Many people think of stress and anxiety as the same thing. There are important differences, however. Understanding them can help you if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety.
[Read more…]Contamination OCD: How to Know If You Have It
Are you a germophobe? Typically, a fear of germs is actually not a phobia. Often, it’s is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder known informally as “contamination OCD.”
A fear of germs often causes temptation to avoid people, places, or things thought to be contaminated. Sometimes the concern is about a specific disease like HIV or hepatitis or just general germs. Other times the contamination is less well-defined.
The impact of this type of OCD can vary widely. If severe and untreated, contamination OCD can even result in people feeling that their homes are too contaminated to continue living in.
[Read more…]Excessive Hand Washing: How Much Is Too Much?
It used to be easier to determine how much hand washing was excessive — but the COVID pandemic changed that. So what makes sense now?
In the early months of COVID in the United States, health authorities constantly reminded the public to wash their hands often, and well. Indeed, the CDC still reminds us that “Keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others.” Given the fear of the deadly virus, most Americans were eager to comply. But many wondered at times, “am I overdoing it?”
[Read more…]5 Myths You Need to Know About Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts about violence, one’s sexual orientation, gender, and other topics can lead to severe anxiety. Learn about common myths that can actually make intrusive thoughts worse.
“Intrusive thoughts” are thoughts or images that a person experiences as unwanted. Intrusive thoughts are normal and unproblematic for most people. However, when experienced frequently, these thoughts can cause significant distress.
[Read more…]Avoidance: There’s No Escaping Its Importance to Anxiety
Sometimes we all skip out on things we don’t like. How is that relevant to anxiety? Very! Learn why avoidance may be the most important thing you’re overlooking to improve your anxiety.
Why Is Avoidance So Important?
We all try to get more of the things we like and less of the things we don’t. People of any age do this, and so do animals — it’s universal.
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