The Reassurance Cycle Definition and explanation Asking for reassurance is a natural thing to do. However, constant reassurance seeking can become an unhealthy way to try to cope with anxiety and uncertainty. Reassurance seeking can look like many things: Reassurance seeking can feel productive in the moment, as if you’re finding out important information.…
Last updated: October 3rd, 2024 If you’re suffering from anxiety or panic attacks, it’s possible that you have difficulty tolerating uncertainty. If uncertainty avoidance drives many of your efforts to cope with anxiety, you may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy. Living with Uncertainty Uncertainty is an inescapable part of life. And it’s something that, generally speaking,…
The fear that you’ll lose control, cause an accident, or panic while driving can have severe effects. Learn about why some people have a fear of driving and what helps improve the problem. Fear of Driving Driving is a daily activity for many people in most of the United States. So, if you are suffering…
Are you a germophobe? Typically, a fear of germs is actually not a phobia. Often, it is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder known informally as “contamination OCD.” with contributions from Gabrielle Ilagan What is Contamination OCD? OCD comes in many forms, and contamination OCD is one of them. People with contamination OCD experience obsessions about…
Rumination is a common experience. If you have OCD, rumination can be a problem that makes your symptoms worse. Learn about this problem and what you can do about it. Updated June 18th, 2024 OCD and Mental Compulsions Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a distressing condition in which people experience obsessions or compulsions, and often both.…
The relationship between OCD and depression can be difficult to sort through. Understanding these two conditions and how they affect each other can help you get the help you need. With contributions from Paul Greene, Ph.D. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) There are a lot of misconceptions about what OCD is. OCD is not simply a term for a…
Swallowing is something that everyone does, many times per day. How does something so familiar become a source of anxiety? Bodily Functions and Conscious Control Other body functions are fully in your control. For example, raising your hand is something your body will only do when you make it – your hand won’t spontaneously raise…
Many people experience intrusive thoughts, often in the context of obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, or anxiety disorders. They can be very disturbing. Read on to learn about the different types of intrusive thoughts and some helpful strategies. There Are Multiple Types of Unwanted Thoughts Intrusive thoughts are thoughts that you wish you didn’t have.…
If you suffer from anxiety, you may have moments when you wonder if you’re losing your grip, or “going crazy.” For some people, this is just a passing thought. For others, however, it can become a major fear. The more the idea dominates your thought process, the more it can seem like you really are…
If you find yourself preoccupied and fearful about having a serious illness, you may suffer from health anxiety. Fortunately, there are concrete steps you can take to (eventually) feel less anxious. What Is Health Anxiety? Health anxiety is worry or concern about having a medical condition that is disproportionate to the actual risk. Sometimes health…
Do you or someone you know seem overly preoccupied with rules, regulations, and orderliness? Do things often need to be done “a particular way” or “the perfect way?” If so, it may be Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder, or “OCPD.” What Is OCPD, Exactly? OCPD is a personality disorder. A personality disorder is a characteristic style that…
Many people think of stress and anxiety as the same thing. There are important differences, however. Understanding them can help you if you’re experiencing stress or anxiety.