OCD and Chronic Stress Treatment in NYC: When Your Mind Won't Switch Off
Your work day is done, but your mind continues to go through all the conversations from the day. You look at something once, but you feel the need to check it a second time. Even when everything seems to be okay, a lingering feeling of doubt leaves you unable to feel at ease.
For some individuals, these experiences may be tied to stress. For others, their repetitive thoughts and actions might indicate the presence of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It is possible to have both issues coexisting.
Living with consistent mental stress may impact your sleep, focus, relationships, and daily routine. The hardest thing about all of this is that no one else may understand what you are experiencing inside.
If you are seeking OCD therapy or chronic stress treatment in NYC, knowing the differences between these experiences may assist you in finding the right treatment for you.
Dr. Andrew Lima, PsyD provides psychological services and treatment options at Center for Cognitive Growth.
What Is the Difference Between OCD and Chronic Stress?
OCD and chronic stress might have overlapping features; however, they are different.
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is a mental disorder characterized by obsessions, compulsions, or both.
Obsessions are recurrent and persistent thoughts, images, or urges which cause anxiety. Compulsions are repetitive behaviors or psychological acts done in response to obsessions or to prevent an undesirable event from happening.
They include:
Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or messages due to constant doubts
Having intrusive thoughts which cause discomfort or are hard to ignore
Having the urge to put things in a certain order
Doing something again and again until it's done properly
Looking for reassurance again and again in order to relieve uncertainty
Not all people with OCD exhibit clear rituals. There are some internalized compulsions such as constantly going through what happened, repeating phrases, or neutralizing thoughts.
OCD is not about being organized, perfectionistic, or anxious sometimes. It can take up a lot of time and interfere with one's life.
The symptoms and treatment options for OCD are described by the National Institute of Mental Health.
What Does Chronic Stress Feel Like?
Stress is an automatic reaction to demands, uncertainties, or pressures. However, it is a cause for worry when such pressures keep piling on, leading to adverse effects.
The signs of chronic stress include:
Being unable to turn off one’s mind from work
Anger and being overwhelmed with emotions
Tension in muscles, headaches, and fatigue
Having troubles sleeping
Lack of concentration and decision-making skills
Feeling always behind schedule despite best efforts
Chronic stress is not just a standalone issue, as other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms, including anxiety disorders and depression among others.
This is the reason why it should not be overlooked.
Can OCD and Chronic Stress Occur Together?
Certainly, the OCD symptoms will increase in times of high stress, with the management of such obsessions and compulsions themselves being an additional source of stress.
Let us take an example of a person who is already spending a lot of time in checking his work before submission of it. In a highly challenging project, he might feel even more scared to commit any mistakes. Checking will definitely bring him some kind of temporary relief from his worries. But then, the loop will keep on continuing.
Such a scenario can happen outside of the workplace too, with a person’s family obligations, study, or major change in life being stressful for them.
Still, all repetitive thoughts are not OCD, and sometimes stress can be simply that, stress.
Professional help can help you investigate the matter in detail.
OCD Treatment in NYC: What Approaches Can Help?
OCD is treatable, and there is good evidence that evidence-based psychological treatment can help many individuals manage their symptoms and improve functioning.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy With Exposure and Response Prevention
ERP is a specific type of Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and the primary form of psychological treatment for OCD.
In ERP, the therapist and the patient work together to discover the triggers and develop an individualized step-by-step plan to face the feared situation without performing their usual compulsions or thoughts.
For instance, a person who repeatedly checks the door will practice staying with the uncertainty after one check according to the plan created by the therapist.
It is not about putting a person in an overwhelming situation. The treatment is carefully planned, collaborative, and individualized.
ERP may be difficult in the beginning but it helps the person learn how to respond differently to their obsessive fears and compulsions.
Learn more from the International OCD Foundation's ERP treatment guide.
2. Understanding Your Symptoms Through Assessment
Before deciding on a therapy method, it could be helpful to have some idea about the factors behind these issues.
A psychological assessment can be used to determine the nature of symptoms, functioning, problems and personal history. A psychological assessment could also assist in recognizing any other problems associated with OCD, such as anxiety or depression.
This doesn’t mean that all people should go through extensive tests. Each individual case should be evaluated in its own right.
3. Medication and Combined Treatment
Medication can help certain individuals as part of their OCD treatment plan. Some of the drugs that can be taken include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Whether or not someone needs to take medications will depend on various issues including severity of symptoms, previous treatment, preferences, risks, and medical advice. A competent medical practitioner will provide the possible options.
There are some people who will require both medication and evidence-based therapy.
No one should add, modify, or stop taking their prescription medication without first consulting their doctor.
Chronic Stress Treatment in NYC: How Can You Start Feeling More in Control?
Dealing with stress is not just a matter of having a day off or being positive. Once stress has become chronic, it might take more than that to learn its origins and develop new responses to it.
It all depends on the situation at hand, but some helpful solutions can be psychological counseling, problem-solving skills, better sleep habits, effective boundaries, and relaxation techniques.
