OCD Support Groups

If you have OCD and would like to overcome your symptoms with the help of others like you, then consider joining a support group. OCDChicago and the Anxiety & Agoraphobia Treatment Center have support groups that are led by the staff of the Anxiety & Agoraphobia Treatment Center. These groups, one in Chicago, and one in Northbrook,IL, meet twice monthly and will help you learn to decrease your compulsions and avoidance and how to face all the situations that your OCD makes difficult. Contact OCDChicago.org or klcassiday@wi.rr.com for more information.

Managing the Worst-Case Scenario

Many people with anxiety disorders dread and anticipate the worst happening. They worry about terrible situations, such as losing their health, dying of a terrible illness, losing a child, losing a job or becoming disabled. Their minds repeatedly focus upon these worst case scenarios with the effect of leaving the person worried, demoralized and convinced that they would be totally incapable of managing such a dreaded situation if it were to occur. Worry about the terrible uncertainties in life robs them of their peace of mind and cruelly destroys the joy of the moment. The irony is that their minds and bodies feel as though the worst event has happened even though all is well. Has this happened to you?

The dilemma is that none of us has any control over whether or not these tragic events occur. In fact, if we are honest with ourselves, we know that we all must die, that we all are likely to know someone who has experienced a tragic loss and that none of us can guarantee a good outcome for ourselves or those we love. Life is inherently uncertain and no amount of worry or reassurance seeking can remove that fact. How then, are those who worry to discover peace of mind?
First, one must identify and accept that life is uncertain and unfair and that any attempt to control or prevent uncertainty will backfire in escalating worry and reassurance seeking.
Second, learn to focus upon your ability to cope and learn to overcome any situation. The remarkable thing about people is their great capacity to overcome any amount of suffering and loss. Whatever you fear suffering is something that many others have experienced and survived. It really is possible to learn to cope with any situation and to survive and flourish.
Last, learn to identify what your real problems in the present moment are and focus upon handling those instead of the imagined worst -case scenario. What do you need to do now? What would help you focus upon the present? What would you have to think and do to enjoy the present? Learn to be mindful of what is actually occurring rather than focusing upon what you should have done or all the terrible what ifs.