The Balanced Life, Huntsville Alabama

Ah, it’s that time again…New Year’s Resolutions! It seems most of us can be divided into two camps- those who have given up on even setting any resolutions each year, because, well, we often don’t stick to them beyond January 15^th or so. And the other camp- those who continue to ambitiously establish a slew of goals for the new year that go to the way side by January 15, even despite our good intentions.

Each day I talk with clients who are struggling to make a change. They want to leave a job they hate or end toxic relationship, or they want to go back to college or ask someone out on a date. They give lots of reasons why they can’t or haven’t…but it all boils down to one core feeling. Fear.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

With Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, compulsions are seen as a way to reduce fear and doubt; they are most often identified by the client as being reasonable ways to help them cope. Continued compulsions actually exacerbate the fear and allow it to continually cycle through the mind of the individual, thus any relief gained from compulsions is only temporary. Exposure response prevention serves to lead an individual to a greater purpose for living by having them face and “fight” the fears for which they seek to “Flee” through repeated rituals and other obsessive/compulsive types of behavior.

With anxiety high across the globe and our communities faced with unprecedented uncertainty, it is natural to feel uneasy. Mental health suffers when we feel panicked and fearful of the unknown.