The most common mental health conditions in the United States are anxiety-related disorders, which include conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Signs of OCD can begin at any stage of your life, although symptoms typically appear between the ages of 14 and 24.
Mental illness is common in the United States, with 20% of adults struggling with a mental illness each year. Additionally, 1 out of every 25 Americans deal with a serious mental health condition, which can cause disabling symptoms. Mental illness can cause you to experience a diminished quality of life, especially if you avoid treatment. Many mental health problems are progressive, meaning symptoms continue to get worse without help.
What are the Signs of OCD?
OCD has no known cause and can impact anyone, regardless of age, race, or gender. Overall, roughly 1 out of every 40 American adults have OCD, while 1 out of 100 children in the United States have OCD. Signs of OCD can develop slowly or suddenly, which is why seeking treatment when you first notice signs of OCD is so important. OCD is one of the top 20 leading causes of disability in the United States, demonstrating just how much symptoms can impact your daily life. Some of the most common signs of OCD include:
- Having obsessive and reoccurring thoughts
- Practicing routines or rituals to prevent bad things from occurring
- Experiencing intense anxiety and/or panic attacks
- Practicing obsessive behaviors, such as constantly washing your hands
- An inability to control or reduce obsessions or compulsive behaviors
While many times you can mask or hide signs of OCD, the condition will continue to worsen unless you complete treatment.
Treating OCD
OCD is treated with both evidence-based and holistic therapies. Evidence-based treatments are therapies that are proven to work after extensive research and studies. Evidence-based treatments include things like:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Trauma counseling
- Medications
Therapy can help you identify and change negative thoughts, feelings, and behaviors, which helps empower you to better manage your symptoms. Treatment can also greatly reduce the severity of your symptoms, which can make it easier to live a healthy and normal life. Holistic therapies, like meditation and yoga, can improve your cognition and promote relaxation. Since one of the major signs of OCD is anxiety, holistic treatments are highly effective in reducing stress and anxiety.
While OCD is chronic, managing your symptoms can ensure that OCD doesn’t prevent you from achieving your goals. The earlier you receive treatment, the less likely you are to experience severe signs of OCD. Medications can help improve your sleep, reduce anxiety, and prevent panic attacks. Another benefit of treatment is that you can include your family and loved ones, which can improve your recovery outcomes.
Getting Help Today
Don’t let the signs of OCD control your life. Even though symptoms can leave you feeling isolated, frustrated, and alone, treatment can help you recover. If you would like to learn more about the signs of OCD or your treatment options, contact us at 844.334.4727 today.