In Urdu, we say it “Khabat”. There is no doubt that this word is commonly used in our daily lives within our culture usually in the form of this sentence- “Tumhe tou khabat hogya hai shadi ka”, unfortunately denying the need of an individual hence the disapproval dumps a fully functioning mentally healthy human being into the depths of misery. The journey of suffering is sometimes endless just because of weak social support.
Obsessions are more than overthinking about a demand or desire and expressing it often. Let’s review how obsessions are a real mental health problem.
Now, what are the 3 ways of the road to meet obsessions? Struggle in understanding the term is approached through definition, informal assessment & formal evaluation defining 3 ways to confirm having obsessions. Take a look-
1-Definition in Psychology
Obsessions are when a client complains about unable to stop thinking about a specific topic. The control over particular thoughts is poor and leads to a feeling of restlessness when tries to control. A certain feeling also accompany obsessions due to the belief that it serves as an obstacle to restlessness or anxiety.
List of Common topics during obsessions–
Dirt & Contamination
Sexual
Insecurity
Religious
Losing something precious
Disaster & Calamities
Having a fatal illness
Getting harmed
Thinking about self
Some Points to Note
It is really important to make a chart about your thoughts relating to the specific topic even if you are planning to visit a mental health professional for evaluation. The chart serves as an evidence to help a clinician in diagnosis and providing effective therapeutic management plan. Here is an example chart for you to use instantly-
2-Some Questions to Ask Yourself Prior to Labeling as Obsessional
- Are there repetitive and persistent intrusive urges, thoughts or images?
- Are the thoughts interfering with your routine tasks? i.e. study, work, job, relationships, sleep, eating patterns
- Are you experiencing these thoughts since last 6 months?
- How many hours do you spend in thinking about a specific topic in 24 hours? (If more than couple of hours, it is alarming)
- What changes the thoughts brought in your life? i.e. physical health, dropout, poor academic grades
- Do you realize that your thoughts are unreasonable or excessive?
Related: 9 Alarming Signs of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
3- Time to Consider Formalities
First thing’s first, prior to mental health consultation, visit a physician for proper medical testing, the laboratory tests and physical examination including-
- Height/Weight
- Pulse Rate and Body Temperature
- Blood pressure, Abdomen, Heart & Lungs
- Complete Blood Count
- Series of blood tests to rule out drugs dosage level, TSH profile, metabolic issues
- Make sure you are not self-medicating
- Make sure you did not overdose anything and not experiencing side effects i.e. substance dependency and withdrawal
Coming towards a detailed interview session with a mental health service provider- You must prepare yourself to answer about the following in as much detail as you can and with 100% accuracy without any shame or fear. It is all about your health and would benefit you:
- Present complaints/symptoms
- When your symptoms first appear
- How much the symptoms are bothering you
- Your past medical/psychiatric history
- Family history
- Your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors
- How they affect your daily life
There would be questions relevant to any of the aspects of your life.