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| Guide to Recovering from PTSD Contents
Introduction information copyright | What are obsessions? Obsessions are persistent and recurring thoughts, ideas, impulses, images or urges that permeate consciousness. Obsessions become involuntary and seem to have a life of their own. Obsessions vary in intensity; therefore veterans who suffer from obsessions can be disturbed by them to varying degrees. Treatment takes time and patience. There is a reason you are thinking this way and your counselor can offer help, encouragement, and support. Common obsession s include fear of germs, disgust of bodily waste, concern of odor, worry of order of objects, symmetry, fear of sinful thoughts, images, words, numbers, or fear of harming someone. Usually the sufferer understands the thoughts are unreasonable and is frustrated by them. Obsessions can occur at the same time with depression and other symptoms such as anxiety, phobias, and panic disorders. It is easy to understand why when you read about these symptoms of PTSD.
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What can I do to cope with my obsessions?
Vet Center counselors will assist you as you move past your life of obsessions. You will learn to rethink situations that have triggered anxiety and repetitive behavior until the obsessions diminish over time. Once you have learned your personal triggers to events that cause your obsessions to surface, you will regain control and feel less anxious. You will learn positive coping skills, thought-stopping techniques, and allow yourself to make mistakes as you begin to view the world differently. Your counselor will help you to utilize support systems to better cope with obsessive thoughts. You may not realize the supports you already have. Obsessions can dominate your life if you don't learn to regain control. Treatment and time can help you recover control. Your life, family, and work will improve. The torment of the past can heal. Obsessions eventually will diminish and fade. You will experience rest and peace. You will be in control of your life, maybe for the fist time.
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