What Is an Obsession?
Obsessions are persistent, uncontrollable thoughts or ideas.
When a fixation on a thought, an idea, or an emotion interferes with a person’s
ability to live a happy, productive life, that fixation can be considered an
unhealthy obsession. When someone acts on such thoughts, they are considered
compulsions (MedlinePlus, 2012).
Having favourite thoughts or ideas that are frequently
returned to is normal for many people. Obsessions become a problem when they
cause worry, discomfort, and anxiety, and when they interfere with a person’s
ability to live a happy and productive life.
Symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of Obsession?
Obsessions become problematic when disturbing thoughts last
for more than hour at a time or begin to interfere with daily life. It is
normal, and even necessary, to have persistent thoughts about some things, such
as work problems or personal finances. However, what's considered “normal”
varies among cultures and is defined by things such as family and community.
Obsessive thoughts commonly focus on:
Dirt and contamination
Aggressive thoughts
Organization and orderliness
Religion
In children, obsessions linked to unrealistic fears can lead
to pathology. Parents need to talk to their children about any uncomfortable
thoughts they may have (American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychology,
2013).
Treatments
How Is Obsession Treated?
People who are having trouble dealing with obsessive
thoughts or emotions may consider seeing a mental health professional, who will
work with them to change thinking patterns.
There are things people can do to keep normal obsessions
from becoming a psychological problem (Doverspike, W., 2013), including:
Get out of your head. Don't analyse an obsession
or think about it over and over. Becoming obsessed with an obsession
exacerbates it.
Do something else. Participate in a physical
activity or shift to thinking about something positive. Writing about things
you enjoy can help, as can exercise.
Talk to a friend or loved one about your
concerns.
Listen to music or engage in other activities
that unlock feelings beneath the surface. This may help you better understand your
obsessions.
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