When your sibling has OCD, it can be challenging to know what to do, how to help, and if, when, or how you can also care for yourself. Some common feelings I’ve seen siblings of individuals with OCD experience are as follows.
Read MoreI got my first introduction to the idea of self-care when I was in graduate school to become a marriage and family therapist. The importance of it was preached to me in many of my classes and for good reason. As a mental health professional, I support others in taking care of themselves, learning about who they are and how they came to be that person, and healing and, in the process, carry not only my own emotions through life, but also theirs. So yes, I understood that managing my stress and taking care of myself too would be important for both my wellbeing and in order to be present and helpful as a therapist, but what does it mean exactly and how do I do it? Where do I fit it in between school, work, and my other responsibilities? If these are the questions running through your mind too, you’re not alone.
Read MoreIn this time of COVID-19 we have all found ourselves in, anxieties are high. We, as a global community, are encountering circumstances we have never faced before - a pandemic, home quarantine, inability to be with friends, family, and colleagues, etc. - and without a timeline for its progression. Uncertainty is aplenty and, where there is uncertainty, there can be anxiety. Taking care of ourselves, including learning to manage anxiety, may be more important than ever.
Read MoreCoping skills are talked about a lot in the therapy world and I often notice a lot of misunderstandings around them. What are they really? Why do we need them? How do they help?
Read MoreYou have probably heard others discussing OCD casually, either amongst people in your inner-circle or in the media. Maybe you’ve heard someone say they’re “so OCD” about something or that “everyone is a little OCD.” This has likely left you confused about what this disorder really is and how to know if what you’re experiencing is OCD or not. Talking about it in this way leads to many misconceptions, causing individuals to question their symptoms and character and feel unsure of how to get help. If this is you, you’re not alone.
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