Introduction–OCD – Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Yesterday, an accident took place in Pakistan. The son of Maulana Tariq Jameel (A prominent Islamic figure) was shot dead by someone. Various news and rumors are in the air regarding this incident. One of them is that he shot himself. The main cause of his demise lies in the fact that he was suffering from OCD, which led him to this fatal end. I am not here to look into the reality or the falsehood of this news; however, being a doctor, I must explain something to you in simple language about this disease. It might be useful.
What is OCD
OCD is a psychological disease in which a person repeatedly has the same thoughts involuntarily (Obsession] consequently, he repeats the same behavior now and then (Compulsion). Some patients have one symptom or the other, and often both. Let us understand some common examples or symptoms.
Best examples of OCD
01- A person is ready to have a meal, and he repeatedly goes to the washroom to wash his hands to see whether the first wash was clean enough.
02-While leaving the house, you locked the door, reached the elevator in the lobby, and instead of entering the elevator, you turned back to see if the door was locked.
03-You have parked the car, but the thought keeps coming to your mind whether the car was unlocked, and you are continually checking.
04-You took wads of notes from the cashier in the bank and counted the amount, but you were not satisfied and counted it repeatedly. Depending on the circumstances.
Interestingly, if you suffer from this disease, you will not be able to realize it until you reach the exact damage; no lab test or X-ray MRI will help you in its diagnosis. By the time you get to a psychiatrist, you will either have done a lot of damage, or you will be left with counseling and sedation.
What should be done to avoid OCD?
Previously, I have mentioned in a post that a large population of the world is struggling with some mental illness. About two to four percent of people across the globe are affected by OCD. Consequences ranging from mild anxiety and behavioral changes to isolation, distrust, inability to perform daily tasks, and committing suicide are common in this disease.
There is no sure way to avoid OCD, but there are some things you can do to reduce your risk.
Be clear about your priorities in life. A rough example is that you have only ten thousand rupees for the daily needs of your family and children if you give it to meet someone else’s needs in search of a Facebook wow or reward. No one else is more stupid. Do not forget that the logical religion to which we are subject has clearly defined all of them when charity and Sadaqah or cooperation is required of you.
Handle crises, don’t panic. Different crises are coming into our lives day by day; react but don’t panic. Crisis resolution comes only through patience and positive action, and over-stressing yourself at the wrong time will continue to prove detrimental to you even after the crisis is over.
In the early months of 2020, when the entire world was already in chaos due to COVID-19, I faced a serious crisis in my professional life; interestingly, this crisis came when I had millions on my bald head. The responsibility of crores was laid. In those days, we chatted more or less every day with some social friends on our group video, but did anyone ever notice that I was suffering from a professional problem? Be patient, take necessary measures, and finally succeed after four or six months of trial.
Build a strong support network. We humans are social animals; friends and a circle of friends are a basic necessity in our lives. Deciding how and how many ranks your friends have is your primary responsibility. I often tell friends to keep two categories. If you want to meet someone, you also meet them for tea and water; if you can’t meet them, don’t get bored, don’t expect anything from them, and don’t let them get anything from you. Having good, supportive friends can make a big difference in coping with OCD. Yes, They can offer emotional support, practical help, and encouragement.
Focus on your mental and physical health. Get enough deep sleep, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and manage Stress. When you’re feeling your best, you’re better able to cope with difficult emotions.
Try to learn more about OCD. The more you know about the condition, the better equipped you’ll be to recognize the signs and symptoms and to seek help if you need it.
Avoid alcohol and drugs. Alcohol and drugs can worsen OCD symptoms and make it harder to manage them.
Professional help. If you think you may have OCD, it’s important to seek professional help as soon as possible.
https://www.psychologytoday.com
Read more: Can OCD be treated without medication?Some additional tips for avoiding OCD.
Challenge your obsessive thoughts. When you have an obsessive thought, ask yourself if there is any evidence to support it. Is it realistic or likely to happen? What is the worst that could happen if it did happen? try to challenge your emotions and replace them with more realistic and helpful ones.
Resist compulsions. The most important thing you can do to avoid OCD. When you feel the urge to do a compulsion, try to resist. It won’t be easy at first, but it will get easier with practice. Remember that giving in to compulsions will only make your OCD stronger.
Expose yourself to your fears. One way to overcome your fear is to expose yourself to them gradually. For example, if you have a fear of germs, you could start by touching a doorknob and then washing your hands for 10 seconds instead of 30 seconds. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually increase the exposure.
What Islam and Christianity say to avoid OCD?
Quran verses for OCD sufferers, “We will surely test you with something of fear, hunger, & a loss of wealth, lives, and fruit, but give good tidings to the patients”( AL-Quran2:155)
Bible verses for OCD sufferers, 1 Peter 5:7, cast all your Stress and anxiety on him because he cares for you.
02 Timothy 1:7 for GOD did not give us a spirit of timidity, but yes, a spirit of power, of love, & self-control.
Unani Hijama Cupping Therapy to cope with OCD
It’s important to remember that OCD is a serious mental health condition, and it’s not possible to avoid it completely. However, by following the tips above, you can reduce your risk and learn to manage your symptoms.
Cupping therapy is rooted in the concept of purifying the body by eliminating toxins and stagnant blood, making it a viable treatment for various stubborn ailments. Among these, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, which affects numerous individuals, can be effectively addressed through head cupping.
Head cupping plays a pivotal role in purging toxins from the blood, particularly in areas associated with obsessive thoughts and psychological distress. This gradual detoxification process leads to a profound sense of relief and relaxation.
Numerous studies have highlighted the efficacy of head cupping in treating Obsessive-compulsive disorder, making it a compelling option for those seeking relief. However, Before embarking on Hijama therapy, it is important to consult trained professionals when considering cupping.
How long should I meditate daily to experience improvements in my OCD symptoms?
While results may vary, starting with 10-15 minutes of daily meditation and gradually increasing the duration can yield positive changes over time.
Can mindful meditation replace medication for OCD entirely?
Meditation can be a helpful complement to traditional treatment, but any adjustments to medication should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Are there specific foods that can worsen OCD symptoms?
Some individuals may find that excessive caffeine and sugary foods can trigger or intensify their OCD symptoms. It’s crucial to be attuned to your body’s responses.
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