8 OCD Self Help Principles in 5 Minutes

Reid Wilson PhD
6 Aug 201904:40
EducationalLearning
32 Likes 10 Comments

TLDRIn this empowering speech, the speaker outlines eight self-help principles for overcoming OCD. They emphasize the initial challenge and simplicity of the process, urging the audience to treat it as a mental game where they must develop a counter-strategy against OCD's tactics. The speaker advises against traditional exposure therapy, instead promoting a proactive approach with a strong desire to face fears. They stress the importance of understanding and owning the process, not just following instructions. The speech encourages embracing uncertainty and taking an aggressive stance against OCD, winning the battle moment by moment without being consumed by long-term worries. The speaker concludes by simplifying the fight against OCD to a direct confrontation with uncertainty, highlighting the courage needed to overcome it.

Takeaways
  • 😨 **Starting is Scary**: The initial phase of confronting OCD is frightening and requires courage, but it's not complicated once understood.
  • πŸ€” **Mental Game**: Treat OCD as a mental challenge where you devise a counter-strategy against the disorder's tactics.
  • πŸ™…β€β™‚οΈ **Avoid Exposure Without Strategy**: Traditional exposure doesn't work; it needs to be done with a proactive attitude and for the right reasons.
  • πŸ“š **Comprehend, Don't Just Follow**: Instead of blindly following self-help books, understand their principles and apply them to your situation.
  • 🀝 **Collaborate with Therapists**: Work with your therapist to create a plan, but ensure you own the logic and execution of the plan.
  • πŸ’ͺ **Aggressive Approach**: Fight OCD aggressively, adopting an offensive stance to confront it head-on.
  • πŸ€·β€β™‚οΈ **Embrace Uncertainty**: Learn to handle uncertainty without seeking constant reassurance; it's about managing doubt and moving forward.
  • 🎯 **Win Moment by Moment**: Focus on the present and don't worry about the long-term; each moment is a new opportunity to win against OCD.
  • 😱 **Initial Work is Terrifying**: Acknowledge that starting the work to overcome OCD is terrifying, but it's a necessary step towards recovery.
  • πŸ”„ **Turn Away from Obsessions**: Recognize obsessions for what they are and actively turn away from them, choosing to live a life without their control.
Q & A
  • What are the key points of the eight self-help principles mentioned in the transcript?

    -The key points include: 1) The work is initially frightening and difficult but not complicated; 2) Treat it as a mental game; 3) Avoid traditional exposure therapy without the right attitude; 4) Read self-help books to understand, not just follow; 5) Collaborate with a therapist to develop a personal plan; 6) Approach it as an aggressive sport requiring an attacking offense; 7) Handle uncertainty and avoid 'maybe' thinking; 8) Focus on winning the game moment by moment and not on the long-term.

  • Why is the work initially described as frightening and difficult but not complicated?

    -It's described this way to emphasize that while the process may be challenging and require courage, it is straightforward and doesn't involve complex mechanisms or strategies once understood.

  • What is meant by treating the situation like a mental game?

    -This means approaching the challenge with a strategic mindset, where you have a challenger (OCD) and you develop a counter-strategy to overcome it.

  • Why is the speaker against traditional exposure therapy?

    -The speaker suggests that traditional exposure therapy without the right attitude might not be effective. Instead, one should approach it with a proactive mindset, wanting to face what scares them.

  • What does the speaker mean by 'do exposure with attitude'?

    -The speaker is advocating for a proactive and willing approach to exposure therapy, where one actively seeks out what scares them instead of passively enduring it.

  • How should one interact with a self-help book according to the transcript?

    -One should not just follow the instructions blindly but rather comprehend the material, understand its meaning, and apply it to their personal situation.

  • What is the importance of collaborating with a therapist?

    -Collaborating with a therapist is important to develop a personalized plan that suits the individual's needs, and to defend the logic of that plan together.

  • Why is the approach described as an aggressive sport?

    -This analogy is used to emphasize the need for an active and forceful strategy when dealing with OCD, suggesting that one must be proactive and not just react to the disorder.

  • What is the significance of handling uncertainty without the need for resolution?

    -Handling uncertainty without resolution is about learning to live with doubt and not letting it control one's actions or thoughts, which is a key aspect of overcoming OCD.

  • Why is it important to focus on the present moment rather than the long-term?

    -Focusing on the present moment helps in managing the immediate challenges and making progress day by day, which can be less overwhelming than worrying about the distant future.

  • What does the speaker suggest as the final step in overcoming OCD?

    -The final step suggested is to treat the obsession as something to turn away from, to sit with uncertainty, and to repeat that it's hard but to have a good life despite it.

