Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can disrupt every area of life, including education. Obsessions are intrusive and unwanted thoughts or images that not only cause distress but also make it very difficult to focus on class lectures or assignments. Engaging in compulsions, such as rituals or…
Most people would be freely admit to wanting to avoid vomiting. However, for some, the possibility of vomiting induces intense mental distress. Emetophobia is the psychiatric term for an intense fear of vomiting. It is a phobia that leads people to avoid any foods, activities,…
Most of the time, people seeking treatment for addiction may have other concerns to address, such as depression or anxiety. In fact, addiction and anxiety often move together, as sufferers find that using a substance relieves their feelings of worry and restlessness. We can also…
Do you ever hope that a social event will be cancelled? Do you ever make up an excuse to get out of a prior engagement because it is easier than dealing with people? Avoidance is the easiest and often the most common method of dealing…
How has your sleep been lately? How about for the past year? For many, the pandemic has been the cause of sleepless nights. Difficulty sleeping during the pandemic has been so common the term “coronasomnia” was coined. In a recent article in the Los Angeles…
Although the pandemic appears to be winding down, some aspects of life, such as video calls, will likely stay the same. Whether people are working from home, utilizing telehealth, or just Facetiming with friends and family, video calls are here to stay. In a recent…
People often think of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) as involving compulsions related to excessively handwashing or flipping light switches on and off. Although those compulsions are not uncommon, OCD can take many forms. What is OCD? OCD is a mental illness that involves suffering from…
At times, life can be very busy. People often need to juggle work, family obligations, and a variety of other responsibilities. It can often be challenging for people to find moments of peace for themselves. In a recent article in The Washington Post, journalist Angela…
The International OCD Foundation recently launched a web series aimed at bringing awareness to the impact that OCD and anxiety has on the athletic community. The series will take the form of panel discussions including a variety of experts. The first episode in the series…
What do you do if you want to be vaccinated, but you have an intense fear of needles? What do you do if you have a phobia- an intense, excessive, persistent fear of an object or situation? In a recent article in the Los Angeles…
Who wants to get poked and prodded with needles? In reality, not many people actually enjoy getting a shot in the arm. However, many people are currently finding themselves in a dilemma. On one hand, they fear finding themselves infected by covid-19, or worse, a…
Most athletes experience anxiety in some form. Often it is helpful in motivating them to consistently train hard in hopes of performing their best. However, when anxiety impedes their daily functioning and impairs their ability to perform, it becomes a detriment to their mental health.…