Identify the Sources of Pressure
First, pay attention to when stress tends to be at its peak. Is it because of work obligations, family pressures, uncertainty, perfectionism, or inability to say no?
Recognizing such common themes will help you identify those stresses that you could change and those where another response is needed.
Recognize the Signs Before You Become Overwhelmed
Stress may occur slowly over time. One could experience irritability, body stiffness, rapid thoughts, or concentration problems without realizing how much stress they are under.
Being aware of these signs will allow one to do something about it before it starts impacting their daily routine.
Build More Realistic Routines
Making small changes on a regular basis may help to alleviate excessive stress. Such changes include establishing reasonable priorities, taking breaks, having a regular sleep pattern, and avoiding interruptions while working.
Such techniques may aid in overall health, but they cannot replace professional assistance in case of chronic or serious symptoms .
Consider Professional Support
Therapy can assist in exploring stressors, identifying patterns, developing coping mechanisms, and dealing with emotional issues linked to the stress.
When the stress is linked with the obsessive-compulsive disorder, it is necessary to deal with the cycle of OCD and not just relaxation.
It all depends on the issue at hand.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
Seeking guidance from a mental health expert may be necessary if:
You are spending too much time on repetitive thoughts or rituals.
Stress negatively impacts your sleep, studies, work, and interpersonal relationships.
You are beginning to avoid certain situations due to continuous fear or worry.
The coping mechanisms you have been using do not seem to work anymore.
You feel overwhelmed and struggle to handle your day-to-day obligations.
You do not have to wait until your symptoms get worse before seeking assistance.
If your symptoms appear suddenly and are exceptionally severe, you are experiencing new physical or psychological symptoms.
Finding OCD and Chronic Stress Support in NYC
Identifying the appropriate service provider is the result of self-understanding and formulating relevant questions.
In case of choosing psychological services in NYC, make sure to inquire about the qualifications of the professional, his/her experience in working with OCD and/or chronic stress, treatment methods, and progress evaluation.
In case if you have suspicions that your problem may be an obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), ask directly whether they practice ERP or they can recommend you a person who practices this approach. Just stress management therapy may fail to address the root of the problem.
Center for Cognitive Growth provides psychological services and gives additional information about neurofeedback, qEEG brain mapping, and psychological assessment. All these services serve different purposes and have to be chosen according to the needs of the person.
The center lists its offices located in Manhattan at:
Center for Cognitive Growth
928 Broadway, Suite 305
New York, NY 10010
Tel.: (201) 212-5049
It is possible to get more information on the Center for Cognitive Growth website.
Meet Dr. Andrew Lima, PsyD
Dr. Andrew Lima is a licensed child and adolescent psychologist and health psychologist from the Center for Cognitive Growth. He specializes in neurofeedback, qEEG brain mapping, neuropsychological assessments, biofeedback, and hypnotherapy.
When considering the possibility of seeking psychological therapy, it is vital to become aware of a professional’s credentials and services offered.
In case you are seeking a consultation for OCD or stress-related conditions, contact the center and ask them about their services and whether they can accommodate your concerns. If OCD is at issue, verify their capacity to provide services in evidence-based OCD treatment, including ERP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I receive OCD treatment in NYC?
First, you need to consult with a licensed mental health professional with experience working with OCD patients. Ask whether they can conduct ERP, which is the primary psychological intervention for OCD.
Is OCD the same as anxiety or chronic stress?
OCD includes obsessions, compulsions, or both. Chronic stress is a condition that includes constant stress and its consequences. Both conditions can be alike, but a proper assessment will distinguish them.
Can therapy help with chronic stress?
It might help a person to recognize stress triggers, learn how to cope with it, change unhealthy patterns, and handle emotions. It depends on the nature and impact of stress.
Is it possible to treat OCD without the use of drugs?
Yes. Evidence-based psychological treatment of OCD using CBT and ERP may be appropriate in isolation for some individuals. Others may require the combination of psychotherapy and drugs. This can be determined by a qualified professional.
Does neurofeedback treat OCD?
Neurofeedback should never be used as an established first-line treatment for OCD. Treatment of OCD involves evidence-based treatment using ERP-based CBT and medications when necessary. Always consult with a qualified professional before opting for any other treatment modality.
How do I begin working with Center for Cognitive Growth?
You can visit the center’s website or call (201) 212-5049 to inquire about their services and whether they can help you.
Conclusion: You Don't Always Have to Manage Everything by Yourself
When your brain feels like it is incapable of turning off, it is hard to tell if you are stressed out constantly, have OCD, or something else.
It doesn't mean that you should diagnose yourself and try to block every thought that comes to your head. You need to comprehend what you experience and find suitable solutions for your problems.
In case you are looking for the proper psychological help in NYC, you can use all possible resources to find a solution.
If the repetitive thoughts, compulsions, and constant stress are ruining your life, you should consult with a specialist.
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