OCD Anxiety Relief

Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is an anxiety disorder characterized by unwarranted fears and thought patterns, which lead to recurring and compulsive actions. The anxiety associated with OCD can be extremely stressful and, in some cases, debilitating. Many sufferers lessen their anxiety by following through with the obsessive behaviors their minds have invented, but there are more healthy ways to provide relief from OCD-related anxiety.

Finding Relief from OCD Anxiety

• Medication is one of the most commonly used ways of dealing with the stresses of OCD anxiety. Fluoxetine, paroxetine, clomipramine and sertraline are frequently prescribed for treatment of OCD and the anxiety that accompanies it. These drugs work on the brain's neurotransmitters, promoting a greater release of the chemical serotonin, which lessens anxiety and enhances mood.

  Many OCD sufferers battling with anxiety will seek the help of a trained therapist. In locating a therapist, it is important to find someone with whom you are comfortable opening up and sharing your innermost thoughts and fears. By being brutally honest in your relationship with a therapist, the road to healing--and a less anxiety-prone life--can begin.

  Stress reduction techniques have proved successful for many people with OCD-related anxiety. Simple deep breathing can work wonders on stress levels within the body and mind. By taking slow, deep inhalations and long, slow exhalations, anxiety is immediately lessened and a sense of focus is regained.

  Deep breathing can be used in conjunction with imagery techniques. Imagery can be performed with a therapist's guidance or by yourself. Closing your eyes, imagine the most serene, calming place you can think of. Let the idea of this place overtake your senses, and you will feel a profound awareness of relaxation and rejuvenation.

  Establishing a nurturing support system is an integral part of dealing with OCD and its accompanying anxiety. Friends and loved ones are often able to provide much-needed encouragement, but OCD is sometimes viewed as a mysterious--and sometimes frightening--disorder. Through your therapist, family doctor, or local hospital or mental health center, you may be able to locate OCD support groups in your area. These settings will help you deal with your illness and anxiety with other individuals experiencing the same challenges.

  For a more alternative approach to relieving OCD anxiety, you may want to consider acupressure. By stimulating different meridians in the body with a gentle, healing touch, acupressure elevates relaxation levels and calms the central nervous system.

  Aromatherapy is another alternative healing method for effectively dealing with OCD anxiety. There are several essential oils renowned for their soothing properties. Rose, lavender and orange oils are excellent examples of essential oils that, when gently inhaled, can bring about a sense of calm and focus. Similarly, a few drops of chamomile oil added to a warm bath can offer the same relaxing benefits.