How Can I Holistically Treat OCD?

The compulsions and rituals that come with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can consume an individual’s everyday life. Spending too much time completing tasks can create an abundance of stress. The compulsion to do rituals can make an individual feel as if their mental health condition is taking over their entire life. Although different prescription medications and psychotherapy can significantly improve an individual’s quality of life, some people turn to a variety of holistic methods to treat this condition.

Choosing to holistically treat OCD in combination with talk therapy and medications can promote a more successful recovery outcome. A holistic approach can also ease an individual’s treatment process. What’s more, for some people, holistic therapies are more enjoyable than clinical approaches.

What Is OCD?

As stated by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), OCD is a mental health disorder that is defined by persistent reoccurring obsessive thoughts and behaviors. Unfortunately, for some individuals, these symptoms may be highly difficult to control. This can be due to intense urges to complete specific compulsions and difficulty stopping intrusive thoughts.

Early intervention is crucial as the condition left untreated can negatively impact an individual’s life. Symptoms of OCD typically surface in early adolescence.

OCD Symptoms That One Can Holistically Treat

According to the aforementioned NIMH webpage, some individuals may experience only obsessions or compulsions. Others may experience both or a variety of other symptoms. The effects of OCD are clinically known to interfere with one’s cognitive ability to complete day-to-day priorities.

Individuals may not gain pleasure from completed rituals but may feel relief from their anxiety. It is common for individuals diagnosed with OCD to have strained relationships, academic problems, and issues with their work performance. Some signs and symptoms associated with OCD may consist of:

  • Intense fear of germs
  • Unwanted taboo thoughts
  • Aggressive thoughts toward others
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • The urge to have things in exact order
  • Excessive cleaning
  • Repeatedly checking on things out of concern for safety
  • Compulsive counting

Different Types of Holistic Care

For those interested in taking on a more holistic approach, there are various holistic treatment options available. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), it was estimated that approximately 30% of U.S. adults and about 12% of young adolescents take on an alternative approach to prescription medications and talk therapy to treat their mental health conditions.

For example, if an individual were to choose a more natural approach in combination with their prescribed medication, this approach would be called “complementary.” A more natural option without the use of prescription medications would be referred to as an “alternative approach.” For individuals who choose a more “mainstream” plan of treatment, conventional health care is offered.

Integrative health involves both complementary and conventional approaches in a more coordinated way. An individual may choose to use medications or psychotherapy and a more complementary method to holistically treat a mental health disorder. For example, acupuncture, dance or art therapy, yoga, and different nutritional supplements may help manage or ease an individual’s mental health challenges. Therefore, following a nutritious diet, practicing mindfulness and meditation, and using natural products can be complementary approaches used alongside medications.

The Best Types of Natural Therapies to Holistically Treat OCD

According to a research review in the journal Medicine (Baltimore), those who receive treatment that combines meditative practices with medication for OCD showed significant improvement in their mental health. Groups that solely used medication to treat their OCD showed less success in their recovery. Therefore, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and meditative practices used alongside medication can be more helpful than medication alone.

Holistically Treat OCD With 12 South Recovery

Choosing to holistically treat OCD with 12 South Recovery can help individuals ultimately overcome their symptoms and live a better quality of life. Many holistic therapy options can be helpful in treating addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders.

12 South Recovery understands that OCD is a common anxiety disorder that can be very difficult to treat. Every session may look different depending on the chosen treatment. Different holistic therapy services may include:

  • Mindfulness practices
  • Meditation
  • Yoga
  • Art therapy
  • Nutritional therapy
  • Massage therapy
  • Reiki
  • Sound therapy

One benefit of exploring holistic treatment options is that they are proven to be clinically effective and cost-effective. They can be utilized post-treatment as well. The choice to surrender to professional treatment can be difficult. However, many individuals find a successful outcome with additional support, especially when their symptoms are severe. Trying a more natural approach before attending psychotherapy or taking prescription medications can also be a more comfortable way to ease into treatment.

There is no one path to wellness. Everyone requires different methods to achieve their best life, and all people deserve to find their own route to healing.

Solely using medications to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) does not work for everybody. Many people choose to holistically treat OCD. As a leader in Orange County mental health treatment, 12 South Recovery offers a variety of holistic options, including meditation, yoga, and sound therapy. These therapies have been shown to reduce stress, which is important in healing from addiction and mental health issues. Stress management also helps prevent relapse for those who have self-medicated with addictive substances. At 12 South Recovery, our goal is to provide you with evidence-based treatment and a wide variety of holistic options to help you find your own path to total healing and wellness. To learn more, call us at (888) 830-8374.

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