What Causes OCD to Get Worse? Watch Out for These 8 Triggers 

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, around 1.2% of the US population lives with OCD.

If you or someone you love has OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), you’ll know how debilitating and complex the condition can be. There are many triggers for OC behaviors, and understanding them can help stop the vicious cycle from worsening.

In this guide, we’ll discuss what causes OCD to get worse, and explain some good OCD coping mechanisms.

Read on for 8 OCD triggers to watch out for.

1. Stress and Anxiety

Managing stress and anxiety is vital for individuals with OCD. Elevated stress levels can amplify OCD symptoms.

If you suffer from OCD, you should take the time to learn healthy OCD coping mechanisms. There are lots of simple ways to reduce stress without resorting to compulsive rituals. These include:

• Mindfulness
• Hot and cold therapies
• Deep breathing
• Regular Exercise

Remember, stress is part of life. However, learning healthier ways to deal with it and manage your anxiety can help you address your OCD symptoms. Try out lots of different methods to find out what’s best for you.

2. Lack of Sleep

Inadequate sleep can negatively impact mental health, and individuals with OCD are no exception.

Poor sleep can intensify obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. This leads to hours spent awake worrying or completing rituals, which in turn leads to further sleep deprivation.

Prioritizing a consistent sleep routine and creating a calming bedtime ritual can help alleviate this trigger. voiding caffeine and electronic screens before bed, and making sure your sleep environment is comfortable, dark, and quiet, can further contribute to better sleep quality and improved mental well-being.

3. Environmental Triggers

Certain environments can trigger OCD symptoms. Cluttered or disorganized spaces tend to exacerbate obsessive thoughts related to cleanliness or order.

Designating specific places for items, keeping things tidy, and using calming colors can help reduce the anxiety and stress that disarray might cause. Take time to learn about triggers and adjust ‘safe’ spaces accordingly.

It’s also beneficial to practice your mindfulness techniques when in these spaces. This will help you to stay centered and manage any OCD-related discomfort effectively.

4. Substance Abuse

Substance abuse can worsen OCD symptoms. It can also interfere with treatment plans.

Alcohol and drugs disrupt normal brain chemistry. This can trigger dependency and anxiety, making it harder to manage the condition effectively. While some people with OCD choose to ‘self-medicate’ with drugs or alcohol, this is a poor long-term approach.

That’s because it can quickly lead to a vicious cycle of substance abuse and worsening OCD symptoms. Seeking professional help for substance abuse is crucial for individuals with OCD. If you know someone who may be using to try and deal with OCD symptoms, please get them the help they deserve today.

5. Changes in Routine

Disruptions to daily routines can be distressing for individuals with OCD and trauma symptoms. Sudden changes can trigger anxiety and obsessive thoughts.

Establishing a structured routine and planning ahead for changes can help mitigate this trigger. You can make a daily schedule that includes time for different activities and tasks.

When changes do come up, try to take some deep breaths and remind yourself that you can handle them. Over time, sticking to a routine and practicing flexibility can make it easier to manage anxiety and keep obsessive thoughts under control.

6. Negative Emotions

Strong negative emotions like anger, guilt, or sadness can exacerbate OCD symptoms. This can cause people to turn to compulsive and obsessive behaviors for comfort.

These emotions can intensify obsessive thoughts and fuel compulsive behaviors. However, they can also be the result of the OCD itself. This bi-directional relationship makes good mental health so important for people with OCD.

Learning healthy ways to manage emotions through therapy or counseling can be immensely beneficial. Check out Advanced Behavioral Health for high-quality, individualized OCD therapy in a professional setting.

7. Lack of Social Support

Isolation and lack of social support can worsen OCD symptoms. Connecting with understanding friends, family, or support groups can provide comfort and a sense of belonging, helping individuals cope better with their condition.

This can make it easier for them to deal with their OCD and manage their feelings. Sometimes, just knowing that there are people who care can provide comfort and reduce their worries.

When they connect with others, these friends or family members can help them understand that these thoughts and actions are part of their condition and that they’re not alone in dealing with it. Being around supportive people can make their journey with OCD a bit easier.

8. Unmanaged Triggers

Unresolved traumatic events or triggers from the past can contribute to the worsening of OCD symptoms. Addressing these triggers through therapy, counseling, or trauma-focused interventions is crucial.

By facing and working through those tough memories with a trained professional, someone can learn ways to cope with their OCD feelings and behaviors better.

It might take time and effort, but addressing these triggers through therapy can make a big difference in managing OCD.

Tackling Triggers: What Causes OCD To Get Worse?

This journey toward managing OCD symptoms is a testament to human strength, resilience, and the capacity for growth.

By delving into these triggers and embracing effective coping mechanisms, we set the stage for transformation and recovery. The path to managing OCD is within reach, and this exploration is a crucial stride forward.

If you enjoyed this article on what causes OCD to get worse, be sure to check out the rest of out blog for more info and advice.