless, powerless, dumb, unattractive and incompetent as parents, partners and homemakers. After a while, abused women may believe these things to be true. This low self-esteem helps abusers keep their victims under control.

Poverty

Many women who suffer abuse at the hands of their relationship partners also experience poverty. One reason for this poverty is that abusive partners often isolate and control their partners, preventing them from earning their own income and having access to family resources. According to Deborah Satyanathan and Anna Pollack, authors of "Domestic Violence and Poverty," women in abusive partnerships also often lack access to affordable housing and legal representation that would help them escape their situation. Women who are able to work outside the home may suffer poor work performance and frequent absenteeism due to depression, post-traumatic stress disorder or frequent injury. Abusive partners may still control the money and resources of employed partners, or may sabotage their ability to work through injury, manipulation or restricted access to transportation.

Why do Battered Women Stay in Abusive Relationships?

Overview

The friends and loved ones of a battered woman often wonder why she stays in the abusive relationship. The psychological state of an abuse victim is complex, and abuse is often cyclical. There are a number of possible reasons for staying with an abuser, and each situation is different. Understanding why women stay in these situations is the first step toward helping a loved one get the help she needs.

Denial

Abuse often occurs in cycles. After a violent episode, the abusive partner may be extremely apologetic and often swears that the abuse will never happen again. For a while, the abuser is on his best behavior. Most abusers are charming and manipulative. Women in these types of relationships may convince themselves that the partner "didn't mean it" and experience denial about their partner's abusive tendencies.

ontrol

"Domestic violence and abuse are used for one purpose and one purpose only: to gain and maintain total control over you," says HelpGuide.org. Those who have abusive relationships with women will often use fear, guilt, shame and intimidation to wear a woman down and gain control. An abuser may attempt to keep tabs on a woman and subject her to intense questioning concerning where she's been and what she's been doing. He may also restrict her from making personal decisions by controlling what she wears, controlling her money or even forcing her to ask permission to leave the house. Abusers often use isolation as a way to keep control over women, separating them from their friends, family and other support systems.

Anger and Violence

Anger features predominantly in abusive relationships. Abusers often have quick tempers, and may become angry at a moment's notice. "Disagreements are to be expected, and discussions to resolve them are normal," says clinical psychologist and relationship counselor Maisha Hamilton Bennett. "But when nearly every disagreement escalates to an argument in 60 seconds flat, there are serious underlying problems."



Violent outbursts also occur. Violence, even when it's not directed at a woman, is yet another way abusers threaten, intimidate and control women. "Witnessing a violent temper directed at a television set, others on the highway, or a third party clearly sends us the message that we could be the next target for violence," says clinical psychologist Joseph M. Carver.

Other Characteristics

Men in abusive relationships with women often display other common traits such as paranoia, jealousy, and constant criticism, says psychotherapist and marriage counselor Fred A. Clark. Help Guide further notes that abusive partners frequently blame their partners for their abusive behavior. These and other behaviors often lead to feelings of shame, guilt and embarrassment for both parties. An abuser may then try to "make up" for his abusive behavior; the relationship then goes through a short honeymoon period, until the abuse starts again.

Considerations

Abusive relationships often escalate from emotional abuse to physical violence, says HelpGuide.org, though even if physical violence never occurs, emotional abuse can be just as damaging. Abusive relationships can cause serious depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness and suicidal thoughts. Those who feel they have an abusive relationship with women should seek help from a qualified professional to end the cycle of abuse and learn how to have healthy relationships. Victims of abuse should also seek help by calling the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-SAFE.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: What It Is and How to Treat It -- familydoctor.org

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: What It Is and How to Treat It

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an illness that causes people to have unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and to repeat certain behaviors (compulsions) over and over again. We all have habits and routines in our daily lives, such as brushing our teeth before bed. However, for people with OCD, patterns of behavior get in the way of their daily lives.

Most people with OCD know that their obsessions and compulsions make no sense, but they can't ignore or stop them.

eturn to top

What are obsessions?

