Most people can think of an occasion where a strange thought, unhappy event or argument pops into their heads for no apparent reason, but usually most people are able to dismiss them relatively easily. However, some people find it difficult to detach from these thoughts and ruminate over them obsessively. Over time, these obsessive thoughts can become very hard to manage and the more the person tries to forget about them, the stronger and more frequent the thoughts become. This results in persistent, unwanted thoughts and mental arguments going round and round in their heads like a stuck record, with sufferers finding it increasingly hard to concentrate during the day or to sleep at night. The sufferer may appear inattentive to others around them and find it difficult to concentrate on conversation.
Some people who experience obsessive thoughts about things they find profoundly disgusting and distressing, could be suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Other people, who most likely do not suffer from OCD, tend to ruminate excessively over day to day worries and concerns such as arguments, personal resentments and unhappy events.
OCD is thought to affect around 3% of the population. If you obsessively think about things that disgust you to the point that they cause you a lot of distress, there is a good chance you suffer with OCD. Here is a list of common obsessions that suffers of OCD experience:
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Fears of contamination by germs, dirt or chemicals
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Fears of flooding the house, accidentally causing a fire, or being burgled
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Concerns about exactness or symmetry
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Excessively doubting own morals or religious convictions
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A need to tell, ask or confess
Natural remedies can be of use to both people who ruminate excessively and sufferers of OCD.
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Bach Original Flower Remedies such as White Chestnut can promote peace of mind and clear thinking for people who experience obsessive, worrying thoughts. Rescue Remedy can help restore inner calm, control and focus when day to day stressful situations arise. (Always read the label.)
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Behavioural therapy and Cognitive therapy might of help if you feel that you be suffer with OCD. Behavioural therapy involves sessions with a therapist, who will gradually and repeatedly confront you with the situation that you fear. Cognitive therapy can help you by encouraging you to analyse your thoughts and the reasons behind your assumptions that fuel your inappropriate reactions. Ask your GP for a referral.
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Visualize a red stop light. Every time you start to think of an obsessive thought, think of a red stop light in your head. This will help you stop dwelling on the thought, before you obsess about it.
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Don’t focus on the obsession. The more attention you give the obsessive thought, the more you dwell on it and the stronger the thought becomes. Your attention feeds the obsessive thinking.
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Do something else. If you start obsessing, do something else for a while like take a walk or listen to music. If you remove yourself from your environment for a while, you’ll feel much better.
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Keep a positivity book. Keep a small notebook of positive statements about yourself and the world around you that make you feel good. Keep it with you at all times so you can get it out when you start to think obsessively.
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Separate your thoughts from your emotions. If you are stuck in an obsessive thought and can’t get rid of it, try being a witness to your thoughts as they flow into your mind. Imagine you’re sitting on a hill and watching your thoughts drift below you. This will detach your emotionally from your obsessive thinking, which will give you power over them.
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