Letting Go Of Obsessions – A Memory Cycle
Introduction
“Obsessions” applies to the unruly and involuntary thoughts which last in the mind of the people,
because of which a person is concerned about, then rethink unless are reached to a one optimistic
conclusion and feel contented.
These thoughts make us feel there is so much negativity, as repetitive in nature and restless.
When these obsessive thoughts are mild we are able to work and distract ourselves and let them
go. But if intense, it moves repeatedly in one’s mind realizing it is true, which is not, but a
sudden thought which comes and goes, but at that stage, our mind doesn’t allow us to believe, this picky thought is just a thought and not the biggest reality.
This process of holding on to obsession, whether it is good or bad, helpful or helpless, true or not true, negative or positive, we lose our whole time, believing about one thought which
disasters our life and converts into solitude, make us irritable in nature. We lose focus on our
present life, happiness, and great opportunities.
Mental Health Issue
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) features a model of unwanted thoughts and worries
(obsessions) that lead you to do cyclic behavior (compulsions). These obsessions and
compulsions hinder daily activities and cause major distress.
OCD obsessions are repeated, constant, and discarded thoughts urge, or images that are intrusive and cause distress or anxiety. These obsessions normally intrude when you are trying to think of or do other things. This leads to more ritualistic behavior — the vicious cycle of OCD. 1
Because Every Picture Has a Story to Tell! (True Story)
One day unexpectedly,a thought from my past came into my mind which
I never contemplated, will make my life so shattered and dejected. But
actually, it was not only a thought but also guilt of not telling the person
about some events. I started sharing memories of a particular event with a
person, without bothering is necessary or unnecessary, thinking deep into
that and memorizing, which converted to the constant worry of missing something. I made a
tendency, felt very upset about it, which later I realized was so stupid. But eventually, habits
changed into an obsession with other unrealistic thoughts, and dreams which not even exists or happened in my life before, like I started hallucinating or imagining something which I know is not so serious, but my brain was irrepressible and, make me believe it was true or, will happen at any point of time.
“YOU IMAGINE YOUR TEMPORARY THOUGHTS AS YOUR FEARS”…………………...
These obsessions wasted many hours of my life and gave a negative impact on my education and personal life. Believe me; I used to share each intrusive thought, my emotions, my pain to that person. I used to share some with my family and friends, who helped me taking it lightly few https://www.daytonbehavioralcare.com/psychiatric-treatment/about-ocd/
times, but my brain did not let that happen. And what more they can do. Though, I was also not comfortable in sharing such thoughts. Someone said to me; your brain is controlling you, there is something wrong, and you must have control over your mind. But it continued, it continued for weeks, for months, for years.
During a dark period of my life, that one person stands all by my side listening to irrelevant
thoughts, and explaining mental positive sides of hallucinations, dirty negative imaginations, and helped me in coping up with the fear of proceeding in life. That person always calms me in all my anxiety and emotions. I felt, how I can think that way. That goes on repeatedly. Sometimes I get irritated with people, to me, wanted to be alone, tried to help myself, take all those imaginations and thoughts easily, but again it goes on.I used to write about my bad dreams, imaginations, and events in a phone note, so I can remember and tell a person. That person heard me even in a hospital bed; I was so annoyed and disturbed, believing that I am worthless. Tried many times to control and not share with a person, but I used to because after sharing, it feels so light. But obviously, a person gets bored or annoyed and even unhappy listening to all that negativity but holding all on to that& forgetting, a person chose to stay with me, and in the belief that one day I will come out of these obsessions. A person keeps on trying and even I tried. I have an option if I want to resist the thought or do I accept the thought (It continued……………for two years).
Slowly and steadily, I started ignoring involuntary thoughts and decided to accept it, stop
reverting to those intrusive thoughts and taking it lightly as I used to do,before and I keep
calming in a better way, I started letting go of all my obsessionsand converted my life into better living.
At present days, sometimes I feel it’s happening with me again as it changes with time, but now I realized that I can control it, I can resist with it, and I can accept it and at the same time ignore it and not make it again an obsession.
Symptoms of Obsession Intrusive and unwanted sexual thoughts together with aggression, or religious subjects.
Aggressive or horrific thoughts about losing control and fear of harming oneself or
someone else
Fear of acting unwisely (like blurting out a curse word during a moment of silence).
These involve compulsions like checking, counting, praying, and repeating, and can also
involve avoidance (different from compulsions) like avoiding sharp objects. 2
Doubting and having difficulty tolerating uncertainty
Causes of Obsessions
Stress
Lack of work
Empty mind
Irregularity in sleep
Hormonal changes
Hereditary and genetic factors
Complications
o Lack of sleep
o Health issues (stress, anxiety, weight loss)
o Lack of concentration
o Difficulty in focusing on studies
o Suicidal thoughts and behavior
o Relationship issues
o Poor quality of life
Human Rights Touch
2 https://www.healthline.com/health/ocd/social-signs#types
Human rights are a significant part of varying the talk around mental health. The principles of
equality and dignity are a prompt that mental illness shouldn’t be a reason for unfairness. As
every citizen has given right to freedom of thought, the right not to reveal one’s thought, right to
receive mental healthcare, which makes it easier for the sufferer of obsession to receivehelp.
They are an invitation for people to speak and be heard. All people are entitled to receive the best mental healthcare and have the same rights as others.
Self-Help Tips(A Positive Step)
Get busy into something of your interest (Like- Studying Books, Listening to Music, Call
Someone Etc.)
Regular Exercise ( Meditation, Breathing Exercise, Relaxation)
Distract your mind to good thoughts
When thoughts emerge in your mind, write down and delay them. Save them for later this
will help you realize, it is worthless.
Share with someone very close to you or you are comfortable with, this helps you to
identify whether such thought is necessary for you or not.
Don’t get shy, open up, share with the consultants, psychiatrists. (if severe)
Note: Do it regularly, these are very effective practices, and let it go, if such obsessions
are out of your control, then only go for the medications and treatment. But remember it
takes time, maybe a week, months, or years. Even I realized so recently that it was a
mental illness but can be easily cured, so have patience and help yourself perhaps without
getting any treatment.
About
Ritika Sahu is a Student of Law looking for an opportunity to utilize her skills in a professional
the work environment that enables her to work for the well-being and betterment of society.
Nicely Written!!!