Obsessions are ideas, images and impulses that run through the person's mind over and over again. A person with OCD doesn't want to have these thoughts and finds them disturbing, but he or she can't control them. Sometimes these thoughts come just once in a while and are only mildly annoying. Other times, a person who has OCD will have obsessive thoughts all the time.

What are compulsions?

Obsessive thoughts make people who have OCD feel nervous and afraid. They try to get rid of these feelings by performing certain behaviors according to "rules" that they make up for themselves. These behaviors are called compulsions. (Compulsive behaviors are sometimes also called rituals.) For example, a person who has OCD may have obsessive thoughts about germs. Because of these thoughts, the person may wash his or her hands repeatedly. Performing these behaviors usually only makes the nervous feelings go away for a short time. When the fear and nervousness return, the person who has OCD repeats the routine all over again.

What are some common obsessions?

The following are some common obsessions:

• Fear of dirt or germs
• Disgust with bodily waste or fluids
• Concern with order, symmetry (balance) and exactness
• Worry that a task has been done poorly, even when the person knows this is not true
• Fear of thinking evil or sinful thoughts
• Thinking about certain sounds, images, words or numbers all the time
• Need for constant reassurance
• Fear of harming a family member or friend

What are some common compulsions?

The following are some common compulsions:

• Cleaning and grooming, such as washing hands, showering or brushing teeth over and over again
• Checking drawers, door locks and appliances to be sure they are shut, locked or turned off
• Repeating actions, such as going in and out of a door, sitting down and getting up from a chair, or touching certain objects several times
• Ordering and arranging items in certain ways
• Counting to a certain number, over and over
• Saving newspapers, mail or containers when they are no longer needed
• Seeking constant reassurance and approval

How common is OCD?

For many years, OCD was thought to be rare. Some recent studies show that as many as 3 million Americans ages 18 to 54 may have OCD at any one time. This is about 2.3% of the people in this age group. OCD affects men and women equally.

What causes OCD?

No one has found a single, proven cause for OCD. Some research shows that it may have to do with chemicals in the brain that carry messages from one nerve cell to another. One of these chemicals, called serotonin (say "sair-a-tone-in"), helps to keep people from repeating the same behaviors over and over again. A person who has OCD may not have enough serotonin. Many people who have OCD can function better when they take medicines that increase the amount of serotonin in their brain.

Are other illnesses associated with OCD?

People who have OCD often have other kinds of anxiety, like phobias (such as fear of spiders or fear of flying) or panic attacks.

People who have OCD also may have depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), an eating disorder or a learning disorder such as dyslexia.

Having one or more of these disorders can make diagnosis and treatment more difficult, so it's important to talk to your doctor about any symptoms you have, even if you're embarrassed.

What is PANDAS?

PANDAS is short for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal (Strep) infections. A strep bacteria infection (such as strep throat, scarlet fever, or impetigo), can set off an immune reaction that suddenly causes worse symptoms in some children who have OCD, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or tic disorders, such as Tourette’s Syndrome. The increased severity of symptoms usually passes with time, lasting from weeks to months before symptoms improve again.

How is OCD treated?

Combining therapy with medication is usually considered the most effective way to treat OCD.

Several medicines are available to treat OCD. These medicines are also often used to treat depression and include: clomipramine, fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and fluvoxamine. These drugs can cause side effects such as dry mouth, nausea and drowsiness. Sometimes they also have sexual side effects. It may be several weeks before you see an improvement in your behavior.

Under the guidance of a trained therapist, behavioral therapy can also be used to treat OCD. In behavioral therapy, people face situations that cause or trigger their obsessions and anxiety. Then they are encouraged not to perform the rituals that usually help control their nervous feelings. For example, a person who is obsessed with germs might be encouraged to use a public toilet and wash his or her hands just once. To use this method, a person who has OCD must be able to tolerate the high levels of anxiety that can result from the experience.

The "Obsessive Love Wheel"

The "Obsessive Love Wheel" (OLW) is a hypothetical sphere originally described by John D. Moore in his book, Confusing Love with Obsession. The wheel illustrates the four stages ofObsessive Relational Progression as part of Relational Dependency (RD). Moore suggests that for people who are afflicted with relational dependency (love addiction, codependency, etc) their relationships often follow the pattern of the wheel.