Outlines
00:00
πŸ”₯ Overcoming OCD with Courage and Strategy

The speaker begins by acknowledging the audience's applause and thanks Mike for his introduction. He then proceeds to outline eight self-help principles for overcoming Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The first principle emphasizes that dealing with OCD is initially frightening and requires courage, but it's a process that is simple once understood. The speaker likens it to a mental game where one must devise and apply counter-strategies against OCD's tactics. He advises against merely doing exposure without the right attitude, urging individuals to face what scares them head-on. The speaker also stresses the importance of not following self-help books blindly but instead understanding and adapting the principles to one's own situation. Collaboration with a therapist is encouraged, but the individual must take ownership of their recovery plan. The talk highlights the need for an aggressive approach, dealing with uncertainty, and not succumbing to the 'maybe' mindset. The speaker concludes by reminding the audience that victory over OCD is achieved moment by moment, and that the initial fear of confronting it is a normal part of the process.

Mindmap
Keywords
πŸ’‘OCD
OCD, or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions). In the context of this video, OCD is the 'challenger' that the speaker is addressing and providing strategies to overcome. The speaker encourages viewers to confront their obsessions and compulsions head-on, rather than avoiding them, as part of the coping mechanism.
πŸ’‘Self-help principles
Self-help principles refer to strategies or guidelines that individuals can use to improve their mental well-being and overcome personal challenges. The video outlines eight such principles for dealing with OCD, emphasizing the importance of understanding the condition, developing a counter-strategy, and taking an active role in managing one's mental health.
πŸ’‘Mental game
A mental game refers to the psychological aspects of overcoming challenges or adversaries, which in this video is OCD. The speaker likens the struggle with OCD to a game where one must develop a counter-strategy to win. This concept is used to encourage viewers to actively engage with their condition and not to be passive victims of their obsessions and compulsions.
πŸ’‘Exposure
Exposure, in the context of therapy, is a technique where individuals are gradually and safely exposed to the source of their anxiety or fear. The speaker advises against traditional exposure therapy for OCD, suggesting instead to do exposure 'with attitude,' meaning to face fears willingly and assertively, rather than passively.
πŸ’‘Uncertainty
Uncertainty is a state of being unsure or not knowing. The speaker highlights the importance of learning to handle uncertainty as a key part of overcoming OCD. This involves embracing the idea that it's okay not to have all the answers and learning to live with doubt, which is exemplified in the script by phrases like 'I can handle uncertainty.'
πŸ’‘Aggressive sport
The term 'aggressive sport' is used metaphorically to describe the approach one should take when dealing with OCD. It suggests that one must be proactive and assertive in their efforts to combat the disorder, rather than being passive or defensive. This concept is used to motivate viewers to take an active stance against their OCD.
πŸ’‘Attacking offense
An attacking offense is a strategy used in sports and games where the player takes the initiative to attack rather than waiting for the opponent to make a move. In the video, this term is used to encourage individuals to take a proactive approach in dealing with their OCD, to confront it directly rather than avoiding it.
πŸ’‘Collaborate
Collaborate means to work together, especially in an intellectual or artistic activity. In the context of the video, the speaker advises viewers to collaborate with their therapists, not just to follow instructions blindly, but to actively participate in the development of their treatment plan. This emphasizes the importance of personal involvement in the healing process.
πŸ’‘Moment by moment
This phrase refers to focusing on the present moment and dealing with issues as they arise, rather than worrying about the future or past. The speaker uses this concept to encourage viewers to tackle their OCD one moment at a time, which can make the process feel more manageable and less overwhelming.
πŸ’‘Terror
Terror is a feeling of extreme fear. The speaker acknowledges that beginning the work of overcoming OCD can be terrifying. However, the video's message is to face this fear and to understand that the process, while difficult, is simple in its structure and can be managed by confronting obsessions and compulsions directly.
Highlights

The work in the beginning is frightening and difficult but not complicated.

It's important to treat OCD like a mental game that you can win.

Develop a counter-strategy against OCD's tactics and apply it.

Exposure doesn't work without the right attitude; approach it with 'I want what scares me'.

Don't just read self-help books, comprehend and figure out what it means for you.

Collaborate with your therapist to decide on a plan and defend its logic.

Treating OCD aggressively with an attacking offense is crucial.

Handle uncertainty without seeking answers to doubtful situations.

Embrace the idea that you can handle uncertainty, regardless of the content.

Win the battle against OCD moment by moment, focusing on the present.

The initial phase of confronting OCD can be terrifying, but it's necessary.

Turn away from obsessions and treat them as something you're done with.

Uncertainty is hard, but it's a part of life; learn to live with it.

The speaker emphasizes the importance of owning the work against OCD.

There's a need to be assertive and say 'I'm not playing your game anymore' to OCD.

The transcript suggests a structured approach to dealing with OCD.

Applause from the audience indicates the talk's impact and resonance.

Transcripts
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