For most people, anxiety is temporary and goes away once the stressful situation has passed. However, for some individuals, anxiety can become overwhelming, persistent, and interfere with their daily lives.
Unfortunately, self-medication is a common practice for many people living with an anxiety disorder. For some, it is the result of undiagnosed or untreated anxiety while others may simply be seeking a stronger way to handle their symptoms.
OCD is a mental disorder which can take many forms, and may look very different from person to person. Fortunately, there are many resources available for people living with OCD and their loved ones.
One of the most common questions my anxiety patients ask me is about using relaxation exercises and distraction techniques to help manage anxiety. What role can relaxation and distraction play in treatment?