The initial phase of ORP is characterized by an instantaneous and overwhelming attraction to another person. It is at this point the relationally dependent person becomes "hooked" on a romantic interest, usually resulting from the slightest bit of attention from the person they are attracted to.

[edit]Phase one: Attraction phase

• An instant attraction to romantic interest, usually occurring within the first few minutes of meeting.
• An immediate urge to rush into a relationship regardless of compatibility.
• Becoming "hooked on the look" of another, focusing on the person's physical characteristics while ignoring personality differences.
• Unrealistic fantasies about a relationship with a love interest, assigning "magical" qualities to an object of affection.
• The beginnings of obsessive, controlling behaviors begin to manifest.

[edit]Phase two: Anxious phase

This phase is considered a relational turning point, which usually occurs after a commitment has been made between both parties. Sometimes, however, the relationally dependent person will enter into this phase without the presence of a commitment. The relation can be severed here, resulting in a depressing time for the controlling party. If not severed by this time, psychological help will be required. This happens when the afflicted person creates the illusion of intimacy, regardless of the other person's true feelings. The second phase of ORP behaviors can include :

• Unfounded thoughts of infidelity on the part of a partner and demanding accountability for normal daily activities.
• An overwhelming fear of abandonment, including baseless thoughts of a partner walking out on the relationship in favor of another person.
• The need to be in constant contact with a love interest via phone, email or in person.
• Strong feelings of mistrust begin to emerge, causing depression, resentment and relational tension.
• The continuation and escalation of obsessive, controlling behaviors.
• Feeling the other partner doesn't and shouldn't need to contact, meet, bond and/or speak with others.
• Violent reactions (verbal and physical) directed to the loved one and/or to oneself if the controlled person starts denying the obsessive demands.

[edit]Phase three: Obsessive phase

This particular phase represents the rapid escalation of this unhealthy attachment style. It is at this point that obsessive, controlling behaviors reach critical mass, ultimately overwhelming the RD person's life. Also at this point that the person being controlled begins to pull back and, ultimately, severs the relationship. In short, Phase Three is characterized by a total loss of control on the part of the RD person, resulting from extreme anxiety. Usually, the following characteristics are apparent during the third phase of ORP.

• The onset of "tunnel vision," meaning that the relationally dependent person cannot stop thinking about a love interest and required his or her constant attention.
• Neurotic, compulsive behaviors, including rapid telephone calls to love interest's place of residence or workplace.
• Unfounded accusations of "cheating" due to extreme anxiety.
• "Drive-bys" around a love interest's home or place of employment, with the goal of assuring that the person is where "he or she is supposed to be."
• Physical or electronic monitoring activities, following a love interest's whereabouts throughout the course of a day to discover daily activities.
• Extreme control tactics, including questioning a love interest's commitment to the relationship (guilt trips) with the goal of manipulating a love interest into providing more attention.

[edit]Phase four: Destructive phase

This is the final phase of Obsessive Relational Progression. It represents the destruction of the relationship, due to phase three behaviors, which have caused a love interest to understandably flee. For a variety of reasons, this is considered the most dangerous of the four phases, because the RD person suddenly plummets into a deep depression due to the collapse of the relationship. Here are some of the more common behaviors that are exhibited during phase four of ORP:

• Overwhelming feelings of depression (feeling "empty" inside).
• A sudden loss of self-esteem, due to the collapse of the relationship.
• Extreme feelings of self-blame and at times, self-hatred.
• Anger, rage and a desire to seek revenge against a love interest for breaking off the relationship.
• Denial that the relationship has ended and attempting to "win a loved one back" by making promises "to change".
• The use of drugs, alcohol, food or sex to "medicate" the emotional pain.
• Suicidal thoughts may manifest. Without emotional counseling, the subject as it risk of suicide.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Behavior, and Treatment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Symptoms, Behavior, and Treatment

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

SYMPTOMS AND TREATMENT OF COMPULSIVE BEHAVIOR AND OBSESSIVE THOUGHTS

It’s normal, on occasion, to go back and double-check that the iron is unplugged or your car is locked. But in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors become so excessive that they interfere with daily life. And no matter what you do, you can’t seem to shake them.

