Coping With OCD & Intrusive Thoughts Over the Holidays

[Forum Moderators]

Have OCd with intrusive thoughts? Tips for self-care for the holiday season!

 

Christmas and the entire holiday season isn’t quite over yet – and can be a time of mixed emotions for many people. OCD Action understands this can present unique challenges for people living with OCD. And possibly even additional challenges if you have intrusive thoughts that friends and family members may not understand.

Some essential tips for looking after yourselves

1. Make time for you: Be sure to find some time for yourself to do something you find relaxing or meaningful (even just for ten minutes a day) – this can help to ease stress caused by your intrusive thoughts
2. Connect with others: If the holidays feel quite lonely, making OCD and your thoughts more difficult to manage, think about someone who has some understanding of your intrusive thoughts, who you might reach out to
3. Avoid comparisons: When viewing social media, everyone else may seem to be having a great time, but comparison can cause additional pressure. Try to remember that the people you’re comparing yourself too may not (or probably don’t) have to cope with intrusive thoughts as well. If you struggle with comparison, try to limit your social media usage.
4. Be gentle with yourself: OCD and intrusive thoughts don’t have a day off at Christmas, so it’s OK if you’re not feeling the festive spirit. Try to be gentle with yourself and focus on what you’ve achieved, rather than your thoughts
5. Reach out for support: OCD Action’s services are open during the festive period, with slightly less availability than usual. As always, our Forum is open every day. You can reach out to our Helplines if you need any support.

For more details on looking after yourself during this season, visit:

• this page on our website https://ocdaction.org.uk/looking-after-yourself-this-christmas/ (Note: it is from 2022, but the content remains relevant for you in 2024…and beyond!):
• the OCD Action Facebook page

OCD Action wishes you all the best for the holiday period, the rest of 2024 and all of 2025!

[Author]

Posts