SIgns and SYMPTOMS

Obsessions are repeated thoughts, impulses, or mental images that can cause anxiety. Common obsessions include:

• Doubts about having done something right, like turning off the stove
• Desire to have things be symmetrical or in a specific order
• Fear of germs or contamination
• Thoughts about harming or having harmed someone
• Disturbing thoughts or sexual images
• Fear of losing control of one’s actions 

Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person with OCD feels driven to do in response to an obsessive thought. Common compulsions include:

• Repeatedly checking things such as appliances, locks, or switches
• Putting things in a particular and precise order
• Constantly seeking approval or reassurance
• Excessive cleaning and/or handwashing due to fear of germs
• Compulsive counting

Treatment

Treatment for OCD may vary but plans often include:

• Psychotherapy can be beneficial to both children and adults with OCD. There are various types of psychotherapy used to treat OCD including:
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help individuals better understand and learn to control their obsessions and compulsions
  • A type of CBT called exposure response and therapy helps teach individuals how to respond to the anxiety associated with obsessions and not respond with the compulsion

• Medication
  • SSRIs, a type of antidepressant, can be helpful for many in controlling obsessions and compulsions

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

• To learn more about obsessive-compulsive disorder, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
• To read more about OCD, the following resources are suggested:
  • NIMH: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-when-unwanted-thoughts-take-over
  • NAMI: https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Obsessive-compulsive-Disorder/Overview

Make Sure Your Child Feels Comfortable

Before any serious conversation with your children, you want to make sure they feel safe and comfortable. When possible, we suggest choosing a time where the conversation can come about naturally. If your child is becoming uncomfortable, it is okay to take a step back. Explain why you are asking these questions and the importance of talking about mental health. 

Listen and Validate Their Experiences

Many children may feel ashamed or embarrassed when talking about their mental health. By listening thoughtfully and empathizing with them, you can help validate their experiences. It can be helpful to let your child know that other people feel this way, and that they are not alone.

Make Sure They Know It Is Not Their Fault

Oftentimes children with mental health conditions think that their condition is their fault or that it takes away from them as a person. The stigma against mental health reinforces these ideas. It is important to help them see that there is nothing wrong with who they are, and that many people struggle with their mental health. 

Have Frequent COnversations

By frequently having conversations with your children about their mental health, the conversations become a lot less daunting. You can establish a safe space for your children to discuss their thoughts and feelings with you. By touching base often, you can better identify any developing issues they may need help or support with.

Discuss Self-care

There are strong connections between mental health and physical health. Teach your child how to care for both their mind and body by practicing self-care.

Be Open To Questions

Encourage your child to ask you any questions they may have about their mental health. It is okay if you do not have answers to all their questions, but remain open and honest. We suggest speaking with your child’s health care provider so that they can help answer any further questions your child may have.

More Information

For more information about talking to your child about their mental health, we recommend speaking with their health care provider.

To read more, the following resources are suggested:

NAMI: https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids/How-to-Talk-to-Your-Child-About-Their-Mental-Health

CDC:https://www.cdc.gov/childrensmentalhealth/index.html

NIMH:https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/children-and-mental-health

Keep them Realistic

Keeping your goals realistic and achievable can help you stick to them. We often ask too much of ourselves, and feel down when we can not make the desired changes. Setting more achievable goals, however, sets you up for a win. 

Be Specific

Vague goals can be hard to follow. By setting clear, specific resolutions for yourself, you can better make plans on how to reach those goals.

Seek Support

Changes can be hard, whether they are big or small. Connecting with your support network of family and friends can provide a chance for encouragement and help from others.

Focus on the Positive

Celebrate your successes, as no achievement is too small. Taking time to focus on your progress can motivate you to keep going and pursuing your goals.

Remember that Every Day can Be a New BEginning

Your fresh start doesn’t have to have to be at the beginning of the new year. Each day offers a chance to try again and work towards bettering yourself. If you “break” a resolution, or want to start a new one, know that every day brings new opportunities and room for success. 

Why Do they Often OCcur Together?

Mental health and substance use disorders often occur together, but that doesn’t necessarily mean one caused the other. Although there is one answer to why people often experience both, research suggests the following:

• They both have similar risk factors such as genes and environmental factors. Often, mental health disorders and SUDs are passed down through genetics, or can stem from factors such as stress or trauma.
• Mental health troubles can contribute to substance use for many. People with mental health disorders will often self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to relieve symptoms. The prolonged use of these substances can lead to a SUD.
• Substance abuse can contribute to other mental health disorders. Some substances may trigger changes in brain structure and function that can make a person more likely to develop a mental health disorder.

Treatment

It is typically ideal to treat the SUD and co-occurring mental health disorder together, due to their connection. Symptoms often overlap which can make it difficult to differentiate the two. In order to provide accurate treatment, a health care provider may use comprehensive assessment tools to identify the disorder(s) at hand.

Treatment plans and therapies vary, but often include:

• Behavioral Therapies
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps teach individuals how to cope with difficult situations by challenging irrational thoughts and changing behaviors.
  • Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) teaches individuals mindfulness, acceptance, and to be aware of one’s current situation and emotional state. It also helps teach people how to decrease self-destructive behaviors.
  • Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) is a form of community-based mental health care. It aims to encourage outreach to the community and an individualized approach to treatment.

• Medication
  • Medications exist that are effective in the treatment of substance addictions such as opioids, alcohol, and nicotine. Medication can also be used in the treatment of many other mental health disorders, and can provide relief of symptoms for many. The medications used to treat these different disorders vary, and it is important to speak with your health care provider to discover what may be best for you.

Crisis Help

If you or a loved one is in a crisis, it is important to get help immediately. If in danger of suicide:

• Call 911
• Go to the nearest emergency room
• Call the toll-free, 24-hour hotline of the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255); TTY: 1-800-799-4TTY (1-800-799-4889)

Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES

• To learn more about mental health and substance use disorders, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
• To read more, the following resources are suggested:
  • NIMH: https://nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Common-with-Mental-Illness/Substance-Use-Disorders
  • NIMH: nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health
  • NIDA: https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/part-1-connection-between-substance-use-disorders-mental-illness

Accept Your Needs

It is okay to put your mental health needs first. Recognizing what you need to avoid stressors and take care of yourself is an essential first step in caring for your mental wellbeing.

Prioritize

Your “to-do list” is likely longer than normal around the holidays, which can be stressful for many. Take some time to prioritize what needs to be done and what can wait. This can make the tasks at hand seem a lot less daunting and more manageable.

Set a Budget

For many, the financial burden of the holidays can be quite stressful. Establishing a clear budget and sticking to it can help avoid getting yourself in a situation that you do not feel like you can afford.

Take Time For Yourself

Take time to focus on yourself and the activities that you enjoy. It’s easy to forget about ourselves during the holidays, but you have to remember that you and your health matter. Relax, focus on a hobby, or give yourself time for another activity that brings you comfort and joy.

Reach out To Your Support Network

You may be tempted to isolate yourself when feeling overwhelmed. However, we recommend reaching out to friends and family for support. Your loved ones can likely relate to the holiday stress. Having someone to talk to can often serve as a stress relief for both parties.

In addition to your network of family and friends, we suggest reaching out to your health care provider when you need extra help. 

If you are in immediate distress or are thinking about hurting yourself, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255)