If you or someone you love has obsessive-compulsive disorder, you may feel isolated and helpless, but there is help available. Many treatments and self-help strategies can reduce the symptoms of OCD.

• 
  
  

What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?

John’s story

John is a 42-year-old accountant whose obsessive “checking” behaviors are gradually taking up more and more of his time. He spends at least an hour every morning checking and rechecking that the windows are latched, the security alarm is set, and the front door is locked. At work, John goes over his clients’ books again and again, out of fear that he’s missed something or made a mathematical error. Consequently, his productivity has plummeted. Lately, John has also started to worry about his wife’s safety, calling her every three hours to see if she’s okay. He’s afraid that if he misses a call, something bad will happen to her.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by uncontrollable, unwanted thoughts and repetitive, ritualized behaviors you feel compelled to perform. If you have OCD, you probably recognize that your obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors are irrational – but even so, you feel unable to resist them and break free.

Like a needle getting stuck on an old record, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) causes the brain to get stuck on a particular thought or urge. For example, you may check the stove twenty times to make sure it’s really turned off, you’re your hands until they’re scrubbed raw, or drive around for hours to make sure that the bump you heard while driving wasn’t a person you ran over.

Understanding obsessions and compulsions

Obsessions are involuntary, seemingly uncontrollable thoughts, images, or impulses that occur over and over again in your mind. You don’t want to have these ideas – in fact, you know that they don’t make any sense. But you can’t stop them. Unfortunately, these obsessive thoughts are usually disturbing and distracting.

Compulsions are behaviors or rituals that you feel driven to act out again and again. Usually, compulsions are performed in an attempt to make obsessions go away. For example, if you’re afraid of contamination, you might develop elaborate cleaning rituals. However, the relief never lasts. In fact, the obsessive thoughts usually come back stronger. And the compulsive behaviors often end up causing anxiety themselves as they become more demanding and time-consuming.

Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder fall into one of the following categories:

• Washers are afraid of contamination. They usually have cleaning or hand-washing compulsions.
• Checkers repeatedly check things (oven turned off, door locked, etc.) that they associate with harm or danger.
• Doubters and sinners are afraid that if everything isn’t perfect or done just right something terrible will happen or they will be punished.
• Counters and arrangers are obsessed with order and symmetry. They may have superstitions about certain numbers, colors, or arrangements.
• Hoarders fear that something bad will happen if they throw anything away. They compulsively hoard things that they don’t need or use.

Just because you have obsessive thoughts or perform compulsive behaviors does NOT mean that you have obsessive-compulsive disorder. Many people have mild obsessions or compulsions that are strange or irrational, but they’re still able to lead their lives without much disruption. But with obsessive-compulsive disorder, these thoughts and behaviors cause tremendous distress, take up a lot of time, and interfere with your daily routine, job, or relationships.

Signs and symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Most people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have both obsessions and compulsions, but some people experience just one or the other. The symptoms of OCD may wax and wane over time. Often, the symptoms get worse in times of stress.

Common obsessive thoughts in OCD include:

• Fear of being contaminated by germs or dirt or contaminating others
• Fear of causing harm to yourself or others
• Intrusive sexually explicit or violent thoughts and images
• Excessive focus on religious or moral ideas
• Fear of losing or not having things you might need
• Order and symmetry: the idea that everything must line up “just right.”
• Superstitions; excessive attention to something considered lucky or unlucky

Common compulsive behaviors in OCD include:

• Excessive double-checking of things, such as locks, appliances, and switches.
• Repeatedly checking in on loved ones to make sure they’re safe.
• Counting, tapping, repeating certain words, or doing other senseless things to reduce anxiety.
• Spending a lot of time washing or cleaning.
• Ordering, evening out, or arranging things “just so.”
• Praying excessively or engaging in rituals triggered by religious fear.
• Accumulating “junk” such as old newspapers, magazines, and empty food containers, or other things you don’t have a use for.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms in children

