Immediate Help for OCD
For those afflicted with obsessive-compulsive disorder, sometimes even the simplest tasks can seem overwhelming. This is mostly due to the highly ritualized behaviors that sufferers feel compelled to perform, such as tapping their fingers a certain number of times or taking a prescribed number of steps while moving around the different areas of their home. Even when you know the behavior is irrational, you simply can't forego your ritual -- which can lead to all kinds of related complications. That's why it's important to get help for OCD as soon as possible.
The fact that you're searching for information on the subject is a giant step in the right direction. It shows that you're serious about getting help for OCD, and that you want to take back control of your life. Half the battle lies in recognizing that a problem exists (many adults don't even realize that they suffer from this type of disorder), so you're well on your way to a better future.
Finding the right help for OCD depends on the precise nature of your disorder, as well as to the extent that it rules your life. For instance, if your compulsive rituals have become so complex that you're spending several hours per day "going through the motions", then you'll likely need to see a qualified professional who specializes in behavioral therapy. If, however, your problems are limited to washing your hands 10 times per day, then you might find assistance from other sources, such as books or websites that offer help for OCD.
Choosing the right medical professional to provide help for OCD largely depends on variables such as the amount of insurance coverage you have, the availability of qualified personnel in your area, and even likeability. After all, if you don't like or trust your therapist, then you probably won't get very far with your treatment. I recommend getting a few referrals from your regular doctor, and proceeding from there until you settle on someone you're compatible with.
If you decide to go the self-help route, then you're going to end up with a mixed bag as far as results go. Since anyone can put up a website or publish a book these days, you should exercise caution before following the advice of someone offering help for OCD online. Some of the recommendations you come across might very well be valid, but others could lead to nothing but frustration, so just beware of that.
I know from firsthand experience how debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder can be, so I want to stress how critical it is to address the issue immediately. The good news is that you're not alone and that help for OCD is out there. All you have to do is find the approach that works for you!
