How to come out of unwanted thoughts in OCD?

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I am a medical college student. My age is 20 and my weight is 38 kg. I have obsessive compulsive disorder for a year. Also, before a year I suffered with deep distress. I cried and scolded myself. I always remember my beautiful past life. I liked to become a doctor in my first attempt, but I could not get. I was disappointed and avoided all excluding my family. But, today I feel fine. I like to rearrange my life. I like to live a good life. I trust myself. Hereafter, I never miss myself and I control myself. But, still my mind reminds me the things and persons that I do not like. Please help me

Answered by Dr. Abhijeet Deshmukh

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

First of all, I congratulate you for entering into medical course and wish you a great life ahead.

I think your main issue currently is unwanted thoughts in your mind. This can be a residual symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder.

Last year, when the stress in life was high, the symptoms of OCD must have been much more. With reduced stress, most symptoms are also reduced.

There are a few things you can do about this are as follows:

Learn some relaxation exercises. Read about Jacobson's progressive muscle relaxation technique. You can do that once a day.

Please consult a psychiatrist or a psychologist to talk about your current symptoms. A clinical interview will establish if you need medication for some time.

Maintain a thought diary. Note down your thoughts, especially those that are persistent.

Try to see if these thoughts are affecting your day-to-day life. If they are, then you might have to consult someone.

You have mentioned that you do some things again and again. Check if doing them again and again solves the doubt in your mind. You have to slowly and gradually reduce the number of times you are doing those things again and again.

Every time you have the urge to do the repetitive task, imagine in your mind stop sign and that can help you.

You can also try the rubber band technique. Wear a rubber band around your wrist and when repetitive thoughts come into the mind, pull the rubber and leave. That will reduce the thoughts.