While the onset of obsessive-compulsive disorder usually occurs during adolescence or young adulthood, younger children sometimes have symptoms that look like OCD. However, the symptoms of other disorders, such as ADD, autism, and Tourette’s syndrome can also look like obsessive-compulsive disorder, so a thorough medical and psychological exam is essential before any diagnosis is made. It’s also important to note that OCD is an anxiety disorder, and in children, the symptoms of anxiety usually change over time. So a child with OCD symptoms will not necessarily have OCD as an adult. What’s most important is to make environmental and behavioral changes to reduce your child’s anxiety.

How to Stop Obsessive Behavior | eHow.com

How to Stop Obsessive Behavior | eHow.com

How to Stop Obsessive Behavior

By Tena Green, eHow Contributor

No, people with Obsessive Behavior are not crazy. They are fully aware of the excessiveness of their behavior and thoughts. In order to lessen Obsessive Behavior you must first understand it. Have you ever been in an accident? Remember the feeling as the car was sliding into the tree or spinning uncontrollably? Feeling out of control is probably one of the worst feelings in the world, and experiencing that sensation all of the time is an anxiety disorder. However, the severity can be lessened with some help and knowledge. These steps can in no way completely stop obsessive behavior, but they can give you a good start with your determination to self help.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Books and Internet access
• Friends and family
• Determination

1. 1

   Educate yourself. This is probably the most important step in lessening the affects of OCD. Knowledge is power and understanding the problem will help you deal with it. Check out books at the library, read articles on the Internet and learn all you can.

2. 2

   Most people believe that in order to stop obsessing over something they need to think about something else entirely. This isn't necessarily true. Allow yourself to think about whatever you're obsessing over, but don't allow yourself to act on that obsession.

3. 3

   Telling yourself you won't think about something is like holding candy in front of a small child. Your brain will dwell on that subject all the more because you've told yourself not to think about it. Go ahead and think about it, and then write about it.

4. 4

   Keep a journal just for your obsessive thoughts. Once you have written about what is hounding your mind go on to do something else. Writing about your obsession will not totally wipe out that anxiety, but it will lessen the relentlessness of it.

5. 5

   Stop yourself from reacting to obsessive thoughts and this will reduce obsessive thinking. A good example: when you get ready to leave the house, if you feel the need to check the front door to make sure it is locked, allow yourself to check it only twice today. Tomorrow, check it only once. Do this type of exercise with your obsessions and over time you will find they will become less intense. With each success you will feel more in control. This is called behavioral therapy.

6. 6

   Try family therapy. Getting your family involved will give you support and help. Once they learn about your disorder and understand what you are trying to do, they can help remind you of the treatment and planned outcome. Get your closest friends in on this too. The more support you have the better.

7. 7

   Spend more time with family and friends. An obsessive disorder can lead to isolation. Don't allow this to happen.

8. 8

   Do things that help you relax such as yoga, meditation, getting a massage or reading. These are mentally calming relaxation practices and will help you eliminate unwanted thoughts.

3rd Intern. ADHD Congresswww.adhd-congress.org

26 - 29 May 2011 in Berlin - Join the outstanding scientific programm

Teen Behavior Assistancewww.discoveryacademy.com

Troubled teen behavioral problems Get help for your teen today

Coping with ADHDwww.adhdcopingstrategies.com

More than 20 tips to overcoming symptoms. Buy ebook now

AR Clinical Psychologywww.annualreviews.org

Insightful Scientific Review Articles in Clinical Psychology

Ads by Google

Tips & Warnings

• Take comfort in knowing scientists have noted inappropriate activity in the basal ganglia of the brain of people with OCD. Doctors are now positive OCD is a medical disorder. It isn't the fault of the person with OCD or the result of a weak or unstable personality.
• These steps can in no way help if you have severe Obsessive Behavior. Please get psychiatric help as this anxiety disorder can be treated.

Read more: How to Stop Obsessive Behavior | eHow.comhttp://www.ehow.com/how_2192830_stop-obsessive-behavior.html#ixzz19tp2XdyI